Empty Growlers in Carry-On Bag

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by gory4d, Feb 18, 2013.

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  1. gory4d

    gory4d Maven (1,415) Apr 14, 2007 Texas

    I've been trying to figure out whether it's permissible to bring an empty 64-oz. growler through airport security in a carry-on bag. The TSA site isn't helpful. Anybody have any insight here? Thanks!
     
  2. mhksuccess

    mhksuccess Maven (1,472) Jul 7, 2012 California
    Trader

    dont think you can carry on glass that big
    i would call the airline to make sure but would plan on checking it in
     
  3. jampics2

    jampics2 Pooh-Bah (2,340) Dec 19, 2008 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Had an empty growler in my carry-on flying out of San Diego this summer and had no issues but also wasn't sure and I was prepared to throw it out if necessary
     
    AlaskanYoung likes this.
  4. FishPondManager

    FishPondManager Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2012 Colorado

    I'm sure you'd be fine. I'd take it out, or have it on top, without the cap on when you go through security. I take a couple empty large Nalgene bottles through all the time. It's the liquid, not the container that TSA cares about.
     
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  5. RonfromJersey

    RonfromJersey Initiate (0) Jan 25, 2002 New Jersey
    In Memoriam

    I would play it safe and mail it.
     
  6. FishPondManager

    FishPondManager Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2012 Colorado

    Why would you mail an empty growler?
     
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  7. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I've carried empty bottles without any issue, so having glass in a smaller format apparently is not an issue, but I've never carried a growler.
     
  8. maltmaster420

    maltmaster420 Initiate (0) Aug 17, 2005 Oregon

    Two thoughts/questions:

    1. Why would the TSA care about an empty glass jug in your carry on?

    2. Why would you bother flying with an empty growler rather than simply buying one from whichever brewery you plan to get it filled at?
     
  9. RonfromJersey

    RonfromJersey Initiate (0) Jan 25, 2002 New Jersey
    In Memoriam

    If you're worried about TSA confiscating it, and then you don't have to pack and carry it.

    When I went to California, I mailed my empty wine shipper box to the hotel, then shopped, filled it, and shipped it back home.
     
    JustXBeer likes this.
  10. ShogoKawada

    ShogoKawada Initiate (0) May 31, 2009 Pennsylvania

    I flew internationally with a glass boot once. They pulled it out and checked it, but it was fine.
     
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  11. FishPondManager

    FishPondManager Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2012 Colorado

    I guess I would just buy a growler at my destination, or just check the bag. Same with the wine shipper. Those are easy to find in CA
     
  12. gory4d

    gory4d Maven (1,415) Apr 14, 2007 Texas

    On 1., they seem to care out every other damn thing.

    On 2., I have enough growlers already. Probably just doing that, though, will be the least hassle.
     
    FlyingKelly likes this.
  13. KingforaDay

    KingforaDay Pooh-Bah (2,421) Aug 5, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    As long as it's empty there is no issue. Just like bringing a Vase or or any glass object. I just flew last week with an empty CCB growler and have done so in the past with no questions asked.
     
  14. FishPondManager

    FishPondManager Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2012 Colorado

    Just pack it and see. I despise the TSA. I'd take it just to see what sort of illogical explanation they'd try and give if they decided to confiscate the growler.
     
  15. Scotchboy

    Scotchboy Pooh-Bah (2,956) Dec 7, 2010 Idaho
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    My first thought was 'Sir, because it can be broken and used as a weapon'. Maybe I'm too paranoid.

    But definitely agree with FishPond that TSA is really just interested in the liquid...

    ETA: Just to clarify; I'm not paranoid of the hypothetical broken glass-knife; rather I'm paranoid that TSA will think of anything to screw with the traveling public.
     
    AnotherImperial likes this.
  16. carteravebrew

    carteravebrew Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2010 Colorado

    Call the airport directly. That's what I did when I wasn't sure about bringing coffee grounds back from Portland (which they allowed, by the way).
     
  17. dcgunman

    dcgunman Pooh-Bah (2,608) Jul 1, 2009 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    No problems.
     
  18. gpawned

    gpawned Initiate (0) Jun 5, 2012 Illinois

    I've carried empty 32oz half growlers in my carry-on with no problem.
     
  19. frankthetank86

    frankthetank86 Initiate (0) Dec 24, 2012 New York

    i work for an airline and travel all the time. you should see what these dominicans bring through the airport:astonished:. its ok you can bring it through security i swear.i brought my stone growlers through tsa its fine.
     
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  20. FishPondManager

    FishPondManager Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2012 Colorado

    That's exactly the kind of dumbass response I'd expect from the TSA
     
    Scotchboy likes this.
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