Let’s be honest: going through airport security is the absolute worst and you’re not wrong to think so. If you’ve flown in the past two decades, you’ve probably had to deal with the headache of dumping your water bottle before reaching the security checkpoint. Some airports even have explicit signs instructing you to do so. You’ve got two options: chug a whole bottle of water or dump it.
During the moment, it can feel pretty annoying, especially if you’re flying through a busy airport and have to find a dumping station to get rid of your beloved H2O. But why exactly is water, literally the best drink in the world, treated like a potential threat?
The TSA Has Specific Rules Surrounding Water Going Through Airport Security
Note that it’s not just water that’s banned — it’s actually most liquids. According to Mental Floss, the reason water isn’t allowed through airport security stems from a foiled terrorist plot in 2006, which officials have labeled Operation OVERT. Terrorists planned to detonate liquid explosives disguised as drinks on planes. This specific incident caused aviation experts and authorities worldwide to implement strict regulations on liquids in carry-on luggage. This new requirement also forces water to be scrutinized.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on bags. Avid travelers might know this as “the 3-1-1 liquids rule.” This specific rule allows passengers to bring small amounts of liquids, like toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, and more in a quart-sized bag. And seeing as the amount of liquids you can bring through is so small, it makes sense that you wouldn’t bring water through.
How Can I Get Water at the Airport?
But why can’t security officers simply check if a bottle contains water? The answer lies in the challenges of quickly and accurately identifying liquids. Many harmless liquids can appear similar to dangerous substances on X-ray machines. It also helps that there are travel-sized versions of shampoos, mouthwashes, and lotion that you can purchase at your drugstore. If you’ve got these and they’re clearly labeled, chances are you won’t have any issues. Ultimately, the goal is to breeze through airport security without a fuss, so passengers have to dump their water.
Now, if you’re a water fiend, don’t stress. You’re allowed to bring an empty water bottle to the airport. Once you’ve passed through airport security, you can fill your bottle up at a water fountain at your terminal. You can also always get a water bottle at a store in the terminal. And yes, you can bring these purchased water bottles on your flight.
