Table Of Contents
- Why You Should Travel With A Water Bottle
- Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?
- Related Guidance On Bringing Liquids On Planes
- Can You Bring A Water Bottle With Frozen Liquid?
- Tips To Stay Hydrated On Long-Haul Flights
- Best Metal And Non-Metal Water Bottles For Travel
- Bottomline — Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?
Why You Should Travel With A Water Bottle
When it comes to trip packing, a personal water bottle usually isn’t high on the list. Probably because you can always purchase bottled water or ask for some wherever you may find yourself. But something as simple as traveling with a reusable bottle can help you stay at your best and save money — all of which form part of traveling well and being a well-prepared traveler. And this isn’t even factoring in the indirect effect of helping to reduce plastic waste. If you own a water bottle made of stainless steel or aluminum, upcoming air travel may prompt the question, “Can you bring a metal water bottle on a plane?”
Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?
The short answer is yes! You can absolutely bring a metal water bottle on a plane and any water bottle for that matter. According to the list of pre-approved items on the ‘What Can I Bring?’ page of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, water bottles are allowed and can be packed in your carry-on luggage and checked baggage.
Note that the TSA does not establish any specifics around materials, size/dimensions, or weight with regard to water bottles. So whether your water bottle is plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or glass makes no difference. As indicated above, the main requirement for traveling with a water bottle is that the bottle be empty when passing through security screening.
Related Guidance On Bringing Liquids On Planes
The TSA directly states the following:
“You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process.”
This is also known as the TSA’s “3-1-1 rule”. Even if partially filled and the amount of liquid is below 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), your bottle may not be permitted through airport security. Notwithstanding these guidelines, the final decision on what can be let through, particularly if it raises security concerns, lies with the TSA security officer.
Can You Bring A Water Bottle With Frozen Liquid?
Are there any exceptions with frozen liquids? According to the TSA,
“Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. 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.”
To play it safe and to steer clear of complications, it’s a good idea to empty your water bottle out entirely prior to passing through security screening. You can then fill it back up at a water fountain or refillable station on your way to your boarding gate after the screening process.
Tips To Stay Hydrated On Long-Haul Flights
Even with all this talk of liquids, it’s surprisingly easy to become dehydrated while traveling on international flights or any long flight. This is due to a combination of controlled air with lower humidity and a lack of direct access to water for a long time. The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking about 8 ounces (or 0.25 liters) of water per hour while on an airplane. Below are some simple tips you can follow before and during the flight to stay at your best and hit the ground running at your destination.
- Begin The Journey Hydrated: You don’t have to go drinking an absurd amount of water, but it will definitely help you to drink plenty of water and be well-hydrated in the hours leading up to your flight.
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle: It’s significantly more practical and cheaper to travel with an empty bottle you can fill up prior to boarding your flight. While you can always ask a flight attendant for water you would likely need to wait until meal times (if any depending on the specific airline) or an attendant is available to walk by your row. Plus, the flight crew will usually bring it to you in a small cup or bottle, therefore making you ask for constant refills.
- Take A Hydration Supplement: There are lots of hydration supplements on the market which contain electrolytes and essential vitamins. While this is no substitute for water, it’s a great complement for situations that call for a boost. Products such as Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier are designed to increase water absorption and deliver other key ingredients into the bloodstream. Not only that, but they help to jazz up your drink with some added flavor and come in convenient single-serve travel packets.
- Eat Fresh Fruit And Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are made up of mostly water and are excellent travel snacks. Some good options are watermelon, cucumber, peaches, and berries.
- Avoid Drinking Diuretic Drinks: Diuretic drinks are those that remove water from the body and can have a dehydrating effect. These include coffee, tea, and alcohol. When you’re on a long-haul flight, do your very best to avoid these types of beverages. While it may be tempting to enjoy a drink in hand during a vacation flight (especially if it’s complimentary), stick to water if you want to feel more energized after landing. If you must have a drink aim to have it at the airport terminal and before the flight. As with everything, moderation is key. Note that diuretic drinks may also have you walking down the aisle to the lavatory more often.
- Use Some Skin Moisturizer: Ever noticed that your skin tends to feel dry when you fly? Essentially, this is because there is less moisture in the plane’s cabin air. Just keep some moisturizer handy to combat this. Personally, I travel with Sun Bum Cool Down, Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream, and Blistex Lip Balm.
