Can you take a hydro flask on a plane?
This is a common question among travelers looking to stay hydrated on flights or want to avoid paying for overpriced water bottles at the airport.
We love traveling with a hydro flask because it keeps our drinks hot or cold for hours and is perfect for long flights.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the all-important question: can you bring a hydro flask on a plane?
We’re here to give you the most up-to-date TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines for air travel with a hydro flask (and all other water bottles), so you know exactly what to expect on your next flight without any worry.
Water you waiting for? Read on to learn about the specific regulations and insider tips about flying with your trusty hydro flask.
Note: This post about “Can you take a hydro flask on a plane” is written according to TSA rules in the United States. Some countries may have different regulations, so if you’re flying in another country, these rules may not apply. We recommend you check with your airline or relevant authority for more information.
This post may contain affiliate links to the products we use and trust, where we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using our links. See disclosure.
Can You Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane?
So, can you take a hydro flask on a plane? Yes, you can! 🤩
Below, we’ll discuss the specific rules for traveling with your hydro flask in your carry-on bag vs. your checked bag.
Can I Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane in My Carry-On?
Yes, you can take a Hydro Flask bottle on a plane in your carry-on bag. However, the flask must be completely empty when you go through security.
The same rule applies to all metal water bottles, a stainless steel water bottle, a glass bottle, and plastic water bottles — the material doesn’t matter.
These can all be in your carry-on luggage but must be empty prior to entering the security checkpoint.
Can I Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane in My Checked Bag?
You can also take a Hydro Flask on a plane in your checked luggage, which goes for any other metal, glass, or plastic water bottle.
You can even pack filled water bottles in your checked bag because TSA doesn’t require emptying them before your flight.
According to the TSA website, these are the liquid rules for checked baggage: “The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).”
Even though you can technically pack filled water bottles in your checked luggage, we don’t recommend it because:
🚫 After you drop your bags off at the baggage claim, you won’t have access to your hydro flask, which defeats the purpose of bringing it in the first place because you’ll have to buy expensive drinks at the airport.
🚫 There’s also a possibility that your water bottle could leak and make a mess of your other belongings.
Can You Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane for International and Domestic Flights?
Yes, you can take a hydro flask on a plane for both domestic and international flights.
The key is to remember that the water bottle you bring must be empty before going through security.
Most major airlines permit you to travel with a hydro flask, but some smaller international airlines might have different requirements, so it’s best to contact the airline ahead of time if you’re unsure.
Wondering what else you can bring on a plane? Check out these posts for more information on what you can and can’t bring when flying:
Should I Pack My Hydro Flask in My Checked Luggage or Carry-On?
You can pack your hydro flask in your checked AND carry-on luggage.
Where you want to pack it depends on whether you want access to your water bottle during the flight.
If you plan on drinking out of your hydro flask mid-flight, packing it in your carry-on is best.
But if you don’t need access to it until you reach your destination and don’t want to worry about carrying it around the airport, packing your hydro flask in checked luggage is a good option.
We always travel with our empty reusable water bottle, and as a general rule of thumb, we always prefer having it on hand rather than bothering the flight attendants for a cup of water.
You never know when thirst might strike!
💧 Looking for a trusty Hydro Flask to take with you on your next adventure? We love this Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Cap! It comes in several colors and holds 40 ounces of your favorite beverage.
Can You Bring an Empty Hydro Flask on a Plane?
According to the TSA regulations, you can bring an empty water bottle in your hand luggage, and you don’t even have to pack them separately or take them out when you go through the metal detectors at the TSA checkpoint.
However, it’s important to note that the final decision rests on the TSA agent whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
So, if you’re carrying a Hydro Flask that looks like it could contain liquids, you might be asked to empty it out before you can take it past security.
Can You Fill Your Hydro Flask on the Plane?
You can technically fill up your hydro flask on the plane, but you’d either have to buy a water bottle in flight or beg the flight attendant to give you enough water cups to fill up your bottle.
But we don’t recommend doing either of those because buying water in-flight is expensive, and flight attendants have more pressing tasks than constantly refilling people’s water bottles.
Whatever you do, it’s important to note that filling your Hydro Flask in the airplane bathroom is not safe.
The water in the airplane bathroom is unsafe for consumption and may contain harmful bacteria.
Filling your hydro flask at a designated water fountain or hydration station before boarding your flight is the best option.
Can You Fill Your Hydro Flask at the Airport?
Yes, you can fill up your hydro flask at the airport AFTER you pass the airport security checkpoint.
Remember that you can’t bring filled water bottles through airport security, but once you pass the checkpoint, you’ll find several free water fountains or a water station to fill up your hydro flask.
These water bottle refilling stations are typically located near restrooms or food courts, and you can fill up your bottle with filtered water for free.
Don’t fill up your water bottle in the bathroom because you don’t want to risk getting sick from the potentially unhygienic tap water.
Is There a Hydro Flask Size Limit for Airplanes?
Overall, the size of the hydro flask doesn’t matter; there are no size restrictions for empty hydro flasks when it comes to air travel.
The only thing that matters for carry-on bags is that they’re empty when you go through security.
For checked bags, there are typically no restrictions on size or weight as long as the items can be safely stored and transported without causing damage to other passengers’ baggage or the plane itself.
The only problem is that if you bring a big hydro flask, you’ll have to carry it around the airport, and it’ll only get heavier once you fill it up with water.
