# AI tells a traveler to carry liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) in carry-on, or to pack lithium batteries in checked luggage for US flights

- **ID:** `safety/tsa-aviation-security-directives`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** security_violation
- **Error Code:** `TSA-3-1-1-VIOLATION`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

The TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids (3.4 oz/100 ml per container, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger) and the prohibition of loose lithium batteries in checked baggage are federal security directives (49 CFR 1540.111, FAA Advisory Circular 120-76D). Lithium batteries in cargo pose fire risks; liquids over 3.4 oz are restricted due to explosive precursor threats. AI may conflate international rules (e.g., EU allows 100 ml but UK has different limits) or ignore recent updates like the 2023 ban on large power banks in checked luggage.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| TSA Security Directive SD-1544-23-08A | active | — | — |
| FAA Advisory Circular 120-76D | active | — | — |
| IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 64th Edition | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Transfer liquids >3.4 oz to checked luggage if they are not lithium batteries and not prohibited items (e.g., alcohol >140 proof). Use travel-sized containers (3.4 oz or less) for carry-on. Keep lithium batteries (including power banks) in carry-on, preferably in original packaging or with terminals taped.** (95% success)
   ```
   Transfer liquids >3.4 oz to checked luggage if they are not lithium batteries and not prohibited items (e.g., alcohol >140 proof). Use travel-sized containers (3.4 oz or less) for carry-on. Keep lithium batteries (including power banks) in carry-on, preferably in original packaging or with terminals taped.
   ```
2. **For power banks >100 Wh (e.g., 27,000 mAh at 3.7V), check airline approval; some require prior authorization. For multiple power banks, ensure each is ≤100 Wh and total ≤20 per passenger per IATA rules. Pack them in carry-on only.** (85% success)
   ```
   For power banks >100 Wh (e.g., 27,000 mAh at 3.7V), check airline approval; some require prior authorization. For multiple power banks, ensure each is ≤100 Wh and total ≤20 per passenger per IATA rules. Pack them in carry-on only.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Checked luggage has no 3.4 oz limit, but lithium batteries are prohibited. Also, some liquids (e.g., alcohol >140 proof) are banned in both carry-on and checked. (60% fail)
- **** — TSA does not handle dangerous goods declarations; that's for cargo shippers. Passengers simply cannot bring loose lithium batteries in checked bags. (70% fail)
- **** — TSA considers frozen liquids as liquids; they must still comply. If thawed during screening, they will be confiscated. (95% fail)