I've been caught for this, but only because I accidentally tried to carry on a bottle of water. The TSA definitely saw it, but didn't say anything (it was not legal in the state I was in). Probably not worth their time, though I'm guessing minorities might have a different experience (or maybe not, I dunno).
For anyone unaware of this reference, Bruce Schneier once went through airport security with fake boarding passes and 24 ounces of saline solution that the TSA didn't even bother to inspect.
>Later, Schneier would carry two bottles labeled saline solution—24 ounces in total—through security. An officer asked him why he needed two bottles. “Two eyes,” he said. He was allowed to keep the bottles.
There's a general exemption for personal care products. Has to be a small bottle and in a clear Ziploc bag or equivalent. (Rarely enforced, in my experience)
I been barked at many times for water bottles standing in line—usually before the liquid dump station, which makes it even more grating.
On the other hand, I've accidentally left large bottles of contact solution in my bags more than once (when I expected to check a bag but ended up doing carryon, and forgot to repack the liquids), and never been stopped for it. 100% security theater
Yes, I carry a large bottle of saline for my contacts all the time. They test it by placing the bottle on a table, opening the top, then gently squeezing it while holding a test strip above the top (so nothing touches the liquid opening). Never have had an issue.
I’ve been doing this for about 12 years, and they’ve always been tested. They only test the bottles that exceed the regular liquid restrictions though.
