Quick one from this morning: at 0515 in Checkpoint C we cleared a 2.8‑oz snow globe because it fit in a quart bag — still the most surprising 3‑1‑1 exception for passengers on my watch. I train the team to deliver a 10‑second explanation during surge periods to keep the queue stable; what other “allowed if” items are tripping up your lines?
Medical gel packs are my sleeper: we clear them if they’re keeping meds or breast milk cold, but I coach TSOs to say “frozen solid at the belt — declare and separate” and post What Can I Bring? | Transportation Security Administration at divest; it trims bag checks, though I still pull it if it’s slushy. Do you find the “frozen solid” phrasing reduces pushback during surges?
@OP Duty‑free over 3‑1‑1 on intl connections: ‘STEB sealed, receipt out,’ separate early; reject if opened.
But powders are my sleeper: 12+ oz is allowed if you ‘separate and expect extra screening’ — I have TSOs call it at the stanchions during 0515 surges to catch protein tubs and formula. Do you script that early or wait until bins? Inbound to the U.S. can be tighter, so we steer big tubs to checked when feasible.