ST. LOUIS — The holiday travel season is almost here, and it can be hectic for even the most experienced travelers.
When it comes to travel, airline rules can be confusing and frustrating.
We got answers on one travel rule that might trip you up.
THE QUESTION:
Do some airports enforce the quart-sized plastic bag rule for liquids and some don't?
SOURCES:
- Transportation Security Administration
- Roger Lotz, spokesperson for St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- Transportation Security Administration's website
THE ANSWER:
We can verify a quart-sized plastic bag is not required for carry-on liquids and whether you have to scan your liquids separately varies by airport.
WHAT WE FOUND:
The Verify team first checked the TSA's website. It states carry-on liquids must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in 1 quart-sized resealable bag. But when Verify reporter, Anne Allred, talked to TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle, she said the resealable/plastic bag is just a recommendation.
Mayles said the plastic bag idea started as a way to limit the number of liquids each passenger brings on the plane.
Verify also looked into whether you have to take your liquids out of your carry-on when going through a TSA checkpoint. Mayle told us TSA PreCheck members do not have to separate liquids. However, for the rest of flyers, Mayle said it depends on the airport's level of technology and the type of scanning machines officers use.
The TSA says officers will let you know at the checkpoint - if you need to remove your liquids from your carry-on bag.
The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Learn More »