Did You Know? You Can Bring Water Through TSA—but You'll Need the Right Bottle

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Staying properly hydrated in the summer can already be difficult, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s strict rules surrounding liquids can make it even harder to keep your thirst quenched while traveling. Bottled water at the airport can cost a pretty penny, and since all carry-on liquids must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule—that is, every one person only gets one bag containing liquids, and those liquids must be in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less—sneaking in a fresh bottle of Evian is clearly out of the question.
However, we've recently discovered a genius way to get around this rule and get water through airport security: And it's so simple, you might be angry you didn't think of it sooner. You can sneak H2O through security by just freezing it. That's right—you can bring in a full bottle of water through TSA, so long as it's frozen solid. '​Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening,' a U.S. TSA spokesperson previously shared with CNN.
Keep scrolling for eight reusable water bottles you can safely use to get frozen water through TSA, plus our tips on how to get frozen water through TSA hassle-free. Ahead, you'll find squishy, foldable silicone bottles, durable, brand-name plastic bottles, and even water bottles that perform double-duty as facial misters—all starting at $13 at Amazon.
You should only freeze water in food-grade, BPA-free plastic or silicone reusable water bottles, and you should aim to fill them only two-thirds of the way full with water before freezing, to prevent the bottle from breaking.
This is because when water freezes, it expands. If you fill your water bottle to the top, it will have no room to expand and may crack or damage even the most durable, flexible plastic water bottles.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we strongly don't recommend freezing your beloved Stanley insulated bottle (sorry!). Metal, insulated, and glass water bottles can become deformed or even shatter due to the frozen water expanding inside, regardless of how full it is, which is why many popular brands like Owala and Camelbak warn against freezing their insulated, glass, or steel bottles.
Unfortunately, if your water thaws before you make it through TSA, you'll likely be asked to dump it out. For this security checkpoint hack to work, the water in your water bottle must be fully frozen into a solid state.
'If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements,' that aforementioned TSA spokesperson shared with CNN. Considering most water bottles far exceed the 3.4-ounce liquid cutoff, you'll probably have to say 'sayonara' to your not-so-frozen carry-on water.
Now that you know how to master this packing hack, it's time to find the perfect water bottle for your next trip. Keep scrolling to explore the top-rated options at Amazon that will make great travel companions this summer.
This freezer-friendly Tupperware water bottle was specifically designed to be frozen and reused time and time again. It features a leak-proof flip-top spout, ergonomic ridges for comfortable holding, and a max-fill line that tells you where to stop filling it with water to allow it to expand when frozen.
Once you've arrived at your destination, you can use this O2cool water bottle as a personal mister for an instant cool down. This genius BPA-free reusable water bottle has a misting mechanism next to its pull-top spout that, when squeezed, delivers a cooling mist—a welcome reprieve from hot, sweltering summer afternoons.
Nalgene is best known for its wide variety of colorful, plastic water bottles, and this Tritan option has the same streamlined design that Nalgene fans know and love. It comes in a wide variety of fun color combinations, so you'll never confuse your bottle with someone else's, and it's made from a BPA-free, 50 percent recycled plastic material.
Need some extra motivation to drink water? This Sahara Sailor water bottle is the one for you. The exterior is lined with timed markings and motivational phrases like 'keep chugging' and 'don't give up' that can help you meet your daily water goals.
Yeti loyalists, rejoice: The renowned cooler and insulated water bottle brand also has a plastic, freezeable option. Available in four sizes and 14 color options, this bottle has a simple design featuring a leak-proof, screw-top lid.
Over 36,000 Amazon shoppers have given this 32-ounce reusable water bottle a perfect five-star rating for functionality, durability, and convenience. Available in nine vibrant colors and equipped with a flip-top chug lid and printed measurements on the side, this bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated from takeoff to touchdown.
Once you're done drinking from this squishy silicone water bottle, you can flatten it, roll it up, and throw it in your bag for later use. This reusable 12-ounce bottle can fit in your pocket, and Amazon reviewers say it's the perfect lightweight solution for day hikes, music festivals, and even ski trips come winter.
This packable, food-grade silicone water bottle from Taketoday has a detachable straw, a leak-proof locking cap, and can be neatly rolled up to take up less space in your carry-on, hiking pack, or crossbody bag, making it a great companion for every leg of your trip.
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