Are we allowed to have empty water bottles when we're going through security check at the airport? What about snacks and medication? I take some medication that is liquid form and don't want to put it in my check-in luggage. My son suffers from hypoglycemia and so do I. We always take some snacks wherever we go, and used to on planes but I don't know if things have changed from the last time we flew.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2745 posts
Well some things depend....
I have had TSA agents who are jerks and really give you a hard time about the empty water bottles so....
Put the liquid medication in a seperate baggie from your other liquids, pull it out of your carry on and send it thru the scanner... (where they can't really see "liquids" but...)
Posted by
Ardmore, PA, US
225 posts
Empty water bottles are fine, although as Carol noted, some TSA agents wake up on the wrong side of the bed occasionally.
I have never had a problem with glucose tablets or gel when going through security. I often travel with small packets of "Gu" which is 100 calories of glucose in an individual package. They are clearly labeled as such and can be found at many runner's or outdoor stores. And I always travel with snacks which haven't been a problem.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
An empty sports drink bottle should be no problem whatsoever. I carry one with me at all times. I just keep it in my carry-on and fill it once I'm either past security at a water fountain or once on board the Aircraft. Just ask F/A to fill it from their bottled water supply. Never fill it from the tap in the Lav.
Portable snacks are a must. You can't always guarantee that you will be given something to eat on demand. Carry those glucose tablets in case of hypoglycemia. In a pinch, a packet or two of sugar in your water botlle will do the trick.
Your medication should be kept with you at all times while on board the Aircraft. Liquid medication is an exception to the liquid rules. Make sure they are in their originally labled containers. You might consider asking your Dr to write you a letter stating that you require these meds for Medical purposes. You shouldn't really need it but it could come in handy.
Be sure to visit the Airline's website to answer any questions.
Fly Safe,
F/A
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Carry an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain post-security. Bring dry snacks in your carry on for the flight in case you find yourself starving. My technique is to put snacks, book, sweater and rain jacket in a daypack. You might add a blowup pillow. The daypack is in my carry on. It comes out when I put the carry on in the overhead rack and goes under the seat in front of me.
I usually arrive at my destination with most or all of my snacks because I slept most of the trip. That allows me to have something to snack on while I'm clearing customs, getting cash from an ATM, getting transportation from the airport and checking in to my lodging. Plan on several hours after landing before you can get a decent meal. If everything goes really smoothly, it may be only a couple of hours.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
As stated above, perscription medications are okay. You might also consider having your doctor do what mine did, write a note in some basic language of the countries you are going to indicating that this is a valid perscription in case you run into a customs officer who doesn't speak English (rare but I've heard of it happening in Eastern Europe in particular).