Plus, it’ll take up valuable space in your carry-on bag. Who wants to lug around a gallon of water? Not us!
Can I Bring a Yeti or Other Metal Reusable Water Bottles on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring a Yeti cup, a thermos flask, or any other metal reusable water bottle on a plane, as long as it is empty when you pass through security.
It doesn’t matter what material the water bottle is, how big it is, or what brand it is — stainless steel, plastic, glass, etc.
As long as there isn’t any liquid in it, the water bottle will be allowed through airport security, and you’ll be able to fill it up after you pass through the checkpoint.
Will a Hydro Flask and Other Metal Water Bottles Explode on a Plane?
Many people wonder if metal water bottles, like hydro flasks, are safe to bring on a plane because they worry that the cabin pressure changes during flight will cause them to explode.
This is a myth! Water bottles won’t explode in an airplane cabin (or in checked baggage) because there’s not enough air pressure change for that to happen.
If you fill your water bottle up to the brim, there’s a chance that a few drops of water could leak out from the lid while opening it.
As such, we recommend leaving some room in the bottle and not filling it to the top, just in case.
You’ll also want to make sure to open the lid slowly so the extra pressure can be released and the water doesn’t leak out.
If you’re using a water bottle with a straw or a flip-up mouthpiece, be extra careful because water can leak out due to pressure if you open the lid too fast.
But don’t worry — even with all these precautions, your hydro flask won’t explode mid-flight!
Should I Remove My Hydro Flask When Going Through the Airport Security Checkpoint?
You don’t have to remove your hydro flask when going through the airport security checkpoint.
Unless an officer requests it, you don’t have to take your hydro flask out of your bag and place it separately in the tray for scanning.
The TSA agents will use X-ray scanners to check the contents of your luggage, so if there’s liquid in your water bottle, they’ll pull your bag aside and ask you to empty it out.
But if your hydro flask is empty, the metal detectors won’t have any problems with it, and you can keep it in your bag without removing it.
Do I Need to Empty My Hydro Flask Before Going Through Security?
Your hydro flask must be completely empty when you pass the airport security checkpoint.
Even if your hydro flask is partially filled, the TSA agents will ask you to empty it before proceeding through the checkpoint.
You can fill up your hydro flask after you pass the security checkpoint, so you don’t have to worry about being waterless on your flight.
Practical Tips for Bringing a Hydro Flask on a Plane
If you’re planning to bring a Hydro Flask on a plane, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Here are some practical tips to help you out:
- Empty your hydro flask before going through security. Per TSA’s rules, you can’t bring any liquids over 3.4 ounces through security. So, ensure your hydro flask is completely empty before reaching the security checkpoint.
- Make sure your hydro flask is dry and free from any residue. Any leftover liquid or residue can be mistaken for a prohibited substance, and your hydro flask may be confiscated. So, clean and dry your hydro flask thoroughly before packing it in your carry-on suitcase.
- Pack your hydro flask securely to prevent breakage or leaks. While packing your hydro flask in your checked luggage, ensure it is well-protected from any impact or pressure. Use bubble wrap or other cushioning materials to prevent breakage if you’re traveling with a glass water bottle.
- Avoid maximum filling. When you fill your hydro flask to the brim, changes in altitude can cause the liquid to expand and leak. So, leave some room at the top of your hydro flask to accommodate any changes in pressure.
- Choose the right size hydro flask. While you can bring a hydro flask on a plane, make sure you’re not lugging around a giant water bottle. Choose a size that fits your needs and is lightweight enough for you to carry comfortably.
FAQs: Can You Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane
Can I bring a metal water bottle on a plane?
You can bring a metal water bottle, such as a hydro flask, on a plane. There will be no issues as long as it is empty when you go through security.
Can an empty Hydroflask go through TSA?
Yes, an empty hydro flask can go through TSA. Just ensure it is completely empty and free from any residue when you pass through the security checkpoint.
Are steel flasks allowed on planes?
Yes, steel flasks are allowed on planes. As long as it is empty when you go through security, there will be no issues.
What material water bottles are TSA approved?
TSA-approved water bottles can be made of any material, such as stainless steel, plastic, glass, etc. As long as it is empty when you go through security, there will be no issues.
Can I put a metal water bottle in my suitcase?
Yes, you can put a metal water bottle in your suitcase. Just make sure it is empty and securely packed before putting it into the suitcase to prevent any breakage or leaks.
Can you bring a glass water bottle in carry-on?
Yes, you can bring a glass water bottle in your carry-on. However, ensure it is empty when you go past airport security and that it’s securely packed to prevent any damage or breakage during the flight.
Can you bring a 40 oz hydro flask on a plane?
Yes, you can bring a 40 oz hydro flask on a plane. However, it must be emptied before going through the security checkpoint. Be sure to open the lid slowly to prevent any water leakage due to pressure while taking a drink mid-flight.
Final Thoughts: Can You Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane?
Can you take a hydro flask on a plane? Yes!
Traveling with a hydro flask or any other insulated water bottle on a plane is not only doable but also an eco-friendly choice that can save money on buying bottled water at the airport.
Remember to keep your refillable water bottle empty while passing through security, fill it up at a water fountain, and avoid filling it to the brim.
With these practical tips in mind, you can have a hydrated, hassle-free journey. Safe travels!
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