Traveling with a thermos can be a great way to enjoy your favorite hot or cold beverage on the go, but can you bring a thermos on a plane?.
Generally, you can bring a thermos on a plane. In both carry-on and checked bags, in carry-on it must be completely empty and free from any water when going through the security. In checked luggage, your thermos can be full, but make sure the lid is securely tightened to prevent leaks.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking a thermos in both hand and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring an empty thermos in both your carry-on and checked bags.
- Your thermos needs to be empty before going through TSA security unless it contains exempt items like baby formula or medication.
- You can refill your thermos with water, coffee, tea, or other drinks after you clear the security.
- Solid foods in a thermos are allowed, but soups and other liquid foods must follow the TSA liquids rule.
- Full thermoses are allowed in checked bags.
- Stainless steel, insulated, and smart thermoses are all allowed on planes.
- If you’re flying internationally, you can also bring an empty thermos, just make sure you don’t bring any restricted food inside to your destination country.
Can You Bring a Thermos Through TSA Security?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency that oversees airport security in the United States.
Its duty is to prevent prohibited or dangerous items from getting onto airplanes.
The TSA has a list of what you can and can’t bring on a plane, which you can check on its website.
Here is what the TSA has to say about traveling with an empty thermos.
All the marks are green for an empty thermos in both carry-on and checked baggage.
But if you are planning to bring a cold or hot drink on board the airplane, then you need to consider the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 fl oz / 100 m or less, placed in a clear quart-sized plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed only one quart-sized bag.
This liquids rule applies to carry-on luggage only.
So, what does this mean for your thermos? It means that you can bring an empty thermos through security, but not a full one.
You can also bring solid foods in a thermos, as long as they are not soups or stews.
However, you can fill your thermos after you clear security with whatever you want, whether at a water fountain, a coffee shop, or a restaurant.
But wait, there’s more. The TSA has some exceptions to its liquid rule. You can bring liquids over 3.4 ounces / 100 ml if they are:
- Medications
- Baby formula, breast milk, or juice for infants or toddlers
- Frozen liquids, as long as they are completely solid when you go through security
So, if you have a medical condition, a baby, or a frozen drink, you can bring your thermos on a plane with more than 3.4 ounces / 100 ml of liquid.
Just make sure to inform the TSA officer so it can be screened separately.
Can You Take a Thermos In Carry-on Luggage?
Yes, you can take a smart thermos in your carry-on baggage, as long as it is empty or contains only solid foods or liquids that are exempt from the liquid rule.
The advantage of taking a thermos in your carry-on baggage is that you can enjoy your drink during the flight or at your destination.
You can also avoid the risk of your thermos leaking or breaking in your checked baggage.
The downside of taking a thermos in your carry-on baggage is that you have to go through the security screening.
You may have to open your thermos and show its contents to the TSA officer.
You may also have to wait in line to fill your thermos after security.
You also have to make sure that your thermos fits in your carry-on bag and the bag meets your airline size and weight limits.
I also searched TSA social media (mainly X) to find more answers.
Jason (@duvkc) wanted to bring this empty metal Yeti thermos in his carry-on.
The TSA customer service team confirmed that empty metal beverage containers are allowed in carry-on bags.
Thanh-Thuy (@snoopybleah)wanted to know if an insulated food thermos is allowed through the TSA security checkpoint.
The TSA team reiterated the same response:
“A thermos must be empty of any liquids at the time of the security screening. Solid foods are good to go through the security checkpoint without any limits.”
Can You Take a Thermos In Checked Luggage?
You can take both solid and liquid food thermoses larger than 3.4 fl oz in checked baggage, as long as they are sealed and wrapped properly.
The good thing about taking a thermos in checked baggage is that you don’t have to worry about the security screening.
You can pack your thermos with any amount of liquid, and you do not have to declare it or show it to anyone. You can also take a larger thermos that holds extra drinks or food.
The drawback of taking a thermos in checked baggage is that you can’t access your drink or food during the flight or at the airport.
You also have to trust that your thermos will survive the rough handling of airport baggage handlers.
How To Pack a Thermos For Travel?
Whether you take your thermos in your carry-on or checked baggage, you want to make sure it is well protected.
Here are some tips to consider:
1. Take a thermos that is durable and easy to clean.
You don’t want a thermos that will break, spill, or stain your clothes or other items in your bag.
2. Empty your thermos before you go through airport security.
You don’t want to waste your drink or cause a delay at the security checkpoint.
You can always fill your thermos afterward.
3. If you pack your thermos in your checked bag, wrap it in a plastic bag or a towel.
This will prevent any leaks from getting onto your clothes or other items in your bag. It will also protect your thermos from scratches or dents.
Final Thoughts
With the U.S. aviation market handling 876 million passengers in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), millions of passengers go through airport security every day taking items like reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and thermoses.
Understanding the TSA rules can help you breeze through the security checkpoint without delays.
It’s perfectly fine to bring an empty thermos on board the airplane, but not a full one.
You can also bring solid foods or exempt liquids in a thermos, such as medication and baby formula.
Choose a thermos that is durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean, then wrap it and place it in a secure, easily accessible spot in your bag.
Hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing a Thermos on a Plane
Can you bring a stainless steel thermos on a plane?
Yes. Stainless steel thermoses are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If you’re taking it through the airport security, just make sure it’s empty unless it contains an exempt liquid like baby formula or medication.
Can you bring a thermos on an international flight?
Most countries allow empty thermoses through the airport security, but security rules can vary, so it’s always worth checking the local airport’s guidelines before you fly.
Can you bring hot coffee in a thermos on a plane?
But only after you pass through the security. Before the security checkpoint, your thermos need to be empty or the coffee must follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml liquids rule.
Can you bring hot water in a thermos for baby formula?
The TSA allows parents to bring reasonable amounts of hot or warm water for preparing baby formula. Just let the TSA officer know at the security checkpoint because it may need additional screening.
Can you bring ice in a thermos through the TSA?
Ice is allowed as long as it’s completely frozen when you go through the security. If it has melted into water, it must follow the TSA liquids rule.
Does the size of the thermos matter?
The TSA doesn’t limit the size of an empty thermos. The only thing that matters at the security checkpoint is how much liquid is inside it.
Can you bring soup in a thermos on a plane?
Yes, but only in checked baggage if it’s mostly liquid. If you’re carrying it through TSA security, soup counts as a liquid and must follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml rule. Thick foods with very little liquid are generally allowed.
Can you fill your thermos after airport security?
Once you’ve cleared the security, you can fill your thermos at a water fountain, coffee shop, or restaurant inside the airport before boarding your flight.
You might also like:
- Can You Bring a Mug On a Plane?
- Can You Bring A Hydroflask On A Plane?
- Can You Take Water Bottles On a Plane?
- Can You Bring Soda On a Plane?
Resources
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
- https://twitter.com/search
