[rquirk]

While we're at it, can we be allowed to carry bottles of water through security? At least in Europe, having to pay 3€ for a 50cl bottle of water after passing through the checks is clearly just a money-making scheme and has nothing to do with stopping terrorism.

[jheitmann]

You can do that today. Just freeze it: https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/cib_results.aspx?search=gel%2...

I learned that from one of the TSA line prep barkers. They were putting such a jolly spin on their spiel and it sounded so ridiculous that I assumed it was a joke. But, both happily and sadly, nope.

[genetik]

When I travel, I bring an empty cycling water bottle with me and send it through the x-ray with the top off so it's obviously empty. Once through security, I fill it up in a water fountain and hydrate for free.

[rquirk]

Yes, I do this too. Incredibly, a lot of airports only have hot water in the bathrooms. Or sinks designed in such a way that a bottle can hardly be filled at all.

[freehunter]

I'm not sure about Europe, but in the US we can carry an empty bottle through security.

I did once accidentally leave a large, full bottle of contact lens solution in my carry on, though, and it passed right through. Maybe that's the trick.

[hn9780470248775]

I typically don't bother to remove "liquids and gels" from my baggage. The detection rate is less than 50%, and even then, they'll only find the most obvious offending water bottle (or whatever). You shrug, say "whoops", and move on.

You could probably claim contact lens solution as a "medically necessary liquid," which is exempt from the rules anyway.

[knodi123]

Although for the record, a large full bottle of contact lens solution is permitted. It's an exception to the liquids rule.

Half the time, the TSA misses my solution bottle. The other half, they find it, have me open it, wave it under a chemical detector, and then send me on my way.

[__z]

Contact lens solution is categorized like medicine and is exempt from the liquids rules. Once they did swab the outside of the bottle (for whatever they swab for?)

I travel with an empty water bottle every time.