Airplanes are wonderful places to bring and enjoy your fizz or some delectable drinks, but can you take unopened drinks on a plane? And can you take soda cans on a plane?
Here is the short answer:
You can take unopened drinks on a plane in your carry-on, but in carry-on the containers need to be 3.4oz / 100ml or less and placed in in a 1 quart bag); larger un opened drinks need to be are allowed in checked baggage.
This post covers everything you need to know about traveling with unopened cans on flights and whether you can take them in carry-on or checked baggage.
Let’s dive more into the topic.
TL;DR
- You can bring unopened drinks or soda cans on a plane.
- Cans in carry-on bags must follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml TSA liquid rule unless bought after security.
- Full-size cans are allowed in checked baggage with no quantity limits.
- Cans won’t explode from cabin or cargo pressure.
- Pack cans well to avoid leaks or spills inside your luggage.
Can You Take Unopened Drinks Through Airport Security?
According to the TSA (Transportation 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, each container needs to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
This applies to any drinks like soda or cocktails.
This is a screenshot from the TSA website.
I also wanted to find some answers from the TSA social media.
This passenger asked the TSA on X ( Formerly 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 / 100ml or less each to comply with the TSA liquid rule.
Can You Take Unopened Drinks In Carry-On Baggage?
As I mentioned above, 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.
This means a standard 12 oz (355ml) soda can will not be accepted as a carry-on.
But if you buy a soda can in the duty-free airport shops or with the airline, you can carry it separately and don’t have to store it inside a quart-sized bag.
Can You Take Unopened Drinks In Checked Baggage?
You can take unopened drinks in checked luggage without any list.
It doesn’t matter if they are more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, there are no quantity limitations.
You can even place a 12-pack of soda inside your checked bag.
Andy asked the TSA about taking soda cans in checked bags.
The TSA gave him the green light “Soda cans are good to go in checked bags”.
Note that the best way to travel with more than one pack, is to use a cooler.
Will Cans Explode In Checked Luggage?
All canned drinks are safe to bring in checked baggage, and they will not explode because of the normal pressure changes both in the cargo and the cabin.
The air pressure is regulated in airplanes, so there is no worry about taking cans in checked baggage.
The only reason wby a can will explode is when there is extreme heat.
So just ensure that your cans are packed and protected carefully.
Can You Bring Empty Cans On a Plane?
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, juice, or energy drinks are allowed in checked bags without any limitations.
The TSA liquid rules in checked baggage allow full-size drinks with no limits.
Some drinks, like alcoholic beverages, may require special instructions, so check the TSA rules about alcoholic beverages.
How To Pack Your Unopened Drinks For Your Flight?
To make sure your drink will make it to your destination and does not leak inside your suitcase especially inside your checked bag, you can place it in a sealed and sturdy plastic bag and then put it in your suitcase.
That way, you can protect your belongings from getting wet, and if your cans open, they will still remain inside the plastic bag.
Here is how to make sure your cans are protected in both carry-on and checked baggage:
- Ensure that your cans are closed and not opened.
- Put your can inside a zip-lock bag and seal it tightly.
- If you place them in a checked bag, wrap them in your clothes or bubble wrap and place it near soft items in your suitcase.
- 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
You can bring as many cans as you like in checked baggage, but in carry-on baggage only cans that are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less are allowed.
Unopened drinks are liquids, so the liquid rules applies for almost any flight.
Make sure that you pack your drink properly, to avoid any spills and leaks inside your suitcase.
It’s likely to mess up all of your items and clothes, and everything will smell like your drink.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
People also ask:
- Can You Take a Mug On a Plane?
- Can You Take Peanut Butter On a Plane?
- Can you bring chocolate on a plane?
- Can you take gum and candy on a plane?
- Can you bring chips on a plane?
- Can You Bring A Hydroflask On A Plane?
