Yes—mugs are allowed in carry-on if they’re empty at screening; liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule, and fragile glass or ceramic may get extra screening.
Not Allowed
Conditional
Allowed
Carry-On
- Cup must be empty.
- Lids off for x-ray.
- Show it if asked.
Gate side
Checked
- Wrap handle well.
- Use soft layers.
- Keep it centered.
Belt side
Special Handling
- Souvenirs: skip gift wrap.
- Duty-free: keep the receipt.
- Ask for fragile help at gate.
Extras
Taking A Mug In Your Carry-On: Rules That Matter
You can bring a ceramic mug, a glass coffee cup, or a stainless travel tumbler in your carry-on. The catch is simple: send it through security empty. Security treats a mug as a drink container. If it holds liquid when you reach the x-ray belt, the agent will ask you to dump it or toss it. An empty cup sails through like any other personal item, then you can refill it at a cafe or water station.
| Mug Type | Carry-On Status | Notes For Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic mug | Allowed if empty | Pack with padding; expect a quick look if dense. |
| Glass mug | Allowed if empty | Fragile; wrap and place where it won’t roll. |
| Stainless travel mug | Allowed if empty | Remove lid; x-ray can flag thick walls. |
| Insulated tumbler/thermos | Allowed if empty | Lids off; show it’s dry if questioned. |
| Collapsible silicone cup | Allowed | Flatten in a tray pocket to save space. |
| Enamel camp mug | Allowed if empty | Light but can dent; pad the handle. |
| Souvenir mug with lid | Allowed if empty | Remove packaging; leave gift wrap for later. |
This lines up with TSA guidance on empty bottles and thermoses, which pass the checkpoint when they’re dry. If you need the official word, read the TSA page on the empty thermos rule and the standing 3-1-1 liquids limit.
Why Empty Mugs Are The Only Shortcut
The liquids rule caps containers in your carry-on at 3.4 ounces inside a single quart bag. A full coffee cup blows past that limit. If you want coffee for the gate, buy it after security. Empty gear goes through, then gets filled on the sterile side.
Will Glass Or Ceramic Get Extra Screening?
Maybe. Dense clay and thick glass can look like a mass on the x-ray image. If an officer asks, open your bag and show the cup so they can clear it fast. No need to panic or argue; this is normal.
Packing A Mug So It Survives The Trip
Fragile drinkware can travel in a small backpack or tote and arrive in one piece. Give it a soft shell and a snug seat.
Quick Wrap Method
- Slip a clean sock over the mug.
- Fill the cavity with napkins or a tea towel.
- Wrap once more with a t-shirt or scarf.
- Seat the bundle upright against the bag wall.
- Run the handle parallel to a padded edge.
Extra Protection For Souvenir Cups
Gift boxes look nice, yet they waste space and sometimes trigger a bag check. Break boxes down. Keep just the molded insert if it helps. Layer bubble wrap or clothing in place of foam.
Screening Tips That Save Time
- Empty the mug before the queue. Lids off.
- Place it in a bin only if the officer asks.
- Keep straws and spoons separate in a small pouch.
- If you carry two, nest them with a cloth between.
- Pack liquids in the quart bag, never inside the mug.
Checked Bag Or Carry-On For A Mug?
Both work. Carry-on lets you handle the cup yourself and guard against rough swings. A checked bag frees space in your daypack but needs real padding. Either way, empty cups only at the counter and at security.
| Scenario | Carry-On Outcome | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive with hot coffee in a mug | Not allowed past screening | Drink it or dump it before the belt. |
| Empty steel tumbler at TSA | Allowed | Remove lid; tip it to show it’s dry if asked. |
| Gift-wrapped ceramic present | Bag search likely | Skip wrap; wrap after the checkpoint. |
| Two glass cups in one bag | Allowed | Wrap, nest, and cushion the handles. |
| Duty-free mug at connection | Allowed | Keep the receipt, keep it sealed in the bag. |
Airline Cabin Notes For Using A Mug
Flight crews may ask you to stow hard items for takeoff and landing. That includes ceramic or glass cups. Use the seat pocket only if the mug is flat and soft-wrapped. A lidded tumbler reduces spills, yet the same empty rule applies at the checkpoint.
