On some flights they may give you a cup or a small water bottle.
Even so it is important to always have your personal water bottle handy, so you can stay hydrated especially on a long flight.
Here is the short answer.
You can bring an empty water bottle through the security checkpoint without any issues, but a filled water bottle will need to follow the TSA liquid rules, the good news is you can fill your bottle of any size after you clear the security and take it on board the airplane without a problem.
This post will cover everything you need to know about traveling with both filled and empty water bottles on planes, in domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Bring A Water Bottle On A Plane?
Can You Take An Empty Water Bottle In Hand Luggage?
Can I Take An Empty Water Bottle Through Airport Security?
The TSA does allow empty water bottles through the security checkpoint, but when filled with water needs to be in smaller amounts of no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml and fit in a quart size bag.
Here is what the TSA has to say on its website.
Here is what hey say about a filled water bottle.
The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule is non negotiable.
The only exception that the TSA has is when a passenger is traveling with a child.
In this case you can bring a water bottle inside the diaper bag in addition to other baby food and equipment but with reasonable quantities.
So if you are not traveling with a baby, you will need to empty your bottle before going through the security checkpoint, and if you want to stay hydrated you can and fill it again after you pass the security.
Even unopened bottles of 12 oz / 355 ml are not allowed.
Water must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on bags to comply with the TSA liquids rule.
Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.
Can You Carry Water Bottles In Checked Luggage?
You can bring both an empty and filled water bottle in checked baggage without any issues, however; ensure that your bottle is well secured so the water won’t mess with your belongings.
We have already covered everything you need to know about traveling with liquids in checked baggage here.
Although it is better to avoid placing water in a checked bag because it will add some weight in addition you can easily find water at your destination.
You may also mess your belonging and your suitcase in case the water bottle is leaking.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Type Of Bottle You Can Bring?
Nope, you can bring any type of empty bottle you want.
even though you will need to make sure that they do not contain any prohibited items.
For example a water bottle that has some type of long metal spikes, that can be used to hurt someone.
You will have some hard time with the security officer at the airport.
But in general most airlines and airport securities do not mind if the bottle is steel, plastic or glass.
Here is an answer from the TSA customer service.
@Judelqui wanted to bring this empty metal bottle in carry-on baggage.
The TSA customer service replied that empty metal containers are allowed through the screening checkpoint and in cary on.
Can You Carry An Empty Water Bottle On International Flights?
Water or liquids in general have almost the same restrictions whether you are traveling on a domestic or an international flight.
You can only bring a limited amount of water ( 3.4oz / 100 ml or less of liquids in each container ) before the security checkpoint.
But you can fill or buy a water bottle once you are at the airside.
It doesn’t matter what airline you are flying with, but If you wanted to buy water it may be a bit pricey at some airports, but I aways like to bring my Hydroflask and fill it before i go to the gate.
Traveling with a bottle like a Hydroflask, you may need to remove the lid as you go through security to prove it’s empty.
Final Thoughts
Now as you know that you can’t bring a filled water bottle on a plane.
Because of the limits in the quantity of liquids you can take on board the airplanes, while there are less restrictions for checked baggage.
The rules apply for both domestic and international flights.
If you wanted to bring a bottle water to drink during your flight, ensure that you take an empty bottle and fill it once past the airport security.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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