One popular flying tip that keeps resurfacing on TikTok is how to bring a full bottle of water through a US airport security checkpoint. The trick to doing this is actually quite straightforward.

 The TSA-approved trick that lets travelers carry a full bottle of water past airport security.

A passenger takes a sip of water before discarding the bottle at a security checkpoint in San Francisco International Airport.

As millions of Americans take to the skies during another scorching summer, many are on the lookout for simple travel hacks to make their trips a bit more comfortable.

One tip that keeps resurfacing on TikTok is how to bring a full bottle of water through a U.S. airport security checkpoint.

The trick? Just freeze it beforehand.

Surprisingly, this isn’t against the rules — the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) actually approves of it.

“Frozen liquid items are permitted through security as long as they are completely frozen when presented for screening,” a TSA spokesperson confirmed to International News 24 via email.

However, they added, “If the frozen item is partially melted, slushy, or contains any liquid at the bottom, it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.” This rule allows travelers to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), all fitting into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable bag.

What if your frozen water bottle starts melting before security? Simply drink it before placing it in the screening bin.

There are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule — passengers are allowed to carry larger quantities of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols, but these must be declared to TSA officers for inspection. And yes, even your pet goldfish is allowed, surprisingly enough.

In the end, it’s best not to pack any food or frozen liquids in your carry-on that you'd be disappointed to lose.

As the TSA website states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”

What's the purpose?

Unsurprisingly, some travelers aren’t sold on the idea of bringing frozen water bottles through airport security.

In the comments on popular TikTok videos and blog posts sharing the tip, many questioned the need for the hack — especially since it’s easy to bring an empty bottle through security and refill it for free at the water stations now common in most airport departure areas.

Others felt it was too much hassle just to avoid buying a bottle of water after security, even with the higher prices. Some even noted that on short flights, the ice might not melt quickly enough to be drinkable in time.

On the other hand, a few travelers were surprised more people didn’t already know about this trick  especially since the TSA regularly shares reminders about it on their social media channels.

Among the frequent flyers who see value in the idea is aviation blogger John E. DiScala, better known as Johnny Jet. Having traveled over 100,000 miles annually since 1995 and visited more than 100 countries, he’s no stranger to life on the go.

“While I’ve never personally brought a frozen water bottle through security, there are definitely times when this travel hack makes sense,” he said in a 2024 interview.

“Sure, I usually refill my bottle after security — that’s my go-to. But sometimes there’s no refill station nearby, the line is too long, or you’re just rushing to catch your flight. In those moments, it’d be great to already have some ice-cold water with you.”

He also noted that the travel chaos during last summer’s heatwaves is another reason to consider freezing a bottle before heading to the airport.

“Water from a refill station is fine, but during extreme heat, nothing beats ice-cold water,” DiScala added. “There were plenty of stories about passengers stuck on delayed flights, waiting on the tarmac — I’m sure many of them wished they had something cold to keep them hydrated.”

Some travelers wonder why anyone would go through the trouble of freezing a water bottle before a flight, especially since most airports now offer free water refill stations.

“It’s always wise to stay prepared.”

When asked whether some travelers bring frozen bottles through U.S. airport security just for the thrill of outsmarting “the system,” DiScala acknowledged that might be part of the motivation. However, he emphasized that this hack can genuinely be useful.

“Sure, people enjoy travel tricks that make them feel like they’re beating the system — like fitting an extra carry-on’s worth of clothes into a travel pillow — but this one is not only simple and cheap, it can also help keep you safe, hydrated, and healthy,” he explained.

“I never like relying on flight attendants for water, so it’s always smart to be prepared and carry your own.”

Travelers departing from countries outside the U.S. should check local regulations before freezing their water bottles, as rules vary. For example, Canada has stricter policies.

While the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) doesn’t specifically address frozen water bottles, it states that gel and ice packs are subject to the 100 ml liquid limit, similar to non-solid foods, with certain exceptions.

“Frozen liquids, such as ice, are allowed in quantities of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less,” according to a post on the CATSA website.

“Food items over 100 ml that are normally liquid or gel but have been frozen solid will not be permitted in carry-on luggage. For food to be considered solid, it must remain solid at room temperature.”

The hacks that make us go ‘why?’

It’s no surprise that the frozen water bottle hack gained popularity on TikTok. The app is packed with travel tips and tricks designed to help flyers while showcasing various trends.

Some of these hacks are genuinely useful, but others can spark frustration.

Take last year’s “airport tray aesthetic” trend, where users posted carefully arranged photos of their sunglasses, shoes, toiletries, and reading materials inside those standard polypropylene security trays. Although many were just staged at home, the posts drew criticism, with some pointing out that the airport security line isn’t the place for a photo shoot.

Then there are travelers who seem intent on making flying even more stressful than it already is. Enter the “airport theory” TikTok trend, which claims that passengers can arrive as little as 15 minutes before boarding if they check in online and only carry on luggage.

The award for the most unfortunately named flying trend goes to “raw dogging.” Flyers brag about enduring entire flights without any form of entertainment — no books, no movies, no music.

But not all viral posts are harmless. Experts have raised concerns about a so-called flying hack circulating on TikTok and Instagram that supposedly helps passengers sleep better.

In these videos, passengers pull their knees to their chest, place their feet at the edge of the seat, and fasten their seatbelts around their ankles to keep their feet from slipping, allowing them to rest their heads on their knees.

Unsurprisingly, U.S. flight attendants strongly discourage this practice.

“This is extremely dangerous,” Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents 55,000 attendants across 20 airlines, told Travel Channel earlier this year.

“The seatbelt is designed to sit low and tight across your lap to protect you during turbulence, emergency landings, or accidents. Wearing it improperly not only compromises your safety but also puts others at risk if you’re thrown around during turbulence.”

This story was originally published in 2024 and updated in July 2025.

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