The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule has been in effect since 2006. It began after British authorities stopped a plot to blow up planes bound for the U.S. with liquid explosives. At first, no liquids were allowed in carry on or personal bags at all, save for baby formula and prescription medications. But a few weeks later, the rule was updated to allow passengers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These liquids etc. are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
The rule has stayed in place ever since, until it was updated during the covid pandemic. That’s when passengers were allowed to bring upwards of 12 ounces of hand sanitizer. Other than that, the TSA has constantly reiterated that “if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.”
The TSA has been using that exact verbiage since at least 2016. But then a guy named Patrick Neve recently tweeted what happened to him at the airport when he tried to bring a jar of peanut butter through.
I tried to take peanut butter through airport security.
TSA: Sorry, no liquids, gels, or aerosols.
Me: I want you to tell me which of those things you think peanut butter is.
— Patrick Neve (@catholicpat) March 15, 2023
All of a sudden, people have been up in arms in the past month or so because, in response, the TSA says peanut butter is indeed a liquid because its shape is dictated by its container.
I’d like to add that it’s also as spreadable as ever.
So the jar of peanut butter that passengers couldn’t bring into the cabin of the plane for the past nearly 17 years, was suddenly this big tragedy. Because Americans, I guess? Or maybe they just all failed Science 101 in high school? I dunno.
Anyway, recognizing a good P.R. opportunity when they see it, IHG Hotels & Resorts has begun encouraging its guests to take their single-serving peanut butter packets with them when they stay at their Holiday Inn Express hotels.
They’re calling the playful initiative their “Carry On Peanut Butter Program” and those small packets of peanut butter will be available at participating hotels during their respective breakfast hours, and only while supplies last.
They recently announced the program on their Instagram.
Of course, it means you’re stuck with whatever brand of peanut butter the hotel offers – they used JIF in their Insta, but I’m almost positive I’ve seen Smucker’s at times. Either way, I’m a Skippy girl, so…
And frankly, peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in children under age 18 and the third-most common food allergy in adults (as per foodallergy.org). It’s probably better not to eat peanut butter on the plane, to help decrease the chance of a fellow passenger having a reaction to it. So there’s that, too.
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2 comments
I joked to a friend who is management with TSA they should just tie the viscosity index to what is allowed or not. She told me to be quiet before someone hears me, because it’s apparently not all that far off from discussions on how to communicate.
I remember a TSO at FLL TSA a couple years ago who would walk up and down the line shouting “yogurt is a liquid” over and over. I guess they had a very specific problem there. I still like the SNL skit remark: What if I am not carrying more than 4 ounces of a liquid or gel but I can produce it once on the other side??
I have a problem with my salt grinder now.. They have to grind the salt onto 5 yellow pieces of paper and then put drops of chemicals on each to ???test for drugs I guess…This is a new regulation…checking for ORGANIC materials???SO after 15 years of carrying my salt and peppers grinders I leave them at home..Bummer