Ruth Haines
While you cannot bring water through airport security, you can bring ice. Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If the frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which states that travellers can bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. Each item inside the bag must be smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frozen water allowed through security | Yes, if frozen solid |
| Liquid water allowed through security | No |
| Liquid water allowed through security for children | Yes, if "medically necessary" |
| Liquid water allowed through security in duty-free bags | Yes, if purchased within 48 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Frozen liquids are allowed if frozen solid
Frozen liquids are allowed through airport security as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. This includes frozen drinks and ice. According to the TSA, if frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule states that travellers can bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. Each item inside the bag must be smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres.
It is important to note that keeping water frozen until reaching the checkpoint may be challenging. It must remain frozen during the ride to the airport, the walk to TSA, and while waiting in line. If the ice has started to melt, travellers may need to dispose of it before screening. Additionally, some airports outside of the US may have different rules, allowing bottled water or liquids in carry-on luggage.
The TSA does allow certain exceptions to the 3-1-1 liquids rule for medically necessary liquids, such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food. These items are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, travellers must declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
Travellers should also be aware that some TSA agents may interpret the rules differently, and it is always a good idea to be prepared and know the rules to avoid any issues or delays during screening.
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Partially melted frozen liquids must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements
Frozen liquids are allowed through airport security, but they must be completely frozen solid. 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. This rule states that you can bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. Each item inside the bag must be smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule can be challenging for travellers who don't check their bags and must fit all their toiletries in one quart-sized bag. It's important to note that items you may not typically think of as liquids, such as peanut butter or jam, are considered liquids by the TSA and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule.
If you're bringing frozen liquids through airport security, it's crucial to ensure they remain completely frozen until you reach the checkpoint. This can be challenging, as the ice may start melting during the ride to the airport, the walk to TSA, and the wait in line. If your frozen liquid items start to melt, you may need to discard them or transfer the melted liquid to a separate container that complies with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
It's worth noting that the TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities. This includes formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food. You must declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Additionally, you can carry larger quantities of duty-free liquids in transparent, secure, tamper-evident bags if they were purchased internationally and you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight.
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Medically necessary liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits bringing water through airport security, travellers are allowed to carry medically necessary liquids in reasonable quantities. This includes liquid medications, nutritional formulas, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food. These liquids must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
It is important to note that medically necessary liquids are subject to additional screening if they trigger an alarm, appear tampered with, or raise security concerns. The final decision on whether a medically necessary liquid is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
When packing medically necessary liquids, travellers should ensure they are properly labelled and clearly marked as medical supplies. It is recommended to have a doctor's note or prescription for the liquids, as well as a clear explanation of the medical need. These liquids should be packed in a separate bag that is easily accessible for inspection.
Additionally, travellers should be mindful of the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage. This rule allows for one quart-sized bag containing liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, with each item being no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Any medically necessary liquids that exceed this limit will need to be declared and inspected by TSA officers.
By following these guidelines, travellers can ensure they are compliant with TSA regulations while also accommodating their medical needs. It is always advisable to check the latest TSA guidelines and regulations before travelling to stay updated on any changes or adjustments to the policies.
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Frozen liquids for children are allowed
For parents or caregivers travelling with young children, it is important to note that the TSA considers formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food as medically necessary liquids. These items are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres and can be brought in carry-on baggage without needing to fit within a quart-sized bag. Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs and freezer packs, are also permitted without the presence of breast milk or the child.
While the TSA rules allow frozen liquids, some agents may interpret the regulations differently, so it is beneficial to be prepared and understand the requirements. It is also worth noting that some airports have stricter rules, and it may be challenging to keep frozen liquids solid throughout the journey to the airport and during the wait at security checkpoints.
To increase the likelihood of a smooth screening process, travellers can consider declaring medically necessary liquids to TSA officers and informing them of any frozen drinks or liquids for children. Additionally, packing these items separately from other belongings can help provide a clear image during the X-ray scan and avoid potential re-screening.
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Non-US airports may have different rules
While the TSA in the US permits frozen liquids to go through security, non-US airports may have different rules. For instance, a traveler recounted that on a return flight from Chile to the USA, airport authorities confiscated a sealed bottle of water that was bought outside the gate. Another traveler shared that Heathrow airport security made them walk back through the security line to dump their bottle of ice in a sink.
Canada, for instance, isn't as lenient with frozen water bottles as the US. A Canadian publication, Travel Industry Today, even headlined a story: 'IT’S HELL OUTSIDE' in response to the heatwave that walloped parts of Europe.
Therefore, it is important for travelers outside of the US to check the policies of the country they are departing from before freezing their water bottles. Ultimately, the best advice is to not pack any frozen liquid items into your carry-on luggage that you would be upset to throw away.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, frozen liquids are allowed through airport security as long as they are completely frozen solid.
If your frozen water is partially melted, slushy, or has any liquid at the bottom of the container, it must meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that each liquid item inside your carry-on baggage must be smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100ml.
It is important to note that your frozen water must be completely frozen solid when presented for screening. To ensure this, you can bring an empty 100ml bottle and pour any melted water into it right before screening.
The TSA tends to stop allowing families to bring liquids through security when children appear to be 2 or 3 years old. Additionally, some airports outside of the US may have different rules and not allow frozen liquids through security.
Medically necessary liquids such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
