Can You Take Unopened Drinks On a Plane? 2024

So can you take unopened drinks on a plane? And can you take soda cans on a plane?

Airplanes are wonderful places to bring and enjoy some delectable drinks, but unfortunately, that’s not always possible.

So you might be wondering if you can take an unopened drink with you on your next flight.

Here is the short answer.

Yes unopened drinks or cans are permitted on planes in carry-on and checked baggage. There aren’t any limits for checked luggage, but if you’re planning to take some soda in the cabin , you have to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. meaning your soda must be no more than 3.4 oz /100 ml for a single can or less (Which is rare ). you can have only one quart-sized bag.

This post will explain everything you need to know about traveling with unopened cans on flights and whether you can take them on carry-on or checked baggage.

Also if you’ve ever wondered if unopened cans will explode, this article will provide some answers so you know what to do the next time you want to do some shopping before you take your flight.

Let’s dive more into the topic.

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Can You Bring Unopened Drinks Through TSA?

According to the TSA (Transport Security Administration) you are allowed to take unopened drinks through the security checkpoint without any issues.

However, when traveling with unopened drinks in carry-on baggage you will be required to take only 3.4 oz inside the container.

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This passenger asked the TSA on twitter if a can of soda is allowed through the security checkpoint.

The TSA customer service replied that a can of soda is good to go in carry-on bags, as long as they’re 3.4oz or less each to comply with the TSA liquids rule.

The TSA answer on twitter about traveling with unopened soda cans

Take Unopened Drinks In Carry-On Baggage

Unopened drinks like Coke or Beer are allowed in carry-on baggage without any restrictions if they are less than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, meaning soda cans must adhere to the TSA liquid rules.

This can be a big problem because most of them exceed the 3.4 ounces so it is better to transport them as checked luggage.

But if you do decide to get duty-free soda , you don’t have to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rules in carry-on luggage.

If you buy a soda can in the duty-free airport shops or with the airline, you can carry it separately and won’t have to store it inside a separate bag.

Take Unopened Drinks In Checked Baggage

You can take unopened drinks in checked luggage without restriction. It doesn’t matter if they are more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml there are no quantity limitations.

You can even bring a 12 pack of soda on a plane in your checked baggage.

This passenger asked the TSA about transporting a soda in checked baggage, and the TSA confirmed gave him the green light.

If you are traveling with more than one pack, taking a cooler will be your best bet.

TSA answer on twitter about traveling with unopened soda cans

Will Cans Explode In Checked Luggage?

All canned drinks are good to bring in checked baggage, and they will not explode even in the changing air pressure on the airplane.

Ensure that your cans are packed and protected carefully, and they will not explode under normal pressure in your suitcase.

The air pressure is regulated in airplanes so there is no worries on taking cans on checked baggage.

Can You Bring Empty Cans On a Plane?

 can of soda drink
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels.com

Empty cans are allowed through the security checkpoint and in both carry on and checked baggage without any problem.

The good news is if you bring your empty can you can fill it after the security checkpoint and take it with you in the cabin without any restrictions.

But if you bring a large amount of empty cans from your trip it is better to place them in your suitcase and send them as checked baggage.

Can You Take Other Canned Drinks In Checked Baggage?

Almost all types of canned drinks, soda or juice or energy drinks are allowed in checked baggage without any limitations, the TSA liquid rules in checked baggage allowed full size drinks with no limits;

Some drinks like alcoholic beverages may require special instructions to check these TSA rules about Alcoholic beverage.

How To Pack Your Unopened Drinks For Your Flight?

To make sure your drink will make it to your destination and do not leak inside your suitcase especially in checked baggage, you can place them in a sealed and sturdy plastic bag and place it in your suitcase.

That way you can protect your belongings from getting wet and if your cans are opened they will still remain in the plastic bag.

Here is how to make sure your cans are protect in both carry on and checked baggage

  1. Ensure that your cans are closed and they are not opened.
  2. Put your can inside a zip-lock bag and seal it tightly.
  3. If placed in checked luggage, wrap it in your clothes or bubble wrap and place it near soft items in your suitcase.
  4. If you are going for an outdoor trip, take a cooler. It will save you the hassle of packing your cans inside your suitcase.

Final Thoughts

unopened drinks will be treated as liquids, so the TSA liquid rules on any flight will apply. You can bring as many cans as you like in checked baggage but in carry-on baggage only cans that are no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml are allowed.

Make sure that you pack your drink properly, both in checked luggage and carry-on. If you don’t do that, you might find that it spills and leaks inside of your suitcase.

It’s likely to mess up all of your items and clothes, and everything will smell like your drink.

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