Yes, you can take an empty bottle (plastic, metal, or glass) through airport security in your carry-on bag; it must be completely empty to pass the liquid restrictions, allowing you to refill it at water stations after screening, saving money and waste. While standard rules apply for liquids (100ml containers in a bag), empty bottles are exempt, though a security officer always has the final say.
But here's the good news: empty water bottles of any size are allowed through security. Whether your bottle is plastic, stainless steel, or glass, TSA agents will inspect it to ensure it's empty. Once you're past security, you can refill it at a water fountain or hydration station.
Larger containers may be placed in hold baggage or purchased after the security point, provided they comply with the dangerous goods limits in the links below. Empty water bottles can be taken through security in hand luggage.
Only one bag is allowed per passenger, with exceptions for carers who may carry the bag/s for people in their care, including children. Empty containers such as flasks or water bottles may be carried through the screening point.
Can you bring your drink bottle? Yes, your drink bottle is allowed in your hand baggage, but it must empty when you go through security.
All airlines generally allow empty drinking bottles in carry-on luggage. The bottle must be completely empty at the security checkpoint, otherwise it may be confiscated. Plastic, metal, and some glass bottles are permitted – plastic or metal bottles are the least complicated.
The 100ml/100g rule
Please keep your liquids inside your bag for security screening (a plastic bag is no longer required). Once you're through security, you can purchase full-sized liquid products. And if you've got an empty water bottle, you can refill it at one of our water fountains.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Pack a Refillable Water Bottle
You can't avoid them if you want to explore the world. One simple trick I've used to improve the experience is to pack an empty water bottle. Once you pass through security, just fill it up at a water fountain and bring it on the plane.
🙌 Airport Greggs 🙌 Did you know you can take food from Gregg's through airport security and enjoy in the departure lounge or on the plane? They even offer click and collect (although I found it quicker to just join the queue and order) Security is always mega quick at Newcastle and you're through in no time.
Edinburgh and Birmingham have scrapped the 100ml rule.
Mascara is considered a liquid; makeup wipes are not a liquid in TSA's rulebook. Cream Blush – Cream blush is a liquid to TSA. Liquid Concealer – Liquid concealer is a liquid and must follow the 311 liquid rule. Lip Balm/Gloss/Lipstick – Lip balm/gloss/lipstick is not considered liquid.
Anything above the 2L limit will be removed and destroyed. There is no limit on the number of 2L containers that can be carried. Containers such as insulated bottles, are permitted but need to be completely empty.
Staying hydrated is important, especially while traveling and can sometimes be hard at the airport. We suggest bringing an empty thermos/water bottle and filling it up before boarding instead of buying a pricey bottle at the airport. Plus, if you ask nicely, flight attendants will usually fill up your bottle in flight.
These are considered TSA approved water bottles as long as they contain no liquid when screened. Metal bottles are durable, reusable, and ideal for long flights. Can you carry a glass bottle in your carry-on luggage? In principle, it is permitted to carry a glass drinking bottle in your carry-on luggage.
Can I take deodorant or aerosols in hand luggage? Yes, but aerosols and roll-on deodorants are classed as liquids. At most airports, they must be 100ml or under and packed in your clear plastic bag. However, Edinburgh and Birmingham now allow containers up to 2 litres, and you don't need to remove them at security.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
As per the guidelines, all carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, packed in one clear quart-size bag.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
The 3.4 Ounces (100 mL) Rule: TSA's Liquid Restrictions
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's a rule put in place to ensure air travel safety. So, if you're planning on bringing a water bottle on a plane, it must be empty when you pass through security.
Air travel can be surprisingly dehydrating, setting you up for possible effects of mild dehydration, such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue, before you even arrive at your destination. Not getting enough fluids can interfere with short-term memory, attention and mood, too.
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
You can't bring sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4in), weapons, most tools (hammers, drills), firearms, explosives, flammable liquids/aerosols, large lithium batteries, disabling sprays (pepper spray), or large quantities of liquids (over 100ml) in your carry-on; most hazardous materials and large sporting goods are also banned due to security risks, requiring them to be checked.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't ask you to keep your medicines in their original prescription bottles. But each state may have its own rules. If you aren't bringing your medicine in its original bottle, bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.