Owais Crawford
Getting water after passing through airport security can be a challenge, with some international airports using a gate system that includes an additional screening process for liquids. While some travellers have reported being able to purchase water or fill up their water bottles after passing through security, others have encountered rescreening at the gate, requiring them to discard their liquids. To avoid this issue, some travellers opt to bring their own empty bottles and fill them at hydration stations or fountains after security. Another option is to freeze water before passing through security, as frozen liquids are generally allowed as long as they are frozen solid. However, travellers should be cautious as some TSA agents may confiscate frozen water bottles or require liquids to meet the 3-1-1 rule if they are partially melted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Getting water through security | Freeze the water so that it passes through security as a solid, then allow it to melt. |
| Buying water after security | In some airports, it is possible to buy water after security. |
| Filling up water bottles after security | It is possible to fill up water bottles at hydration stations or water fountains after security. |
| Asking flight attendants for water | Flight attendants can fill up water bottles. |
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What You'll Learn
Bringing your own empty bottle to fill up
It is important to note that some airports, such as LAX and SFO, have banned single-use plastic bottles, so bringing your own bottle is becoming increasingly important. It is always worth checking the rules of your departure airport before travelling to ensure you are prepared.
If you are travelling with a child, it is worth noting that larger quantities of juice, formula, or breast milk are exempt from the typical 3-1-1 rule, so you can bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquid through security without needing to freeze it.
However, if you are travelling alone or without young children, bringing an empty bottle is a reliable way to ensure you can access water. While some airports may not have fountains or hydration stations, you can always ask a flight attendant to fill up your bottle, and they will usually be happy to oblige.
In some countries, security rules differ, and water bottles may be allowed through security without needing to be empty or frozen. For example, one traveller reported being able to take a water bottle through security in Vietnam without issue. However, in the United States, travellers are typically required to drink or toss any full water bottles before going through security. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the rules and guidelines of the specific airport and country you are travelling through.
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Buying an overpriced replacement
It's no secret that airport shops sell overpriced water bottles, and it can be frustrating to have to buy one after you've just thrown yours away. While some airports, such as LAX and SFO, have banned single-use water bottles, many still sell them.
The good news is that there are several ways to avoid paying for overpriced water at the airport. One option is to bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at a hydration station or water fountain after passing through security. This method saves both money and time that would otherwise be spent waiting in long concession lines.
Another option is to bring your own water through security. According to TSA guidelines, frozen liquid items are allowed through checkpoints as long as they are frozen solid. This loophole in the 3-1-1 rule allows travellers to bring more than 3.4 ounces of water on their carry-ons. To ensure the liquid stays frozen, it's recommended to use an insulated, spill-proof cup.
If you're travelling with a child, larger quantities of juice, formula, or breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, so you won't need to worry about freezing these liquids.
Finally, some travellers suggest asking flight attendants to fill up their water bottles, especially if it's medically necessary. This method may be more feasible in the US, where flight attendants are used to accommodating such requests.
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Drinking tap water on the plane
It is recommended that you do not drink tap water on a plane. This includes water from the taps in the plane's washrooms, which is not potable and could be risky to drink. While modern aviation is incredibly convenient, drinking water on planes is a notable exception. The quality of water onboard aircraft remains a concern due to inconsistent maintenance, aging water tanks, and varying global airport standards.
Planes fill their water tanks at airports worldwide, and sanitation standards differ across airports. This means that the cleanliness of the water can vary depending on where the aircraft has been. While the water is regularly tested before being loaded onto the plane, it is still recommended to opt for bottled water when possible. Major airlines typically provide bottled water to passengers, which is sourced, sealed, and transported under strict quality controls to ensure it is safe to drink.
Some people choose to avoid hot drinks like tea and coffee made with aircraft tap water due to concerns about water quality. However, others argue that if the water was truly unsafe, there would be more reports of people falling ill. It is recommended to use hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands with tap water to minimize potential exposure to contaminants.
If you are concerned about the quality of drinking water on a plane, it is best to bring your own sealed drinks onboard or opt for bottled water provided by the airline. You can also choose to drink tea or coffee before or after your flight in the airport, where the water quality may be more reliable. While it is essential to stay hydrated during a flight, prioritizing your health and safety is key.
To get water after security at an airport, you can typically purchase bottled water from shops or vending machines in the departure area. Some airports also provide free drinking water at designated water refill stations to help reduce plastic waste. However, the availability of free drinking water may vary depending on the airport. It is always a good idea to check the airport's website or contact them directly to find out about specific water refill options and locations.
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Bringing frozen liquids
Bringing liquids through airport security can be a hassle, and travellers are often required to drink or discard their water bottles before proceeding through security. However, a popular hack has emerged that suggests freezing liquids as a way to bypass these restrictions. This method has gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms, with many travellers curious about its effectiveness.
Indeed, it is true that frozen liquids are allowed through airport security checkpoints. A U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson confirmed that "frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening." This means that travellers can bring items like frozen water bottles or ice packs in their carry-on luggage without worrying about violating liquid restrictions.
However, it is important to note that the frozen liquid must be completely solid when passing through security. A TSA spokesperson clarified that "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." In other words, if your frozen liquid is starting to melt, it will be subject to the same rules as regular liquids and must adhere to the 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit for carry-on bags.
While this hack can be useful in certain situations, it is not without its drawbacks. Some travellers have expressed concerns about the potential for melted liquids to leak and cause a mess in their luggage. Additionally, there is always the risk that a TSA officer may disallow a frozen liquid item, even if it is completely solid. As the TSA website states, "the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint." Therefore, travellers who choose to bring frozen liquids should be prepared to potentially part with their items if they are not allowed through security.
Ultimately, the decision to bring frozen liquids through airport security is a personal choice. While it can be a convenient way to bypass liquid restrictions, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and be prepared to follow the instructions of TSA officers. For travellers who want to ensure they have access to their preferred liquids, it may be advisable to bring empty bottles through security and fill them at a water fountain or refilling station once past security.
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Exemptions for children
When travelling with children, it is important to know the rules and what to expect to make the process less stressful. Here are some exemptions for children when it comes to airport security:
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be placed on the X-ray belt. Children will not be separated from their parent or guardian. Infants and children must be removed from strollers and car seats and carried through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening.
Children able to walk through the metal detector unassisted may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they set off the alarm, they are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to avoid a pat-down. If your child has a disability, medical condition, or medical device, inform the TSA officer. You may carry your child through the WTMD, but the TSA officer will not remove them from their mobility aid, wheelchair, or scooter.
Formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, and liquid medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule and can be brought in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from carry-on bags and screened separately.
TSA Pre-check is a pre-screening service that allows for faster screening at airports. If approved, children 12 and under can use the Pre-check screening lane with their parent. Pre-check is available for US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Many airports have water fountains or hydration stations where you can fill up a water bottle after passing through security. Some airports, such as LAX and SFO, have banned single-use plastic water bottles, so bringing your own refillable bottle is recommended.
Yes, but there are rules you must follow. In the US, for example, you must drink or discard any full water bottles before going through security. However, you can bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a fountain on the other side. Alternatively, you can bring ice or frozen water through security, and it will not be counted towards your liquid allowance.
Yes, but it is often very expensive. It is usually cheaper to bring your own bottle and fill it up at a fountain.