Situations And Solutions
You Need Water For Meds
Bring the empty cup. Ask for water once you’re through security or on board. Medical liquids over the limit follow a separate process with screening, but the mug itself still goes through empty.
You’re Bringing A Handmade Cup
Clay chips easily. Put the mug in a small box with tissue, then wrap that box in a hoodie. Keep it under the seat to avoid bin crush. If you can part with it for the ride, gate agents will often let you hand-carry a fragile item with your personal item.
You Want To Brew On The Plane
A pour-over cone and filters are fine in carry-on. Boiling devices that plug in won’t fly. Stick to hot water from the galley. Ground coffee counts as a powder; keep the bag neat to avoid a mess during a check.
Rules For Mugs In Carry-On On International Legs
Security rules at your departure airport control what gets through the first checkpoint. Once inside, the cup can ride with you across connections. Some countries screen liquids differently, yet an empty mug remains a safe bet in most places. When in doubt, travel with the cup dry and pack any liquids in checked baggage.
Buying And Filling After Security
Many airports post bottle-fill stations near each gate. Walk through with your empty cup, then top up at the fountain or a cafe. Most coffee shops will pour into your own mug once you’ve cleared the checkpoint. This keeps spills out of your backpack while you queue. If an officer asks about the cup, a quick shake shows it’s dry. TSA even calls out that an empty bottle is fine; a mug follows the same idea.
Protecting The Rest Of Your Bag
Hard rims can rub laptop lids and scuff cameras. Give the mug its own corner. Keep metal away from screens. A slim sleeve or a sock cuts down on dings. Handles snag straps, so point the handle inward and cover it. If your bag has a shoe pocket, it’s a great parking spot for a wrapped cup.
When A Mug Triggers A Secondary Check
It happens. A thick base or a stacked pair can look odd to the x-ray. When the officer pulls your bag, say you have an empty cup. Open the zipper, lift the wrap, and tip the mug. You’ll be on your way in a minute. Stay calm and keep sharp items out of the same pocket so the search stays simple.
Space And Weight Tradeoffs
A heavy diner mug eats into your carry-on weight. Swap to a lighter enamel or silicone cup for tight limits. Tall tumblers sip less space if you pack socks inside them. Nested mugs save room for snacks or a book. If the overhead bins fill up and your roller gets gate-checked, keep the cup in your personal item.
Traveling With Kids And Mugs
Kids love hot cocoa on trips, yet the same rules apply. Use a small lidded tumbler. Empty it before screening, then refill on the concourse. Skip breakable glass for small hands. During boarding, seat the cup in the side pocket and wait for cruise altitude before pouring.
Gift Ideas That Pack Well
If you’re bringing a present, look for a short mug with a tight handle loop. Avoid oversized latte cups with wide wings. Include a pouch of beans or tea, but place those packets away from the cup so a swab test stays clean. Airport shops sell padded bottle sleeves that fit many mugs and give them a cushion for the ride.
Mug Care While Traveling
Airports and planes dry out drinks fast, which can leave residue. Rinse the cup right after use. A tiny bottle brush weighs almost nothing and keeps lids working. If you bring flavored drinks, rinse twice so smells don’t linger. Skip bleach wipes on steel; use mild soap at the sink. Dry parts before you repack to stop mildew. Keep a spare lid gasket in your bag, since small rings go missing. On long trips, hand wash at night, then set the mug upside down on a towel by morning.
Smart Packing Checklist
- Empty, dry mug or tumbler.
- Lids and straws bagged.
- Padding: sock, tee, or bubble wrap.
- Seat the handle where it can’t catch.
- Keep proof of purchase for duty-free items.
Final Check Before You Pack
Mugs can ride in your carry-on every day you fly. Send them through empty, give them soft armor, and keep lids loose. Once you clear security, fill up and enjoy your drink while you wait to board. Simple steps, smooth trip. That’s all you need for carry-on.