Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

Bringing Water Through Airport Security: A TSA Insider Trick

Navigating through airport security can often feel overwhelming, with varying requirements across different locations and numerous items to remember. Among these rules, a common guideline stands out: travelers in the United States must either consume or dispose of any full water bottles prior to passing through security. However, there is a clever way that could allow you to bring your own water along on your journey, if executed properly.

If you’re someone who prefers a particular brand of water or has a filtering system at home that you cherish, there’s an innovative solution for circumventing the typical restrictions related to liquids. The secret? Freeze your water bottle before you travel.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed this method, stating that “frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening,” according to an article on CNN.

However, it’s crucial to note that the liquid must be entirely frozen while passing through the security checkpoint. The TSA spokesperson warned that any partially melted items or containers with liquid at the bottom will then fall under the typical 3-1-1 rule. This rule permits each traveler to carry a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container. Larger containers are not permitted in carry-on luggage and must be placed in checked bags. It’s important to focus not solely on the volume of liquid but on the size of the container holding it, which is a common oversight among travelers.

Exceptions to these liquid regulations do exist. For instance, necessary medications and items for specific dietary needs, like breast milk and infant formula, are allowed without the same restrictions.

Additionally, passengers arriving in the United States must also adhere to particular regulations, especially concerning any duty-free liquids. All liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) must be sealed in a “transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag” from the retailer, and they should show no signs of tampering during TSA screening. Furthermore, travelers need to keep the original receipts for purchases, which must indicate that the item was bought within 48 hours of the flight; noncompliance means these items must go in checked baggage.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com