- Splash Your Hands And Face: If you overlook the need for a moisturizer or forget to pack some in your hand luggage, a good hack is to splash your hands and face with water in the cabin lavatory and pat or dab them dry gently. The added moisture on the skin will help.
Best Metal And Non-Metal Water Bottles For Travel
Both stainless steel and plastic water bottles are my preferred kinds of bottles. While you can in fact bring a glass bottle on a plane and there are exceptional “non-breakable” glass options available for day-to-day use, I’ve excluded them from below as I’m not a big proponent of them for travel purposes. In addition, it’s worth noting that, unlike some aluminum water bottles, stainless steel bottles won’t easily dent and tend to be one of the safest materials to drink from. Here are my favorite water bottles for travel.
Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle [MY TOP PICK]
BEST FOR: Cold/Hot Insulation & Versatility
This is my favorite insulated water bottle (for both hot and cold liquids) and, from my experience, the best stainless steel bottle out there. The twistable spout lid is easy to drink from and stays put without hitting your nose. Meanwhile, the bottle itself has a wide mouth which lets you seamlessly drink from it, wash it, add ice, etc. Whether you’re posted up at the office, breaking a sweat at the gym, or hitting the great outdoors, this Takeya water bottle is an absolute standout.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
BEST FOR: Simplicity & Classic Reliability
Hydro Flask water bottles are both fashionable and functional. If you’re looking for a simple, well-insulated, and comfortable water bottle from a trusted brand then this is the bottle for you. Hydro Flask water bottles are stylish and come in a variety of capacities and colors. As far as stainless steel water bottles go, I tend to prefer the spout on the Takeya. However, the Hydro Flask is excellent and performs just the same.
Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle
BEST FOR: Lightweight Durability & Hydration Tracking
When it comes to plastic bottles Nalgene bottles are the go-to brand for a reason. This incredibly durable water bottle is BPA-free and accommodates most water filters. They’re also marked with both ounces and milliliters for liquid measurement and tracking. Despite their plastic material, Nalgene bottles are suitable for both cold and warm beverages. Similar to Takeya, the wide mouth facilitates cleaning and adding ice cubes to the bottle.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
BEST FOR: All-In-One Water Filtration
If you’re traveling to a destination with questionable water quality known to lack filtration then look no further. The bottle’s filtration system protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Moreover, even if you’re filling the bottle with drinkable water, the filter will enhance its taste. LifeStraw filters are replaceable and their bottles are independently tested and BPA-free. If you’re planning on drinking directly from a water source of any kind, also check out their Peak Series Straw.
Platypus SoftBottle
BEST FOR: Collabsable Packing & Flexibility
Last but not least, here’s a shoutout to all my fellow minimalists out there. This is the lightest and most packable water bottle on the list mainly because it’s more a pouch than it is a bottle. This collapsible “water bottle” is as ultralight as it comes, narrows in the middle for comfortable holding, and is BPA-free. In contrast to the LifeStraw Go, if you’re going to have direct access to pre-filtered or naturally clean water (and you don’t want to carry a traditional plastic or metal bottle) then the Platypus is your new best friend.
Bottomline — Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?
The good news is yes, you can bring a metal water bottle on a plane and any water bottle really! TSA does not specify any prohibited water bottle materials. Nevertheless, be sure to follow these key takeaways to comply with TSA regulations:
- Empty The Water Bottle Prior To Security Screening: To avoid any hold-ups or confiscations, empty your water bottle completely prior to passing through security. Although frozen liquids are generally allowed through the TSA checkpoint, it’s best not to risk a situation where the state of the liquid is subject to interpretation by and disagreement with the TSA agent. This is the last thing you want to deal with.
- Follow The 3-1-1 Rule For Any Carry-On Liquids: The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule requires that each liquid must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, that all containers be placed inside a single clear plastic bag, and that each passenger be allowed only one such bag.
- Refill The Water Bottle After Security Screening: After passing through security you can fill up your water bottle in the terminal before boarding your flight. By doing so, you will avoid paying airport prices for bottled water and ensure you have sufficient water for your journey.
In the end, the final go or no-go decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint is at the sole discretion of the TSA officer. It’s always a smart idea to check beforehand by (1) reviewing the ‘What Can I Bring?’ page on the TSA website and/or (2) snapping a picture or sending a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter to be 100% sure.
Stay healthy and hydrated my friends!
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