TSA Rules Decoded: Can You Bring a Water Bottle on a Plane? (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring a water bottle through TSA security? ›

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H₂0 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

Prior to reaching the security checkpoint, make sure your water bottle is completely empty if you're flight is subject to the 100ml liquid rule (mostly international flights or domestic flights within the USA), if your not sure if the liquid rule applies, just ask someone at the airport or take an empty reusable water ...

Thankfully for eco-conscious travellers, the TSA does not state that you cannot take reusable water bottles on planes. Of course, there are important rules and regulations, particularly the liquid rule. Regulations state that liquid exceeding 100ml cannot be taken through security.

Most airlines let people bring an empty water bottle with a capacity of up to 20 oz. or a container that is 34 oz. or smaller. Containers bigger than this may not be allowed through TSA. Before trying to bring a bigger container through TSA, always check with your airline to make sure what their rules are.

The 3.4 Ounces (100 mL) Rule: TSA's Liquid Restrictions

This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's a rule put in place to ensure air travel safety. So, if you're planning on bringing a water bottle on a plane, it must be empty when you pass through security.

The ban was put in place after British authorities thwarted a plan to blow up a U.S.-bound plane with liquid explosives. There is now technology to send that ban down the drain. Airports across the U.S. are now using X-ray scanners that use CT technology to give guards a 3-D image of your carry-on.

The TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags dictates that liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and 1 bag is permitted per passenger.

Although the water prohibition precaution ensures that passengers are safe under the threat of liquid explosives, it is a huge inconvenience to thousands of travelers each day. Tons of unopened water bottles and clean water are wasted daily just for the slight possibility of someone carrying liquid explosives.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

So, no, you can't bring a reusable water bottle full of water with you through TSA. However, as long as it's empty, it's fully permitted. Plastic, metal, or glass reusable water bottles are all allowed. There are a few exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule if you have medical conditions or you have young children with you.

How much water can I bring in my carry-on? ›

The 3-3-1 Rule Simplified. The TSA's fluid limit rule for carry-on liquids stipulates you can carry no more than 3.4 ounces per container of liquid. 3.4 ounces may seem like an odd amount, but it's to keep TSA rules consistent with international regulations, which allow for 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) per container.

Aerosol cans (except limited quantities of personal care items that are 3.4 ounces or less), butane, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, E-lighters, and replicas of incendiaries cannot be ...

Bringing a water bottle on an airplane is actually no problem. The part that involves special instructions is making it through TSA security and as we all know, that comes first. You can bring an empty reusable water bottle through TSA security. Read: It has to be empty.

Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.

TSA's 3–1–1 Rule and Soda

This rule generally excludes bringing regular-sized cans or bottles of soda through security in your carry-on luggage. However, mini bottles or small containers of soda that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less can be placed in your quart-sized bag along with your other liquid items.

Hydro Flasks in Carry-On Luggage

For carry-on bags, the most straightforward approach is to bring your Hydro Flask empty. TSA officers at the security checkpoint will easily approve an empty reusable bottle. Post-security, you can fill it at water stations, ensuring you stay hydrated during your flight.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.