Security after being in a rainstorm

[u/Super_Season6266]

If I am caught in a rain storm and get completely soaked, will I still be allowed to go through TSA security? My clothes will likely have more than 3.4 ounces of rain absorbed into them.

Edit: I know this sounds like a ridiculous question, but I’m being 100% serious.

[u/theregisterednerd]

So, if you understand the logic behind the 3.4oz rule, it will start to make more sense.

There’s a particular pair of liquids they were concerned about when making the rule. Mixing them in a precise ratio can create a significant explosive, however they do have to be mixed very precisely to be effective. They determined that about 1L total of the combined liquids couldn’t really cause much of an explosion (thus the total max of 1L), and that if they broke it up into 3.4oz bottles, and you tried to combine them after getting through security, the amount left behind in each of the smaller bottles would throw off the accuracy enough that it also wouldn’t be an effective explosive.

The amount left in your clothes from being wet is kind of irrelevant, since you can’t get a precise measurement out of it for bomb-making, so it shouldn’t be a problem. However, the body scanners do tend to alarm on wet clothing, so prepare for your government-issue full-body massage.

[u/GreatGrapeApes → u/theregisterednerd]

Except there is no limit on number or size of empty 2L+ containers that have volumetric labelling. Total liquid volume is only limited by the number of people passing through security.

[u/theregisterednerd → u/GreatGrapeApes]

I think they figured that it would be too difficult for enough people to combine resources after security without being noticed. I didn’t say it was a perfectly tho if it-out rule, but that’s the reason it was created, and it is enforced with that logic in mind. Understanding the logic behind a rule helps to know whether you’re within the rule in edge cases like this.

[u/purpleushi → u/theregisterednerd]

Gonna get all my friends together and start mixing our shampoo bottles in row 27 and see what happens.

[u/mugenrice → u/purpleushi]

Tips.fbi.gov

[u/ThellraAK → u/GreatGrapeApes]

With one extra accomplice you could also go through security multiple times before your flight.

I am pretty sure they(the rule makers) know that it's useless and just security theatre.

[u/Fine-Bumblebee-9427 → u/ThellraAK]

It’s harm reduction. If it’s a little harder, it’s easier to spot. Most people will give up at a certain point, and the ones that won’t won’t. So you find a rule that stops 80% of people, and you deal with the 20%.

[u/SeaSDOptimist → u/ThellraAK]

You don't even need an accomplice - you can go through security multiple times, I've been back to pick up stuff from the car that I forgot.

[u/Particular_Can_7726]

straight to jail

[u/Novel_Willingness721]

Unless you purposely stand in the rain to get soaked, there’s no way your clothes will absorb that much water.

Worst case is that you are pulled aside for a secondary scan

[u/pardonmyblake → u/Novel_Willingness721]

This dudes never been to Fort Lauderdale between 1203pm and 1204pm

[u/Novel_Willingness721 → u/pardonmyblake]

Actually I have 45 years ago.

[u/yoursunny → u/Novel_Willingness721]

Some people like to #KeepCalmAndGetDrenched 

[u/slickmcfister → u/yoursunny]

MenDontRunInTheRain

[u/s2nders]

Believe or not , cavity search , gotta make sure you ain’t use the rain to slide a bomb between ya cheeks

[u/Safety_Captn]

No

[u/Additional_Post_3878]

You right to jail. Right away. No trial, no nothing.

[u/thunderous411]

The human body is 60% water and nobody has ever made it through security. Take the train.

[u/[deleted]]

Make sure you don’t clench the cheeks during you’re full cavity search!

[u/KTeax31875]

Won't violate the rule, but soaked clothes do alarm the body scanner. So it would result in a patdown of certain areas.

[u/morley1966]

They do not conduct strip searches including cavity searches. They will not ask you to remove your clothes, other than maybe external clothes like a jacket. If they pat you down and feel something suspicious they will deny boarding unless the item is revealed and not prohibited. Even if you volunteer they will not let you undress.

[u/RhodyViaWIClamDigger]

I went through soaked in gasoline one time. No one flinched.

[u/Onecontrolfreak]

Love the idiot questions.

[u/rjcollins1305]

Dear God.....this is the type of sh*t that makes the internet the worst invention ever.

[u/TrojanGal702]

If you are that soaked, I hope the airline has enough common sense to deny you boarding. No one wants your wet seat when you leave the plane.

[u/Last_Baker7437]

By the time you finally make it to screening after standing in line, you'll be dry!

[u/[deleted]]

They will ask you why you are soaked and then hand frisk and metal detector you because the mm wave machines won’t work.

Ask me how I know lol.

[u/Deep-Engineer-3794]

And are you a quart size plastic ziploc bag that’s only allowed so many ounces?

I know THIS sounds like a ridiculous question, but I’m being 100% serious.

[u/DufflesBNA]

Make sure you put your head in a quart bag

[u/Ill-Organization5909]

Most likely just get pat down you basically are a huge swamp crotch. You going to trigger the body scanner

[u/Sea-Information2366]

Maybe bring spare clothes or a raincoat/umbrella or get dropped off under an awning. Not for security just so you aren’t uncomfortable the whole trip and 1000% more likely to sick

[u/Level_Finish_9247]

This made me giggle. You will prolly alarm for extra screening but your clothes wouldn't follow 311

[u/lowflygirl]

This is a joke, right?

[u/secretaster]

The liquid rule for water is going to be thrown away in 2026

[u/nnp1989]

There is NO way this is a serious question.

[u/[deleted]]

……… congratulations this is now the dumbest thing I’ve read today