Decanting liquids for carry-on travel is a smart way to manage the liquids, gels, and aerosols you need while complying with airport security regulations. Most airlines and airports follow the 3-1-1 rule, which limits the quantity of liquids you can carry onto a plane in your carry-on luggage. Here’s how you can properly decant liquids and what to keep in mind:
1. Understand the 3-1-1 Rule:
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters): The maximum amount of liquid, gel, or aerosol you can bring in a container.
1 quart-sized bag: All your liquid items must fit into one clear, resealable plastic bag (usually 7 x 8 inches).
1 bag per person: You’re allowed one quart-sized bag of liquids per passenger.
2. Containers for Decanting Liquids:
To comply with the 3-1-1 rule, decant your larger bottles into small, travel-friendly containers. Here are some options:
Travel-sized Bottles: Many stores sell refillable travel-sized bottles, usually around 3.4 oz (100 ml) in size. These are perfect for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other toiletries.
Reusable Silicone Travel Pouches: These soft, squeezable pouches are durable and TSA-approved for liquids. They’re often leak-proof and come in various sizes.
Mini Containers and Jars: For creams, gels, or pastes (like toothpaste), small plastic jars or screw-top containers can be used. Just ensure they hold no more than 3.4 oz.
Roll-On or Stick Versions: Instead of liquids, consider using solid versions of deodorants, perfumes, or even shampoo and conditioner in stick or bar form.
Refillable Perfume Atomizers: For perfume, travel atomizers let you decant your favorite scent into a small, travel-friendly size.
3. Types of Liquids to Decant:
Here are some common liquids that travelers often decant:
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash: Rather than carrying bulky bottles, decant these essentials into small travel containers.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Smaller tubes or liquid mouthwash bottles are widely available. You can also decant larger bottles into smaller containers.
Lotions, Creams, and Sunscreen: Travel-sized tubes and pumps are often sold by brands. For larger bottles, decant into smaller jars or squeeze bottles.
Hair Styling Products: Mousse, gels, or sprays can be transferred to smaller spray bottles or travel-sized jars.
Makeup & Facial Skincare Regimen: Use small pumps, bottles, or jars to carry just enough for your trip.
Perfume: Atomizer perfume spray bottle
4. Tips for Effective Decanting:
Use Leak-Proof Containers: Ensure the containers are tightly sealed to avoid leaks. Look for options with a secure, screw-on lid or snap closures.
Avoid Overfilling: Leave a little air space at the top of each container to prevent leakage, especially if the container is squeezed or moved around.
Label Containers: Use waterproof labels to identify the contents of each container. This helps both you and security staff if the bag is searched.
Invest in Quality: Opt for high-quality, durable bottles or pouches designed for travel. This minimizes the risk of breakage or leaks.
Container Size: To determine the sizes of containers that will be needed for each liquid, do a test at home for the length of your trip. Keep a piece of paper and pen in your bathroom and while you are getting ready, record how many uses you get out of each your containers so that you know how much you will need to decant. When you do this, you will find that 3.4 ounces is actually a lot of liquid, and you will be able to downsize and fit so much more into your liquids bag.
5. Alternative Liquid-Free Options:
If you want to skip the hassle of decanting altogether, you can look for liquid-free alternatives for your toiletries:
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: These solid alternatives can be packed easily and aren’t subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Solid Deodorants: Instead of liquid deodorant, choose a solid version.
Bar Soap: Replace body wash and face cleansers with bar soap.
Tooth Tablets or Powder: Some brands offer toothpaste tablets or powders that are compact and liquid-free.
Solid Perfume: Instead of perfume or body spray, use a solid perfume that doesn’t count toward your liquid allowance.
6. Packing and Organizing Your Liquids:
Quart-Sized Bag: Place all decanted liquids into the quart-sized clear plastic bag. Make sure the bag can be sealed properly and that it’s easy to access when you go through security.
Be Mindful of TSA Restrictions: Liquids like alcohol, gels, or aerosols (including hairspray or deodorant sprays) may be subject to additional restrictions or guidelines. Check for any specific rules if you're traveling internationally.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes:
Don’t Over-Pack Liquids: Only bring the essentials in your carry-on. Think about what you'll truly need during the flight and immediately after you land.
Check Local Regulations: Different countries might have specific regulations about what liquids are allowed in the cabin, particularly for items like alcohol, medications, or food products.
Be Aware of the 3-1-1 Rule: Remember, each traveler is allowed one bag of liquids, so avoid trying to bring extra bags or more than one set of containers.
8. Decanting for Special Items:
If you need to decant medications or special liquids (like essential oils or medical supplies), keep them in clearly labeled containers. If necessary, inform TSA officers when you go through security, as there are sometimes exemptions for medical items.
Decanting liquids for carry-on travel helps you stay within TSA regulations and avoid the inconvenience of checking luggage. Use small, leak-proof bottles, jars, or pouches to carry only what you need in a compact, organized way. You can also explore liquid-free alternatives for toiletries to simplify your packing.
Containers that I use for decanting my liquids:
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Amber dropper bottle - protects contents from ultraviolet lights preventing oily liquids from losing their properties. These come in many different sizes.
Spray bottle - great for watery liquids like toners. It is very difficult to find spray bottles that do not leak with cabin pressure. So far, these do not leak with cabin pressure but to be on the safe side, I still put them in a mini Ziploc bag.
Perfume atomizer- Who wants to pack a full-size perfume bottle, and have it break? This is a perfect size and so easy to use.
Eye contact case - use these for lotions, face sunscreen, make-up.
Quart size liquids travel bag - fits the dimensions for the liquids rule. More durable than a zip loc bag and has a zipper.
Silicone travel bottles - tried and tested for leaking. Do not use the screw containers or spray bottles from this set, they do leak.