Intro: Can I Bring A Thermos On A Plane?

Can I bring a thermos on a plane? Here is a closer look at travel tips and the TSA regulations.

Yes, you can bring a thermos as an empty bottle on a plane in carry-on luggage, personal items through x-ray screening at the security checkpoint, or check items in your luggage. Most thermoses, like a Yeti cup or Hydro Flask, can pass through airport security if they don’t have any liquids.

TSA Answer:

You sure can! Empty thermoses with opaque walls are good to go in carry-on bags. If additional screening is deemed necessary, our officers will guide you through the process.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) September 12, 2019

Can I Bring Thermos On A Plane? Best Travel Thermoses

Here are some of the best travel reusable stainless steel water bottles, coffee thermoses, and cups.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, 16oz: This has been the best coffee thermos for hot drinks out of many I’ve tried! It’s spill-proof and stays hot all day, even after opening it constantly.

If your thermos has liquid in it, pack it in your checked luggage or dispose of it before going through security. If your bag is close to weight restrictions, a heavy stainless steel bottle filled with water can add extra weight. You should also check the TSA’s website for the most up-to-date information on what items are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.

Required Notice: This is not an official guide, so check the latest TSA rules and airline policies.

Can I Bring an Empty Cup?

You can bring an empty thermos flask or cup through TSA security. Once past the security checkpoint x-ray machine, it can be refilled at an airport water bottle refill station or water fountain.

Why Bring Your Thermos?

There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to bring your reusable water bottle on a plane:

1. Environmental impact: Single-use plastic water bottle materials generate a lot of waste, which can negatively impact the environment. You can reduce your contribution to this problem by bringing your reusable water bottle.
2. Cost savings: Buying bottled water at the airport or on the plane can be expensive, especially if you plan to stay hydrated during your next flight. Bringing your water bottle allows you to fill it up for free at a water fountain or sink, saving you money. If you’re a frequent flyer, the savings from a stainless steel water bottle can add up.
3. Convenience: It can be inconvenient to constantly purchase bottled water or ask for cups of water from flight attendants. Having your reusable bottle or coffee mug means you can easily take a drink whenever you want without having to wait for service or pay for additional drinks.
4. Health: Some people are concerned about the quality of water served on planes, or the cleanliness of the cups and ice served. By bringing your own water bottle, you can be sure that you are drinking from a clean and safe container. Also, staying hydrated can help you combat jet lag brought on by dry air and cabin pressure.

Can You Bring A Full Cup Onboard?

Yes, you can bring a full coffee thermos or beverage container onboard a plane, either in checked luggage or hand luggage, provided it has been filled up after the security checkpoint and it doesn’t contain alcoholic beverages.

TSA Security Screening Rules

Due to Federal Transportation Security Administration regulations, you are not allowed to bring liquids, aerosols, and gels through airport security checkpoints in a travel-sized container larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). These things must be put in a quart-sized, clear, sealable plastic bag so that security officers can check them. This rule is there to make sure that passengers are safe and to stop any possible security threats.

There are also some TSA checkpoint exceptions, such as baby food and medical needs. The special instructions are listed below.

Here are TSA’s rules for security checks, and TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for quart-sized bags worth of liquids.

Any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes smaller than a quart-sized bag are permitted in a passenger’s carry-on.  Each of these must be in a container that is no more than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) in volume

Exemptions

If you have a medical condition that requires you to use liquids, gels, or aerosols, the TSA lets you bring larger amounts. However, you must tell TSA staff at the checkpoint about these items so they can check them.

As long as they are declared beforehand, the following liquids are excluded from the 3-1-1 rule and can be brought onto the plane:

• Necessary on the plane and/or at your final destination;
• Medicines in the form of lotions, potions, and potions;
• Milk for nursing babies, infant formula, baby and toddler food (including puree pouches), and beverages for young children;
• Cooling breast milk, infant formula, and other perishable medical supplies with ice, gel packs, and freezer packs;
• For the time being, you may use up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer.

Accessories

At the screening checkpoint, it is okay to bring medically necessary items with frozen or partially frozen ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other cooling accessories. Security checkpoints at airports typically necessitate the screening of all passengers and their belongings, including liquid medical supplies like IV bags, pumps, and syringes

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