In a nutshell, no liquids (gels, creams, or even jams, honey, etc.) can be brought through the security gate. If you're carrying a water bottle, you'll have to throw away your water.* You can take toiletry items, but only in 3-oz. sizes, all packed in one clear quart-sized zip-lock bag. For details, and important exceptions, read more below.

The better everyone packs, the faster the security lines will move! Delays occur when a security agent has to deal with wrongly packed items; plus it's no fun throwing away your favorite shampoo or jam or salsa (-yes, they're "liquids", too.)

Parents of babies, of course, have to bring aboard nourishment for their little ones. Baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities greater than three ounces, and don't need to be packed in the zip-top bag. Keep in mind:

* you must be traveling with a baby or toddler.

* take only amounts needed for the plane trip (- pack the rest in your checked luggage).

* you'll need to declare these items for inspection at the security checkpoint.

Parents can also stock their carry-on bag with baby food in cans or jars, and gel or liquid-filled teethers for babies. There are also allowances for creams, medicines, and other essential items for your child: read more about travel with children at the TSA site.

At any time, a new security incident can lead to changes in regulations about the items you can carry on the plane. You can find the latest regulations for the United States at the TSA site.

* One reader writes that she was able to carry an empty water through the security checkpoint, and then fill it from a water fountain in the boarding area.

More:

Source: About.com