How to carry a water bottle on a plane
If you are boarding a plane in the United States and want to bring a full bottle of water with you, it must be frozen first. If your water bottle is frozen, it will pass through security easily. With this, you won’t break any rules. Not only that, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. agency that sets flight-related rules, actually agrees with this.
U.S. regulators explain the rule
“Frozen liquids can pass through checkpoints provided they are frozen when inspected,” a TSA spokesperson told CNN. “If frozen liquids are partially thawed, thin, or have any liquid on the bottom of the container, 3-1-1 must be met liquid requirements,” he said. He cited TSA regulations that allow liquids, gels and aerosols less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters per passenger, all packed into one-quart (7×8)-inch cans.
What should I do if my frozen bottle starts to melt?
If your frozen bottle has started to melt, drink it before placing it in a safe bucket. Remember: This rule applies even if you just put water in a bottle. If it contains hazardous liquids, even if they are frozen, they are not allowed on board the aircraft.
What are the exceptions to this rule?
Of course, there are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. The TSA allows large quantities of medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols to be carried in carry-on luggage. However, passengers must declare to the staff at the security checkpoint and undergo inspection. The best advice is not to pack any hard-to-throw away food or frozen liquids in your carry-on luggage. “The final decision on whether to allow an item through a checkpoint rests with the TSA officer,” the TSA website reads.
