Videos and lists of hacks and alleged lifehacks at airports around the world abound on social networks, but whether they are real or actually valuable, we’d say the list is pretty short. As an affordable vacation approaches when millions of people can travel by plane, a recurring viral on TikTok promising travelers one of these tricks has been put to the test in the United States. This turned out to be true.

Idea. It has happened to most of us before we can access the controls. You forget that your water bottle cannot pass if it is not empty, and in the worst case scenario, you are left without an unopened bottle. It turns out that there is a way to legally pass a bottle containing liquid.

Like? Freezing a water bottle in the refrigerator before going through security allows travelers to bring water with them without violating the TSA’s strict liquid rules in the US. This was confirmed by the Transportation Security Administration in response to a recent question.

Apparently frozen liquids are allowed as long as they are completely solid upon inspection. And if it starts to melt (which would make sense unless you have a freezer in tow), the 3-1-1 rule should be followed, limiting liquids to containers smaller than 100ml.

How is it applied and why does it work? As we said, it would be normal to bring a frozen bottle from home, so if the bottle starts to melt before you go through security, drink the remaining liquid water until only solid ice remains. By the way, the advice also applies to frozen foods that may melt.

What’s more, this trick is not only practical for avoiding buying water and (high) airport prices, but can also be useful in cases of extreme heat or annoying plane delays. Having cold water on hand can be key to staying hydrated while waiting (plus if we’re already on the plane and there’s a delay).

It’s not universal. Numerous videos and official responses come from the same country, but while this method is valid in the United States, it is not universal. For example, in Canada, frozen bottles must meet the 100ml liquid restriction, even if they are strict, with some exceptions. Therefore, it is important to check each region’s regulations before attempting a hack.

What about in Spain? We asked Aena if it’s legal to carry a bottle of frozen water in Spanish airports, and they said “that’s actually the case when you go through security control,” with some suggestions to consider. Since the water in the bottle is not solid like a block of ice, you cannot travel with it. However, our advice is to issue an invoice. On the other hand, do not forget that the last word always belongs to the Security Forces.”

In short, beyond the small victory over “the system,” this advice can be especially useful for forward-thinking travelers who remember to put the bottle in the freezer the day before departure. It’s an economical, simple and approved solution at many airports around the world, such as in Spain or the United States, but as Aena pointed out to us, there’s not much to do if the police decide that this “block” is not “solid” enough. To do.

Image | AMISOM, Pexels

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