It can be hard to pack for a flight when you don’t know what you can bring on a plane, especially since the rules for carry-ons and checked bags can differ. A common question from travelers is can you bring an empty water bottle on a plane?
Yes, you can bring an empty water bottle on a plane, and it is a great idea to do so. Security will allow empty water bottles in your checked bags and your personal and carry-on bags that go with you on the plane.
If you are bringing your water bottle on the plane with you, there are water fountains where you can fill up the bottle before you board the plane, or you can leave it empty.
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What Does the TSA Say About Empty Bottles?
According to the TSA website, empty water bottles can be brought through security in carry-on bags and checked bags.
The TSA even encourages bringing empty reusable water bottles through security as a way to “Go Green” while traveling. Once you pass through security, you can fill up your reusable water bottle at a water fountain instead of purchasing a plastic water bottle.
Benefits of Bringing a Reusable Water Bottle
When you bring a reusable water bottle to the airport, you aren’t only saving the environment. There are other benefits too!
Food and beverages at the airport are expensive. You can expect to pay more than a few dollars for a water bottle and even more if you can find a bigger than average bottle.
Every airport has water fountains where you can fill up a reusable water bottle for free. Reusable bottles will save you at least a few dollars, more if traveling with a group or family.
Another benefit is that you can bring more water on the airplane. When you fly, your body gets very dehydrated from the air pressure in the airplane. If you bring a reusable water bottle, you can fill it up right before you get on the airplane and stay hydrated for your entire flight.
You also will not have to worry about waiting for the flight attendants to bring drinks to your seat or have to get up and ask for water.
The bigger the water bottle you bring, the more water you can drink during your flight. The more water you drink, the less dehydrated you will be on the plane, and the better you will feel after your flight.
What Size Empty Water Bottle Can You Take on a Plane?
Unlike bottles with liquid in them, there is no limit to the size of empty water bottles that you can take on a plane. The bigger the bottle, the more water you will be able to take onto the plane. Just make sure that you fill it before you board the plane.
Can You Take an Empty Water Bottle Through Customs?
You are welcome to bring empty water bottles through customs. Currently, there are no restrictions on water bottles going through customs for personal use.
Can You Bring a Stainless Steel Water Bottle on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring a stainless steel water bottle on a plane as long as it is empty when you go through the security checkpoint. You can fill it up at one of the water fountains near the gates before you get on your plane.
Can You Bring a Glass Water Bottle on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring a glass water bottle on a plane. It must be empty when you go through security, but you can fill it up afterward.
According to the TSA website, glass, in general, is allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. For checked bags, the water bottle needs to be empty when you check your bag at the airport.
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Can You Bring an Empty Hydro Flask on a Plane?
Yes, you are allowed to bring an empty Hydro Flask on a plane.
According to a Tweet from @AskTSA on Twitter:
Why Can’t I Bring Water in My Water Bottle?
The TSA has strict rules for bringing liquids through airport security.
Here is what the TSA says about liquids in carry-on bags, water included:
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
But remember that you can fill up a water bottle after you pass through the security checkpoint at the many water fountains in airports.
If the liquid item is larger than 3.4 ounces, you need to check a bag and place the liquids in there. Otherwise, you will not be able to pass through security until you dispose of the item.
Another situation where you can’t bring water on a plane is with flowers. Although flowers may not be a common item, flowers are allowed on a plane, but you can’t fill any vase or holder with water until you pass through security. Learn more about bringing flowers on a plane.
How Do I Know What Else I Can Bring on a Plane?
If you are unsure about an item, you can check the TSA website, where they have a list of common items and whether or not you can bring them on a plane.
If the item is not listed on the website, you can go to Twitter for help and tweet at AskTSA (@AskTSA) / Twitter. Send a picture and a description of the item, and the agency will help you.
However, as with anything you bring on a plane, the TSA officers at the airport have the final say about whether or not you can bring something on a plane. Even if it says on the website that you are allowed to bring something, they can deny you entry or confiscate the item if they deem it a security threat.
