Can You Bring A Water Bottle On A Plane?(2024 Rules)

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When travelling by plane, there are so many things to think about. Such as what you can and can’t put in your carry-on and checked luggage. Including can I take a water bottle on a plane with water, or empty? Air travel rules are strict, so it’s important to prepare ahead. Can you bring a water bottle on a plane? CATSA and TSA regulations state the following:

You can bring a water bottle, or container of water in your carry on. As long as it’s in a 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container. There are some exceptions for babies needing formula or breast milk, and people with medical needs. Empty water bottles are allowed. Fill them up once you are through security. 

Just be aware, that it is ultimately up to the TSA agent / security officer as to what they will allow through.

We’ll go through everything you need to know from a traveller and TSA and CATSA perspective (the USA and Canada air transport authorities). Including:

• The 3-1-1- Liquid Rule
• Which types of bottles and sizes are allowed for carry on and checked luggage
• Exceptions to the rules
• Frequently asked questions
• Top 3 favorite travel water bottles

The CATSA is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, and the TSA is the United States Transportation Security Administration.

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AIRLINE APPROVED WATER BOTTLES

As many of us also try to be more responsible travellers, and reduce single-use plastic, being able to bring a reusable water bottle is important.

Bring your empty bottle through security, then fill it up past sceening. Water fountains or bottle filling stations are becoming more common at airports.

You’ll be happy to have some extra liquid on a long flight on your next family vacation to Hawaii. Or wherever your travel takes you. Learn more family travel tips, and pre-travel prep you’ll need to do before you leave.

3-1-1 liquid rule

The 3-1-1 liquid rule allows you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the security checkpoint.

However, the size is limited to 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item in your carry on. All items larger than these must be put in your checked luggage.

Here are the TSA water bottle rules & liquid rules.

Here is some is similar info from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website:

These limits apply to items such as toothpaste, shampoos, mouthwash, lotion and other personal care items. Whether they are in a glass bottle, plastic bottles or a reusable bottle.

If taking international flights, be sure to double check their rules.

Examples of liquids, aerosol and gels that need to follow the 3-1-1 rule

LIQUIDS	GELS	AEROSOLS
Coffee	Lip Gloss	Hairspray
Juice	Styling Gel	Sunscreen Spray
Maple Syrup	Shaving Gel	Shaving Cream
Perfume	Gel-based Deodorant	Static Remover
Liquid Soap	Gel-based Cosmetics	Deodorant Spray
Insect Repellant	Cheese Spread	Aerosol Cheese String
Hairspray	Pudding / Jello
Hand Sanitizer	Peanut Butter
Alcohol	Jam

Types of Bottles Permitted

There are limits to the amount of liquid, rather than the material of bottles you may bring in your carry-on or checked bag.

The 3-1-1 liquid rule applies to all containers, including stainless steel, glass, or plastic bottles. As well as items such as coffee cups, insulated thermos, thermoflasks, toiletries, make up etc.

Here are our top 3 favourite reusable, well travelled water bottles:

• Overall favourite – ThermoFlask Insulated Stainless Steel with 2 lid options for it’s lid versatility, plus it keeps water cold for hours (double walled insulation), and has reliable leak proof lids.

• Best Stainless Steel – Hydro Flask Standard Flex Cap Bottle for it’s comfortable grip, easy to drink out of and fits well into a backpack water bottle sleeve or a car cup holder.

• Best for Water Filtering – GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier Bottle for its high-grade water filtration system for travel, camping or hiking. And it’s comfortable to drink from and durable for all your adventures.

Maximum Size Bottle Allowed

You can bring empty water bottles or containers of any size in either your checked or hand luggage. Within reason of course. As long as they’re empty, you’re safe. 

Exceptions to the Liquid Rules For Carry-On

Both the CATSA and the USA Transportation Authority provide some exceptions to the liquid carry-on rules. Generally these are for liquids related to baby and child nourishment, medications and medical neccessities.

Baby Food, Drinks and Breast Milk

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches), may be brought onto the plane in reasonable amounts, greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres. This also includes their cooling accessories (freezer, gel and ice packs). 

Place these items separately on a screening tray and let the TSA officer know at the start of your screening process.

If you don’t want these items opened or x-rayed, let them know in advance. They may be able to use different screening processes. 

Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions

Essential prescription and non-prescription medications are usually exempt from the liquid items rules.

Both the TSA & CATSA allow larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, aerosols and gels. In reasonable quantities for your trip.

• Medically necessary liquids and/or medications must be separated from your other belongings and declared to the officer.

In Canada, documentation to support your medical needs or condition is not required. However it’s a good idea to carry just in case.

In the US, you may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. But it doesn’t look like it’s mandatory. TSA Cares is a helpline to help travellers with disabilities and medical conditions through the screening process.

Tips for Travelling with a Water Bottle

Travelling with a water bottle is not only handy, but better for the environment. Every bit of plastic ever created is out there somewhere. A scary thought. 

Here are some tips for travelling with a reusable water bottle:

• Empty your water bottle before you go through security. You won’t be allowed to bring a full water bottle.
• Place the empty reusable water bottle in bin beside your bag, to make it easier for them to inspect. 
• Put water bottles and containers with liquids, pastes, gels more than the allowed 100 ml (3.4 oz.) in your checked bag. Follow the 3-1-1 rule.
• Let the TSA officers know if you are carrying liquids that are exempt from these rules. 
• Place exempt liquids, gels, medications, aerosols in a separate bin for inspection.

Before flying back from vacation with all your souvenirs, check out the rules on bringing magnets on planes.

FAQs

Related Travel Tips:

• Rules for bringing magnets on planes
• Pre-Travel Checklist for stress free travel
• How often should you take a family vacation?
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• Ways to build a travel fund