Can I bring a water bottle through airport security?

You can bring an empty water bottle through TSA security and fill it on the other side. Every airport terminal has water fountains or bottle-filling stations past security. Many travelers bring a reusable bottle specifically for this purpose.

A full water bottle will be confiscated. Water is a liquid, and the 3-1-1 rule limits all liquids to containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Even a half-full bottle won't pass — TSA officers will ask you to either drink it, dump it, or surrender it at the checkpoint.

Some airports are beginning to test CT scanners that may eventually eliminate liquid restrictions (the same technology used in some European airports), but as of 2026, the 3-1-1 rule is still in full effect at all U.S. airports. Pro tip: frozen water bottles are technically allowed if fully frozen solid, but they'll get extra scrutiny and may be rejected if any liquid has formed.