Roberta Aguirre
Airport security rules vary slightly depending on the country, but there are some similarities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US, for example, has strict rules on liquids, with the 3-1-1 rule outlining travel limitations for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. All drinks are subject to this rule, and containers must hold no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid. The same rule applies to creamy or spreadable items. So, can a plastic souvenir cup pass through airport security? Well, it depends on the size of the cup and whether it contains any liquid. If the cup is empty and fits within the allowed dimensions, it should be fine. However, if it contains liquid, it may be confiscated if it doesn't comply with the liquid restrictions.
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What You'll Learn
Liquids and food
Liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This means that all travel-sized containers must hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquid and must be able to fit within one sealed quart-sized bag (946 ml). Only one quart-sized bag is allowed per passenger. This rule applies to all drinks, including water, coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, soda, and alcoholic beverages up to 70% ABV. If you prefer to travel with your own cup or container for beverages, it will need to be empty before passing through security.
Medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from the liquid rule but must be declared at security. Baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, and juice are allowed in quantities greater than 100 ml if you are travelling with an infant younger than two years of age.
Food items and powders in hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines, so they may need to be checked manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays. Frozen liquids, gels, and foods are not allowed through security in your carry-on. Solid foods with less than 100 ml of liquid, such as canned or jarred goods, are allowed in carry-on luggage. Both solid and non-solid foods can be transported in checked baggage, although some restrictions may apply.
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Electronics
When it comes to electronics, there are a few things to keep in mind when passing through airport security. Firstly, personal electronic devices such as cell phones, e-readers, digital cameras, laptops, and tablets should be easily accessible in your carry-on luggage. While small appliances like electric razors or toothbrushes don't need to be removed, larger electronic devices typically must be placed in a separate bin for screening.
It is important to note that powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA officers may ask you to power up your electronic devices, including cell phones, to demonstrate their functionality. This also applies to devices containing batteries, such as portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries. To comply with airline regulations, it is recommended to remove batteries from checked bags and carry them in your hand luggage in separate plastic bags.
Additionally, some electronic items have specific restrictions. For example, electronic cigarettes or vapes are only allowed in carry-on baggage and not in checked luggage. Even if allowed by the TSA, certain electronic devices may be restricted by the airline due to size and weight limitations. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your airline and pack any uncertain items in checked luggage rather than carry-on.
To streamline the security process, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, which can save you time at the airport. Additionally, packing your laptop on top for easy access and having your necessary documents ready can make your airport experience more efficient.
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Scanners
Airport scanners use X-ray technology to inspect baggage. These X-ray scanners emit X-rays that pass through luggage and are absorbed at different rates by various materials inside. The scanner then generates an image that security personnel can analyse. The image produced is colour-coded based on the density and atomic number of the materials, allowing for differentiation between organic, inorganic, and metallic substances.
Plastic cups are generally transparent to X-rays to varying degrees. This means that the scanner can often see through the cup and identify its contents based on the density and absorption characteristics. However, if the cup is opaque or contains opaque liquid, it may be flagged for additional screening.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or confiscation if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Passengers are advised to adhere to airport security regulations and be mindful of what they pack to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Additionally, passengers should be aware of restrictions on liquids. The TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule applies to all drinks, including water, coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Only small bottles of alcohol under 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on luggage, and they must remain sealed and unopened during the flight. Passengers can purchase drinks before their gate or in the airport's duty-free section.
Some airports are introducing more advanced scanners, such as CT (computed tomography) scanners, which provide more detailed images and better identification of bottle contents. These advanced scanners may eventually lead to the relaxation of liquid restrictions.
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Identity checks
All air travellers must undergo an identity check before entering airside terminals. Passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, so it is recommended to check before travelling. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either enrol for a state-issued REAL ID or travel with an acceptable alternative, such as a passport.
Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travellers under 18. TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, with passengers able to verify their identity through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. However, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification. Facial recognition technology is voluntary, and passengers can decline to participate.
The Secure Flight program identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveller lists and watchlists. This program collects personal information such as full name, date of birth, and sex.
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Luggage rules
While I could not find specific information on plastic souvenir cups, here is some information on luggage rules.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers and their luggage at airports in the United States. Similar rules apply worldwide, especially concerning liquids. The TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule states that all liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less (about 100ml), which must fit into a quart-sized (946ml) clear bag. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger. This includes beverages like water, coffee, soda, and alcoholic drinks up to 70% ABV. Medication, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from the rule but must be declared.
Other prohibited items in both carry-on and checked luggage include flammable substances and bear spray. Firearms and ammunition are only allowed in checked luggage if they are declared, and the ammunition must be securely packed in its original packaging. Marijuana, including medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law, and passengers travelling with it will be referred to law enforcement. Electronic cigarettes and other devices with lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage but can be transported in carry-on bags without being used. All batteries must be removed from checked luggage and placed in carry-on bags.
Passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase, laptop, or small backpack. Most airlines enforce a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds and a size limit of 45 linear inches. In addition, passengers may bring a coat, reading material, a small bag of food, and assistive devices like wheelchairs. It is recommended to use TSA-approved locks on checked luggage to avoid damage during inspection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your plastic souvenir cup through airport security, but it must be empty.
All drinks are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that your drink must be less than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must be able to fit within a sealed quart-sized bag (946ml).
Yes, you can bring food through TSA security, but it must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
No, you do not need to declare your souvenir cup at security, but it may be subject to additional screening if it triggers an alarm or poses security concerns.
Yes, besides the liquids restriction, airport security also prohibits sharp objects, firearms, and flammable substances. It is also important to note that the rules for carry-on items may vary depending on the country and airport, so it is always best to check the local regulations before your travel.
