As you prepare for your next flight, it’s important to know what items are allowed in your carry-on and checked luggage and which are prohibited.
Glass bottles can be fragile and potentially dangerous if not packed properly, so it’s understandable to have concerns about bringing them on a plane.
This blog post aims to deliver a comprehensive guide on the rules and regulations governing the transportation of glass bottles on airplanes.
Additionally, we will provide valuable tips on how to pack them safely for your travels.
The TSA’s glass rules are “crystal clear”:
Glass bottles are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage as long as they are empty.
If you want to bring glass bottles containing liquids in your carry-on, you must comply with the TSA liquids 3-1-1 rule.
The rule states that liquids must be placed in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per item. The containers should be placed in a clear, quart-sized bag, and one bag is allowed per passenger.
Keep in mind that the TSA’s liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage are based on the size of the container rather than the amount of liquid it contains.
Related: Can you bring Plates or Mugs on a plane?
Even if an opened bottle of wine holds less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of wine, you’re still not allowed to pack it in your carry-on luggage.
When it comes to checked luggage, regulations tend to be more forgiving, as there are no restrictions on the volume of liquids you may bring along.
However, certain hazardous liquids are never permitted in checked bags, and alcohol and aerosols are subject to limitations.
Related: Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?
In addition, beverages containing more than 70% alcohol cannot be carried in checked bags because they are highly flammable.
It is essential to conduct your due diligence by verifying specific regulations on the TSA website for the type of liquid you plan to bring along.
If the website does not provide any restrictions, it generally means you may safely transport as many glass bottles as you desire in your checked baggage.
You may bring an unlimited number of empty glass bottles in your checked luggage.
Can you take empty glass bottles on a plane?
You are allowed to bring empty glass bottles on a plane in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
However, there are some important things to consider when traveling with glass bottles in your carry-on.
Related: Can You Take Glass on a Plane?
First, the TSA mandates that the entirety of the interior of your glass container be visible to their agents. This applies to all types of glass containers, such as vases or perfume bottles.
There’s no need to worry if you have a clear glass bottle. However, if you have a dark glass container with an unusual shape, you must verify that the inside is visible.
You can do this by using a flashlight to illuminate the bottle. If the interior is visible, you may bring it in your carry-on. If it’s not, you must pack the glass bottle in your checked baggage.
Related: Can you take beer in checked luggage?
It’s also important to note that TSA agents prohibit objects that could be used as weapons from being brought onto the airplane.
If your glass bottle is too heavy or appears to be something that could potentially cause harm if wielded as a weapon, it’s advisable to pack it in your checked luggage.
Additionally, glass bottles that resemble guns, weapons, or explosives are not allowed in your carry-on, even if the glass is transparent and the interior is visible.
Lastly, if your glass bottle or vase has any cracks or sharp edges, TSA agents will probably not permit it in your carry-on luggage.
In conclusion, you can bring empty glass bottles on a plane, but make sure to follow the TSA guidelines to avoid any issues at security.
What size glass bottle can you take on a plane?
There are no limitations on the size of glass bottles you can carry onboard as long as they fit inside your luggage.
However, if you intend to transport a large glass or ceramic container in your carry-on, be aware that TSA agents may request to inspect it closely by asking you to open your bag.
Can you bring cologne bottles on a plane?
Yes, you may transport cologne bottles in your carry-on baggage, provided that you comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids policy.
Nonetheless, I do not recommend transferring cologne to a smaller container if your bottle exceeds 3.4 ounces in volume.
This is because most colognes contain alcohol, which dissolves and preserves the fragrance oils in a specific ratio.
When you open the original container, the alcohol begins to evaporate, and the constituents inside change rapidly, resulting in reduced shelf life and a slightly altered scent. That is why most cologne manufacturers advise customers to store the product in its original container.
Related: Can You Bring Lightbulbs on a Plane?
It’s important to note that there are specific rules regarding bringing cologne in checked bags, and these rules are established by the FAA rather than the TSA.
According to FAA regulations, one individual cannot bring more than 68 fluid ounces of cologne in their checked baggage, and each bottle should not exceed 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
Additionally, the FAA mandates that all aerosol-type colognes must have a cap to prevent accidental release during transit.
Can you bring drinking glasses on a plane?
You are permitted to bring drinking glasses in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
However, it is essential to remember that long-stem drinking glasses are not allowed in your carry-on bag.
TSA agents believe that the lengthy stem could be utilized to create an improvised weapon; thus, it is better to pack them in your checked luggage.
Can you bring glass knives inside the carry-on?
No, glass knives are prohibited in your carry-on baggage, according to TSA regulations. They must be packed in your checked luggage.
Additionally, you should know that glass forks and other pointy glass items are not allowed in your carry-on luggage.
Can you bring glass makeup bottles on a plane?
Yes, you can bring glass makeup bottles on a plane, but there are specific guidelines. If the container holds more than 3.4 ounces, it must be packed in your checked luggage.
Transferring the contents to a smaller container to comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is not recommended, as many makeup manufacturers advise against opening their bottles.
For example, products like mascara and eyeliner can cause skin irritation, swelling, and even conjunctivitis when transferred to another container due to contact with harmful bacteria.
To prevent any health hazards, it’s preferable to keep them in their original packaging and transport them inside the checked luggage if the container exceeds 3.4 ounces.
Can you bring mini alcohol bottles in your carry-on?
You are allowed to bring shooters and nips inside the carry-on as long as the bottles are under 3.4 oz and stored in a quart-sized bag.
This drastically limits the quantity of alcohol you can bring with you.
Remember that you are not allowed to open the mini bottles and sip while inside the airplane, even if the aircraft is not in flight.
The FAA clearly states that passengers are not allowed to drink alcohol on board unless the air crew serves it.
How to pack glass bottles for air travel
1. Carry-on
If you travel with a glass bottle inside a carry-on, then most likely, the bottle is empty unless you fill it with water after the checkpoint.
You can squeeze the cap tightly and wrap the bottle in a soft fabric to protect it. If you have multiple glass bottles in your carry-on, it’s best to wrap them individually to prevent any potential collisions.
2. Checked luggage
Glass bottles are unlikely to explode due to airplane pressure, but they may leak.
While reusable wine bags for travel are available online, they may not be worth the investment unless you frequently travel with bottles.
Instead, placing the bottle in two Ziploc bags should suffice to protect your belongings from potential leaks.
However, if you are traveling with expensive wine and want to ensure its safety, consider investing in a reusable wine bag.
When packing glass bottles, place them in the center of your luggage, and if possible, opt for a hard-side suitcase over a soft-side one.
To ensure their safety, wrap each bottle in bubble wrap and surround them with sturdy clothing, such as jeans.
While attaching a “fragile” tag to your luggage may give you a sense of accomplishment, it’s unlikely to make a difference, as most luggage handlers ignore them nowadays.
Can you take a glass snow globe inside your carry-on?
Yes, but only if the glass globe is under 100 ml or 3.4 ounces since TSA sees it as a liquid container. If you can’t determine how much liquid the snow globe contains, don’t panic.
The TSA states that if the snow globe is bigger than a tennis ball, then it’s too big for carry-on, and you must place it inside a checked bag.
Can you get free water on a plane?
Although all planes have water tanks utilized by the crew for brewing tea or coffee, it’s not advisable to request free water as the tanks are not frequently sanitized.
In fact, the tanks can go without cleaning for months. To ensure your health and safety, it’s best to ask for bottled water instead, even if it means paying for it.
