Water bottle on a plane: empty through security, fill up afterwards

Your own water bottle on a plane saves money and single-use plastic – because water behind security is often expensive, and on board there are usually only small cups. The sticking point is the security check: filled bottles over 100 ml are generally not allowed through. The solution is simple: go through security empty, fill up afterwards. In this guide we explain how that works in practice, what you should know about the liquid rules and what to bear in mind with an insulated bottle on board.

Contents9

1. Can a water bottle go on a plane?
2. The liquid rule in hand luggage – briefly explained
3. Step by step: through the airport with your water bottle
4. Why an insulated bottle is practical when travelling
5. Water bottle on a plane: tips for on board
6. Layovers, transit and return flight
7. Which bottle for hand luggage?
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently asked questions

Can a water bottle go on a plane?

Yes. An empty water bottle does not count as a liquid and may go in your hand luggage. This applies equally to plastic, glass and stainless steel bottles. What matters is that it is really empty at the security check. Even a little leftover water can mean the bottle has to be emptied or is checked more closely.

Important: rules for liquids in hand luggage are set by authorities and airports and can differ depending on the country, airport and screening technology used. Check the website of your departure airport or your airline before you travel. The following tips describe common practice but do not replace the current rules on site.

The liquid rule in hand luggage – briefly explained

At many European airports the well-known rule for liquids in hand luggage has applied for years:

• liquids in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml,
• all together in a transparent, resealable bag with a volume of up to one litre,
• one bag per person.

A 500 ml water bottle therefore does not fall under the exception when filled – not even if there is only a small amount left in it, because it is usually the capacity of the container that counts. Some airports work with newer scanner technology and have relaxed the rules; however, that is not the case everywhere and may change. So the safe rule of thumb is: take the bottle empty.

How to organise creams, shampoo and the like for the bag is explained in our article Cosmetics in hand luggage.

Step by step: through the airport with your water bottle

1. At home: rinse the bottle and let it dry well. A dry bottle is clearly empty at security and does not smell in your backpack.
2. Before security: drink the last sip, pour out the rest. Many airports have water dispensers or toilets with sinks before the security area.
3. At security: pack the bottle within easy reach at the top of your bag. If asked, you can place it open in the tray, with the lid next to it so it is visible that it is empty.
4. After security: fill up. Many airports now have drinking water dispensers in the security area. Alternatively, you can ask at the toilets whether the water is drinking water, or buy a bottle of water and pour it over.
5. At the gate: screw it shut tightly and stand it upright in your hand luggage.

Why an insulated bottle is practical when travelling

For travel, a double-walled stainless steel bottle has a few advantages over a simple water bottle:

• Cold water stays cold: even with a delay or a long layover. According to the manufacturer, our IZY bottles keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
• No condensation: the outside stays dry. That matters in hand luggage next to your passport, tablet and documents.
• Leak-proof screw cap: screwed on tightly, the water stays in the bottle.
• Slim shape: according to the product description, it fits into bags, backpacks and bottle pockets.

Hot drinks after security

Many cafés in the security area will fill cups or bottles you bring on request. Asking costs nothing. A tea at the gate can stay warm in an insulated bottle into the first hours of the flight – according to the manufacturer, our bottles keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. But make sure not to fill to the brim and to open carefully.

Situation	What to do?
before the security check	empty the bottle completely
after the security check	fill up at a water dispenser or café
at a layover with another security check	empty again before the second check
on board	politely ask the crew whether water can be refilled
after landing	finish the rest, rinse at home

Water bottle on a plane: tips for on board

Open carefully

During the flight the cabin pressure changes. With a tightly closed bottle this can mean that some air escapes or liquid squirts out when you open it. So open the bottle slowly, with the opening pointing away from you – especially with hot drinks.

Refilling on board

Whether the crew will fill water into bottles you bring varies and depends on the airline and situation. Ask politely, ideally during quiet phases after the service. On some flights water is only available in cups; you can then pour the cup into your bottle so nothing tips over on the tray table.

Drinking enough

Cabin air is dry. Many travellers find it pleasant to drink small sips regularly during a flight. How much you need is individual; if you have health questions, it is best to clarify this with a doctor beforehand.

Flying with children

For baby food and drinks needed for small children during the flight, many airports have exceptions to the 100 ml rule. Exactly what these look like is decided by the respective airport – if in doubt, ask in advance. For older children the same applies as for adults: bottle empty through security, fill up afterwards. Children should not drink hot drinks from a thermos bottle by themselves on board; space at the tray table is tight and turbulence comes unexpectedly.

Keeping hand luggage organised

Stand the filled bottle upright in a side pocket or in the middle of the bag, not right at the bottom under your laptop and jacket. That way you can reach it without unpacking everything, and it is protected from knocks when stowed in the overhead locker.

Layovers, transit and return flight

If you change planes, you may have to go through security again, depending on the airport and route. Then the same game applies: empty before the check, fill up again afterwards. Especially on flights from non-EU countries there may be additional checks at the gate. Allow a few minutes for this when changing planes.

On the return flight, the bottle has often been in use for several days. Rinse it in the hotel with warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid and let it dry open overnight. According to the manufacturer, our IZY bottles are meant for hand washing only anyway, not for the dishwasher.

Which bottle for hand luggage?

For air travel, a 500 ml bottle is usually plenty: it is compact, and you fill it once after security and perhaps a second time on board. Our two models:

• IZY Bottles Van Gogh Flowers thermos bottle – 500 ml: floral design after Vincent van Gogh, €24.90.
• IZY x Pip Studio “La Dolce Vita” thermos bottle – 500 ml: Pip Studio pattern, round gift tin, €24.90.

A striking design has a side effect when travelling: you recognise your bottle in the security tray immediately. Both are available in the IZY water bottle collection. For more packing ideas, the article Bathrobe for travel is worth a read.

Related reading: Water bottle for your handbag: slim, tight and dry · Water bottle on the beach: how your water survives sun, sand and long hours · 500 ml water bottle: which size suits your everyday life?

Conclusion

A water bottle on a plane is allowed as long as it goes through security empty. Afterwards you fill it at a water dispenser or café and have your own drink with you for the whole flight. Check the current rules of your airport in advance, open the bottle carefully on board and wash it thoroughly by hand after the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a full water bottle in my hand luggage?

Generally not through security if the container holds more than 100 ml. Some airports have relaxed the rules – check the current requirements of your airport before you travel.

Does a stainless steel bottle attract attention at security?

A stainless steel bottle is not see-through. Staff may want to take a closer look. Keep it empty and open, then it is usually quick.

Where do I fill the bottle after security?

At drinking water dispensers in the security area, at cafés on request or by pouring over a bottle of water you have bought.

Can I take tea in the bottle on board?

If you fill it after security, usually yes. Open the bottle slowly and carefully on board, because the cabin pressure changes.

Does the water bottle belong in hand luggage or checked baggage?

Both are possible. In your hand luggage you have it at hand right after security. In your suitcase it should be empty and dry.

IZY water bottles for travel

Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.