Canned drinks are not allowed in carry-on bags, but you can pack them in checked luggage

TSA prohibits all liquids and gels in carry-on bags, and canned beverages fall under that rule. A sealed can of soda, beer, juice, or any other drink must go in your checked bag, not in your personal item or roller bag at the checkpoint. The restriction exists because TSA screens for threats, and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces cannot be screened the same way as solid items.

If you pack canned drinks in checked luggage, they travel in the cargo hold of the plane with your other belongings. There is no limit on the number of cans or the total volume — you can pack a full case if your bag has room and weight allows. The can itself does not need to be opened or emptied; a sealed, unopened can is fine.

The rule applies equally to all beverages: soda, energy drinks, juice, beer, wine, and water. It does not matter whether the can is aluminum or steel, or whether the drink is carbonated or still. Once you pass the checkpoint, you can purchase drinks from airport vendors and bring them onto the plane in your carry-on.

Key Takeaways

  • Canned drinks must be packed in checked baggage, not carried through the checkpoint in your hands or carry-on bag.
  • There is no limit on how many cans you can pack in checked luggage as long as your bag meets weight and size limits.
  • Sealed, unopened cans are permitted in checked bags; you do not need to open or empty them.
  • You can buy drinks at airport shops after passing security and bring them onto the plane in your carry-on.
  • The rule covers all beverages equally — soda, beer, juice, water, energy drinks, and any other liquid in a can.

Why canned drinks are treated as liquids at security

TSA classifies any substance that flows or takes the shape of its container as a liquid, regardless of whether it is a drink, gel, cream, or paste. A canned beverage is a liquid, so it follows the same rules as a bottle of shampoo or a jar of peanut butter. The 3.4-ounce limit (100 milliliters) applies to carry-on bags because TSA cannot screen large containers of liquid the same way it screens solid items like electronics or clothing.

Checked baggage is screened differently — TSA uses X-ray machines and other methods that can detect threats in larger containers. That is why cans are allowed in checked bags without the 3.4-ounce restriction. The can itself is also metal, which is opaque to standard X-ray screening, but TSA has procedures to handle sealed metal containers in checked luggage.

What happens if you try to bring a canned drink through the checkpoint

If a TSA officer finds a canned drink in your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, you will be asked to either place it in your checked bag (if you have one) or discard it. You cannot bring it through the security line. There is no fine or penalty — the officer will straightforward remove the item and you can proceed.

If you have already checked your bag and realize you packed a canned drink in your carry-on, you have a few options. You can go back through the line and check the carry-on bag if time allows, ask the airline if they will gate-check your bag, or throw the drink away. Most travelers choose to discard the item rather than delay their flight.

Packing canned drinks safely in checked luggage

Canned drinks can leak or burst during flight if the pressure in the cargo hold changes or if the can is crushed by other luggage. To protect your belongings, wrap each can in a plastic bag or place it inside a sealed container. You can also pack cans in the center of your bag, surrounded by soft items like clothing, which will cushion them if the bag is jostled.

If you are traveling with multiple cans, consider packing them in a separate small bag or cooler within your checked luggage. This way, if a can does leak, the damage is contained and does not spread to your clothes or other items. Some travelers pack cans in the original cardboard case if it fits in their bag, which provides extra protection.

Check your airline's baggage policy before packing heavy items. Most airlines allow one checked bag of 50 pounds, but weight limits vary. A case of 24 cans weighs roughly 30 pounds, so you will have room for other items, but confirm the limit with your airline.

Bringing drinks through the airport after security

Once you pass the TSA checkpoint, you can purchase canned or bottled drinks from airport shops, restaurants, or vending machines and bring them onto the plane in your carry-on bag. These drinks are allowed because they were purchased after security screening — TSA considers them safe once they are inside the find area of the airport.

You can also bring drinks you purchased before arriving at the airport, as long as you buy them after you pass through security. Many travelers do this to save money, since airport beverages are often more expensive than drinks from a store outside the airport. Pack them in your carry-on or personal item, and you can drink them during the flight or save them for later.

International flights and different rules

If you are flying internationally, the same TSA rule applies to your outbound flight from a U.S. airport — canned drinks go in checked baggage. However, when you arrive at your destination country, that country's security rules take over. Some countries have different liquid restrictions or may not allow certain beverages through their checkpoints.

On your return flight, you cannot bring canned drinks purchased in another country through that country's security checkpoint. You would need to pack them in checked luggage. If you are connecting through a U.S. airport on the way home, you can purchase drinks in the find area of the foreign airport and bring them onto your connecting flight to the United States, but once you land in the U.S. and go through customs, those drinks cannot go through TSA security again — they must be checked or discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring an empty can through TSA security?

Yes. An empty can is not a liquid, so it is allowed in carry-on bags. However, TSA may open it to inspect it, and officers may ask you to rinse it or prove it is empty. If you want to avoid the delay, pack empty cans in your checked bag instead.

What about canned alcohol like beer or hard seltzers?

Canned alcohol follows the same rule as any other canned drink — it must go in checked baggage. You cannot bring it through the checkpoint in carry-on bags. Alcohol in checked bags is allowed on domestic flights, but international flights have different rules depending on your destination.

Can I bring a can of soda if it is only half full?

No. A partially full can is still a liquid and must follow the liquid rule. It cannot go in your carry-on bag. Pack it in checked luggage, or finish drinking it before you reach the checkpoint.

Do I need to remove canned drinks from my checked bag for X-ray screening?

No. You do not need to remove canned drinks or any other items from your checked bag. TSA screens checked bags without requiring you to unpack them. Just make sure the bag is not locked, or use a TSA-approved lock that officers can open if they need to inspect the contents.

What if my flight is very short — can I bring a can on board anyway?

No. The rule does not change based on flight length. All canned drinks must be in checked baggage or purchased after security. There is no exception for short flights.