Can You Bring Empty Metal Water Bottles on Planes?

[optinlocker]In theory, you can take a hydro flask with frozen water through airport security with certain restrictions. TSA allows completely frozen liquids through airport security as long as they are hard solid, don’t have any liquid, and aren’t in a slushy state. However, due to the nature of a metal hydro flask, it might be difficult for agents to visually confirm if there is any liquid in the bottom of the bottle. As a result, your hydro flask could get confiscated at airport security.

In addition, freezing a hydro flask is not recommended, as it might damage the bottle’s seal and crack the insulated walls. Although it’s theoretically possible to travel with a frozen hydro flask, it’s not recommended. Instead, do it with a disposable water bottle, which you aren’t afraid to throw out if asked to.[/optinlocker]

[optinlocker]Generally, you don’t need to take out hydro flasks when going through security in the United States. TSA asks to take out only liquids, large electronics, and large amounts of powder.

However, your hydro flask must be completely empty. When you’re going through security, if the hydro flask has any liquid in it -even if the bottle isn’t entirely full, the security guards will take it out of your bag and ask you to dispose of it.[/optinlocker]

Yes, your hydro flask needs to be completely empty when going through airport security. TSA allows for hydro flasks to go through security without any restrictions on the size of the container. However, only empty bottles are allowed through security. If your hydro flask is partially filled, it will be confiscated at the security checkpoint. The only way your water bottle is allowed through the security checkpoint with liquid is that the container is under 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters and it’s packed together with other liquids in a [amazon link=”B01IRYYYMA” title=”1-quart resealable bag”].

It doesn’t really matter where you pack your hydro flask because they’re allowed both in hand and checked baggage. One advantage to packing it in your carry-on is that you can refill it at the airport with tap water. That way you can avoid buying expensive water bottles at the airport or during the flight.

Read Next: Can I Bring Resistance Bands on Planes?

No, hydro flasks and thermos will not explode on a plane by themselves. It’s true the changes in cabin pressure might affect your hydro flask or thermos if they have any liquids in them, and suddenly popping them open might get a tiny amount of liquid out with pressure (particularly on flasks with an integrated straw). But you can easily avoid this by opening the bottle cap slowly, to release the accumulated pressure, before drinking from them.

Read Next: Will Shaving Cream & Other Aerosols Explode on a Plane?

Yes, you can fill up your hydro flask at the airport with certain restrictions. When going through airport security, your hydro flask must be empty. But, after the checkpoint, you’re allowed to fill up your hydro flask with tap water and take it on the plane.

You’re allowed to bring thermos cups, Yeti cups, and tumblers on a plane in your hand or checked baggage. The only rule is that when you’re going through the screening point, they must be empty if they are packed in your hand luggage. If your bottles are partially filled, they will not be allowed through airport security, even if the liquid content is below 3.4 oz / 100 ml. There aren’t any restrictions on thermos in checked baggage.