Staying hydrated is recommended to stay healthy. Many people carry water bottles with them wherever they go.
When you travel, it’s only natural that you want to carry your water bottle on the plane in your hand luggage. But can you take water bottles on a plane? The quick response is that you can bring any size EMPTY water bottle on a plane. Water bottles that have been filled are permitted on airplanes as long as they are smaller than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or were purchased after you passed through security.
Keep reading and you will learn more about water bottles on a plane.
Table of Contents
Can You Take Water Bottles On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring a water bottle or any liquid container less than 100ml. TSA security allows the use of empty reusable water bottles. However, if you want to carry a water bottle on a plane, you have to follow some rules and regulations. If you bring a bottle full of water, the security checkpoint officer will dump it before you go through the checkpoint. After going through security, you can buy any amount of water.
Airport liquids regulations are arguably the most common rule that passengers don’t understand, leading screeners to impound their liquids, including bottled water.
TSA Liquid Rule Regarding Empty Bottles
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security whose main mission is to ensure the safety of people entering and leaving the country.
Liquids, creams, aerosols, and gels shall not exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 ml per container according to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Toothpaste, shampoos, lotions, conditioners, gel deodorants, sprays, cosmetics, and other personal care products are restricted.
Consumables, such as bottled water and other soon-to-be-released products like peanut butter, must meet TSA rules when packed. Liquids should be removed from the carry-on list before performing a safety check. You can carry empty water bottles on board in your carry-on or checked baggage.
If you don’t bring a reusable bottle of water instead of bottled water, you won’t be able to fill it up to 3.4 ounces. TSA security will ask you to pour out the water and scan the bottle when it’s empty.
Your water bottle doesn’t have to be empty when you board the plane. It only needs to be turned on during airport security.
After security is over, find a place to fill your empty bottles with water, such as a fountain or a friendly bartender. Many airlines still offer free water so that flight attendants can help you.
What Types of Water Bottle Can You Bring on a Plane?
Not all water bottles are created equal, so some are allowed and some are not.
Empty glass Bottles: You can carry empty glass bottles on the plane in your carry-on bag or handbag.
Stainless steel water bottle: You can also carry a stainless steel water bottle in your carry-on bag, no matter the size!
Similarly, plastic water bottles and water bottles that are heavier than other water bottles can be used if they are empty.
What Is The Maximum Size Of Bottle Permitted?
There is no size limit to your empty water bottle. As long as it fits in your suitcase or personal belongings bag, you’re free to go.
You may be able to get frozen water to the airport through airport security, but you’ll have to live close enough to get through before it melts.
If it melts, you must follow the liquid rule of 3.4 ounces or less.
Why Can’t You Take Water Bottles On A Plane Sometimes?
A bottle of water cannot be brought on a plane in your carry-on bags due to security reasons.
In the past, terrorists have made several attempts to smuggle liquid explosives onto a plane.
3.4oz/100ml of liquids in each container is the permitted amount because it is the maximum amount of liquid explosives that pose little to no risk to travelers.
Exception Of Fishes
Passengers wishing to transport live fish on airlines are exempt from the liquid ban. In this case, the water may exceed 3.4 fluid ounces, but there are some additional requirements:
The fish must be swimming and alive!
They must be kept in clear plastic or glass containers to prevent spills.
It helps if you tell a security officer that you have fish because they do a visual inspection of the fish. Check with your airline to see if live fish is allowed, and if it’s an international flight, check customs restrictions.
Exception Of Babies
Generally, TSA rules are mandatory for every passenger, but for parents traveling with infants, they can be relented to some extent.
Parents can bring concentrated breast milk or ready-made milk powder in a water bottle with a maximum capacity of 3.4oz/100ml to feed the baby during the trip.
Parents are allowed to bring enough water for their offspring. Boiling and sterile water are allowed.
Baby water and other fluids do not need to be kept in liquid bags; However, you should separate them and notify the guarantee agency bank that you have them, as they may require additional screening.
You must take your children with you when you go through security.
Can You Take Cans of Soda on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring soda cans or any other form of beverage on board. These can also be found in bottles. However, you can’t get them past security (assuming they’re not small cans), so you’ll have to buy them in the airport lounge before your flight.
Benefits Of Packing A Water Bottle On A Plane
- Having a low-waste lifestyle is supported by bringing a reusable water bottle. It’s better for the environment if there is less plastic in landfills. The environment benefits from all preventative measures, no matter how small.
- Keep yourself hydrated to improve your health. You can stay hydrated on the go with a water bottle. If you bring a reusable bottle, you can fill it up before taking off. You can use a water station to get it filled after going through TSA. After that, you can hydrate while flying!
- On expensive single-use bottles, you can cut costs. Reduced consumption is advantageous for the environment as well as your wallet. We are all aware of how expensive airport necessities can be. Packing your own allows you to reduce the cost of each flight.
FAQs
What About Unopened Water Bottle?
It doesn’t matter if the water bottle is open or not.
Whether the container is opened or not, the TSA will not permit any passenger to carry any liquid that is larger than 3.4oz/100ml, including water.
What Will Happen If You Try to Bring a Bottle of Water Through Airport Security?
When you try to bring a bottle of water through airport security, it will either be taken away from you and you won’t be able to get it back or you will be asked to empty it and then you can take the empty bottle with you.
What Amount of Water Should You Drink While Flying?
Flyers should consume about eight ounces of water every hour of flight, according to the Aerospace Medical Association.
It’s crucial that you abide by this recommendation when flying long-haul because longer flights increase the likelihood of dehydration.
Can You Bring Ice on a Plane?
Both your checked and carry-on bags are allowed to contain ice when traveling by air.
The TSA’s warning is that “if frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.”
Therefore, any frozen products that are presented for screening must be “frozen solid.”
Conclusion
TSA rules apply to the number of liquids you carry in your carry-on bag, not to the size of the container, nor to the type of liquids you carry. As long as your water bottle is empty, you can keep it in your hand luggage. Hope you have all the information you need to bring a water bottle on the plane.
Some exceptions are passengers traveling with babies and vendors flying with fish. They will be compensated for the amount of liquid they can carry.
The final decision, though, will be made by TSA officials at the security department. You can take any empty water bottle with you.
Read More: How Long Does Bottled Water Last?
