Ever paid a ridiculous price for a bottle of water after getting through airport security?
I have, and I finally got tired of it.
Now, instead of buying overpriced water at the airport, I freeze a bottle the night before my flight.
As long as it’s frozen solid when I go through security, TSA allows me to bring it through the checkpoint.
According to the TSA, solid ice or completely frozen water bottles are allowed through the checkpoint. If any liquid has melted at the bottom, it will be confiscated. [1, 2]
The Frozen Water Trick
If freezing a bottle isn’t practical for your trip, here are two other easy ways to save money on water at the airport.
Option 1: Bring an Empty Reusable Bottle
Most airports now have water bottle filling stations after security. (This is my favorite reusable neoprene water bottle.)
Option 2: Bring Ice Instead
If the ice is frozen solid when you go through security, you can add water once you’re past the checkpoint. (Ice has the best chance of staying frozen if you put it in an insulated stainless steel water bottle like the one I have.)
Personally, I find it less stressful to bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it once I’m inside the terminal. Most airports now have water bottle filling stations, so it’s quick, easy, and I never have to worry about whether my water stayed frozen long enough to make it through security. I also find its one less thing to think about on travel day. Plus I never have to wonder whether my water stayed frozen long enough to get through security.
If I’m traveling somewhere that doesn’t have convenient refill stations, freezing a bottle of water is still a handy option to keep in mind.I’d much rather spend that money on a great meal or another travel experience. Spending $5 or $6 on bottled water every time I fly can add up quickly. I’d much rather put that money toward a great meal or another travel experience.
Little travel tips like this won’t make you rich, but they can save you money trip after trip. Sometimes it’s the little travel hacks that make the biggest difference.
DO YOU HAVE A TRAVEL TIP THAT'S HELPED YOU?Share it in the comments below. We all want to find new ways to travel smarter. |
✈️ Travel Smarter
If you found this tip helpful, you might also enjoy:
I think that health is wealth. I also believe that we should learn to filter our own water especially when we are travelling or we are in a different place.Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, I totally agree with what you said. The store in the airport charge way to much for a bottle of water. I want to save money. I will try to do your tip. I hope my frozen bottle will pass the screening when I try to do it.
Thank goodness finally tips to not be dehydrated!
AND it saves you money on all those expensive airport drinks! Even the bottled water costs an arm and a leg.