A Greener Way Through Airport Security
On a trip to Florida to visit my family for Mother’s Day this past weekend, I had a bit of a breakthrough. We can all agree that having to pay $5 for a bottle of water that would be $1 or less elsewhere is ridiculous.
But with current TSA regulations dictating that each traveler may only bring liquids that will fit in three-ounce bottles (which then must all fit in a one-quart plastic bag), this is what thirsty passengers have to do once they pass through security.
At least, that is what I used to do before discovering a greener (and very inexpensive) alternative! Sarah Pascarella at SmarterTravel.com recommends bringing an empty water bottle through security to fill at a water fountain on the other side. The TSA website does not explicitly state that empty water bottles may be brought through security, but common sense indicates that, since the current rules regulate liquids rather than the containers that hold them, an empty water bottle would be permissible. So I decided to test Pascarella’s recommendation this weekend and made it through security with my empty water bottle with no trouble whatsoever!
Until a TSA official instructs me to the contrary, I will be bringing my own empty bottle to the airport from now on – and save $5 and avoid having to recycle a newly purchased bottle.
Comments
That is what I have been doing for almost two years now. Once I get through security, I take out my klean kanteen and fill it at a water fountain. For a frequent traveler it is the best thing. Then when I get on the plane and they come around asking for drink orders, I ask the flight attendant to fill my bottle again. There is no point using a small plastic cup, when they will fill the bottle up for me.
That is a really good idea for the next time I go flying. These new rules are there for a reason but are tough to get used to. The last time I was flying, I had to surrender a few packs of yogurts that were left over during my stay and I wanted to snack on them during the flight.
Till then,
Jean
Great post! I was once “escorted out” with my own water bottle 4 years ago. They made me empty it and then go back in line.
I found it pretty entertaining, and was not the least bit ashamed when I came back through with my empty water bottle in hand ready for a refill
Thanks for the reminder!
I am so happy to hear that bringing empty water bottles through airport security is a tried and true method! I was a little worried that I might be giving Pays to Live Green readers bad advice, but I’m glad to know that I’m not the only person who’s had luck with this!
I’ve not once purchased a bottle of water. I just can’t pay for something I can have for free.