How to get Your Favorite Drink Through Airport Security

One of the most annoying parts of traveling is going through the TSA security line. Yeah, the part of your travels where you basically have to strip down to your skivvies in front of strangers so you can board the flight to wherever it is you’re going.

I’ve written about how I feel about the TSA before, but here’s something you may not realize about their rules. There is a way you can get your favorite drink (bigger than 3.4 ounces) past security!


A reminder of TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
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For the past 10+ years, the TSA has had this rule on liquids where you can’t get past security with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a container. In addition, the containers that are holding the liquid are required to fit into a resealable quart-sized plastic bag.

While that rule is one of the most annoying things about travel, it’s ultimately for safety. Though, if you ask me, I think the rule (and administration as a whole) is basically useless and needs to rethink its priorities.


So how can someone get a drink past the TSA?

There are several ways you can do this.

​One way you can do this is to bring an empty bottle/mug thru security and fill it with water (or possibly something like coffee) after you pass through security.

Another, more ingenious, way to get a drink through security is to freeze it before leaving for the airport.

Yes, freezing a drink/liquid is a totally legit way to get it past TSA without breaking the rules. According to the official TSA guidelines: 

“Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.”

A third way, if your favorite drink happens to be of the alcoholic variety, is buying those miniature bottles. You can get those past security, and onto the plane. Though, drinking them on the plane is a whole other issue. The rules say you can't do that "unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served the beverage." The way around that (if you brought your own booze on board) is to ask a flight attendant to pour it for you (though that won't work all the time). 

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Bottom line

If traveling is stressful enough for you, a taste of home may be just the thing you need. And if that “taste” is, say, an iced brew from your local coffee shop, then you can bring it with you, as long as it’s frozen. After you get through the TSA line, find some hot/warm water to run your frozen drink under to thaw it.

If that taste of home is alcohol, that's possible too. Just make sure you follow the rules, and you'll be a happy traveler.  

Have you ever tried anything like this?


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