TSA: Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.
To ensure the health and welfare of our air travelers with disabilities and medical conditions the following items are permitted.
- Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
- Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
- Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly
- Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
- Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
- Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons

Oh, wow. I thought a lot of the prohibitions through, but completely forgot about gel-filled cushions. I really think of them as solid even though I know and have experienced how they function. It never occured to me they might be included in the airport bans. Good thing they’re allowed for now. But the 4 oz. limit on liquids seems arbitrary and problematic for overseas flights.
Keep in mind the 4 oz limit is on non-prescription liquids. Many frequent flyers are getting prescriptions from their physicians for items that are normally available over the counter; I would think this tactic would work for any medically necessary OTC liquid or gel.