Can You Bring Frozen Water Through Airport Security?
It’s important to drink plenty of water while on a long flight. Feeling tired, having a headache, and being miserable indicate dehydration. But the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids requirements won’t let you bring water in your carry-on baggage through the screening process at security. So the only options are bringing empty bottles to fill up or buying a $5 bottle of water at the airport convenience store? Maybe not.
Solution: Water Bottle With Frozen Liquid
Bringing a frozen water bottle is an easy way to stay hydrated. You can take a water bottle full of ice through airport security checkpoints without worrying about breaking TSA liquid rules.
As long as the bottle is completely frozen and the bottom of the container is solid, it is considered a solid and is not subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. The TSA responded to this question on Twitter.Â
TSA Regulations: Can You Bring Frozen Water Through Airport Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulates what you can bring past security in the United States for international and domestic flights. However, flights departing from other countries would be subject to that countries’y’ restrictions. TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule states that passengers may bring a 1-quart-sized transparent, resealable plastic bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on luggage and checked baggage. These items must be placed in a screening bin and fit comfortably in the sealed quart-sized bag.
TSA Website:
| TSA checkpoints allow passengers to bring frozen liquids as long as they are completely solid upon presentation. The 3-1-1 liquid standards must be met if the frozen liquid item is mushy, partially melted, or has any liquid at the bottom of the container. However, note that the TSA officer decides whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. |
Best Re-Freezable Water Bottles
Can You Bring Ice on a Plane?
According to TSA’s official website, you can bring ice, but it has to meet certain conditions. Specifically, the ice has to be frozen solid when presented for screening. It won’t be allowed if the ice is partially melted or slushy.
Forwon’t Ice Allowed
Ice Packs
Solid ice packs are usually allowed without any issue. These are common for travelers who need to keep medication cool.
Ice Cubes
Traditional ice cubes are also allowed as long as they’re completely frthey’reut remember, if they melt into slush, you’re out of luck.
Oyou’retems
Frozen water bottles are considered to be solid. Still, some solid food items, like peanut butter, cranberry sauce, and maple syrup, are deemed a gel or liquid container and are subject to the 3-1-1 limitations. They are packed in your hand luggage (in small quantities) or checked luggage.
Baby Food and Milk:
For parents traveling with a baby, the TSA allows you to bring baby food, baby formula, and breast milk in reasonable quantities in your carry-on bag through airport security checkpoints. You may also bring frozen breast milk in your carry-on. The TSA suggests that if you are traveling with a large quantity of breast milk, it is best to pack it in your checked baggage.
Medical Conditions
If you need to bring a saline solution, liquid prescription medicine, or other liquids bigger than the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for TSA’sy reasons, you may be unable to. In that case, you can get them on board, but they must be declared to the security officer at the x-ray machines. You may need to undergo additional screening.
Alcoholic Beverages
While frozen water bottles are allowed, you cannot bring frozen alcoholic beverages on board. TSA regulations state that alcoholic beverages should be placed in your checked luggage if they are in their original container and have not been opened. Mini bottles of alcohol in your carry-on must be put in a quart-sized resealable plastic bag and cannot be drunk on a flight.
Bringing Your Drinks
One way to avoid buying bottled water or other drinks at the airport is to bring your drinks. However, it is important to remember that the size of the container must be within the TSA liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less per item. You can bring as many 3.4-ounce containers as needed, but they must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable 1-quart plastic bag and a screening bin. Another solution is to bring an empty water bottle or thermos and fill it up after security.
Water Fountains
If you want to save money on drinks, most airports have water fountains to fill your empty water bottle.
What to Look for in a Freezable Water BottleÂ
BPA-free plastic or stainless steel water bottles can last longer in subzero temperatures than other materials.Â
Insulation: Pick a water bottle with good insulation if you want your ice to last as long as possible. A cup like a Yeti or Hydro Flask is well insulated but doesn’t expand when frozen.
Preparing Your Frozen Water Bottle for TSA Agent InspectionÂ
Make sure to freeze your water bottle thoroughly the night before your flight so that it remains frozen while going through the TSA security line.
Before you pack a frozen water bottle for a trip, you should ensure it is completely airtight. Keep the frigid temperature in an insulated bag or wrap it in a towel.Â
Remember to bring a reusable water bottle or cup if you plan to use the water once it has defrosted. This will make drinking water on the plane less of a hassle.Â
Final ThoughtsÂ
Finally, frozen water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated without breaking the TSA’s liquid rule. A water bottle you have frozen in advance will provide you with a refreshing drink, keep you hydrated during the flight, and save you money on the expensive drinks sold in airports.Â
You can avoid the TSA’s liquid regulations through the advice and suggestions in this post.Â
Our website also includes maple syrup, peanut butter, hair gel, baby formula, live fish cranberry sauce, saline solution, and dry ice.
