Can You Bring Ice Through TSA?

Staying hydrated while traveling is key to feeling good, but you can’t bring a bottle of water through airport security… or can you? The secret to bringing a full bottle of water through TSA is simply freezing it. 

Water in any quantity is allowed through airport security as long as it is frozen solid. A TSA Spokesperson told SmarterTravel, “Frozen water bottles are allowed in carry-on bags. The containers can be more than 3.4oz each as long as the item is completely frozen solid when presented for screening.” 

However, this trick only works for fully frozen liquids. The TSA clarifies, “If it’s slightly melted, slushy, or there’s liquid in the bottom of the container, it must be 3.4oz or less.”

If I’m traveling a far enough distance from the airport that my water will be partially melted by the time we get to TSA, I simply drink the small amount of water that’s collected at the bottom right before I go through security screening to avoid any hassles.

Once you’re past airport security, allow your water to melt (topping up the frozen part with water from a bottle refilling station can help it melt faster), and you’ll have ice-cold water for your journey—for free!

The frozen water bottle trick can also be useful if you want to bring food through airport security. If you’re bringing in a meal that you want to keep cold, pack a small cooler and use frozen water bottles instead of ice packs. It will keep your food at a safe temperature, and you’ll also have a nice drink to accompany your meal once the ice melts. (Just remember that the 3-1-1 rule still applies to food, so things like yogurt still need to be less than 3.4oz.)

Of course, if you don’t want to wait for your water to melt, or prefer room temperature water, you can simply bring an empty bottle through airport security and fill it up once you’re past TSA. Most airports have free filtered water stations where you can fill your bottle.