Yes, Red Bull is allowed through TSA only in 3.4-oz containers in your quart bag; full-size cans must be bought after security or go in checked luggage.
Not Allowed
Conditional
Allowed
Carry-On
- 3.4-oz containers only
- All in one quart bag
- Present bag on request
3-1-1 Rule
Checked
- Full cans allowed
- Pad to avoid dents
- Use leak-proof sleeves
Pack To Protect
Special Handling
- Buy after security
- Gate checks vary
- Follow crew guidance
Airside Purchase
What TSA Actually Allows For Energy Drinks
Energy drinks count as liquids. At the checkpoint, each container in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller and everything needs to fit in one clear, quart-size bag. The common 8.4-ounce Red Bull can is over the limit, so it won’t pass. A travel-size bottle that holds 3.4 ounces or less can go through.
You can still fly with a regular can in two simple ways. Pack it in checked baggage, cushioned so dents don’t pop the seam. Or buy your Red Bull after security and carry it on board. Either path avoids the size cap at the screening lane.
Bringing Red Bull Through TSA: Carry-On Or Checked?
If your goal is a quick sip before boarding, aim for a mini container that follows the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Keep it with other liquids in your quart bag and place that bag in a screening bin. If an officer asks to see it, hand it over with a smile and you’ll be moving again in seconds.
Checked bags are the place for full cans. Pressure changes in the hold can rattle a thin can, so wrap each one in soft clothing and slide them into a leak-proof plastic bag. A rigid shoe box or a padded corner keeps them from smashing against hard items.
Red Bull Travel Options At A Glance
| Item Or Plan | Carry-On Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8.4-oz can | Not allowed at screening | Over 3.4-oz limit; buy airside or check it. |
| 12-oz can | Not allowed at screening | Too large for carry-on liquids rule. |
| Mini travel bottle ≤3.4 oz | Allowed in quart bag | Cap tight; place with toiletries. |
| Energy shot ≤3.4 oz | Allowed in quart bag | Counts toward the bag’s space. |
| After-security purchase | Allowed on board | Carry freely to the gate and plane. |
| Checked baggage | Allowed | Pad and bag to prevent leaks. |
| Empty reusable bottle | Allowed at screening | Fill airside at a water fountain. |
| International departure | Varies by country | Many stick to 100 ml; check your airport. |
How To Pack Red Bull So It Flies Through Security
Pick The Right Container
Grab a small bottle that holds 3.4 ounces or less. Pour from a larger can at home, tighten the cap, and label it so it doesn’t look like shampoo. Keep the label simple: “Red Bull — 3.4 oz.” That detail helps if an officer asks what the liquid is.
Build A Clean Quart Bag
Group the mini bottle with your toothpaste, lotion, and other liquids. Use a clear, resealable quart bag that closes fully. Pack only what you’ll need during the trip; a tidy bag speeds screening and keeps you under the space limit.
Stage Your Items Before The Belt
As you approach the bins, pull out the quart bag and place it on top. If your airport uses CT scanners that keep liquids inside, follow the local signage. When in doubt, the quart bag on top is still the fastest way through most U.S. lanes.
What If An Officer Flags It?
Answer briefly and hand over the bottle. Officers can swab the cap area to test for explosives residue. That check takes moments. Once cleared, you’ll repack and head to your gate.
Smart Ways To Pack Cans In Checked Luggage
Pad, Contain, And Isolate
Start with a zip-top bag big enough to hold a can plus padding. Wrap the can in a T-shirt or bubble sleeve, slide it into the bag, push out extra air, and seal. Nest the bundle between soft layers in the middle of the suitcase so hard edges can’t crush it.
Use A Hard Shell If You Have One
A small plastic food box protects thin aluminum. Add a towel as a bumper and you’ve built a shock-proof sleeve. Two or three cans pack well this way without adding much weight.
Mind The Temperature
Cabin and hold temps swing during a long day of flying. A slightly warm can expands faster. Leave a touch of headspace in any bottle you fill yourself and avoid stacking heavy items on top of canned drinks.
Will The Liquids Rule Change Soon?
Some airports are rolling out computed-tomography scanners that can clear larger liquids without removing them. The rollout is uneven, and many U.S. checkpoints still apply the 3-1-1 cap. If you plan to rely on a bigger allowance, confirm the rules for your departure airport before you pack.
International Nuances For Energy Drinks
Flying from the United States to another country? The TSA rules control your outbound screening. On the return leg, the local authority sets the limit. Many international airports still cap liquids at 100 ml, even where new scanners are present. A quick check of your departure airport saves time at the line.
Common Situations And Easy Fixes
You Want A Boost Right At Boarding
Skip packing a can. Pick one up after security near your gate. That keeps your hands free through screening and gives you a cold can for boarding.
You Packed A 12-Oz Can In Your Carry-On
Move it to checked baggage before you enter the line. No checked bag? Pour it into several travel bottles that each hold 3.4 ounces or less, then place them in the quart bag. If that’s not practical, drink it before screening or toss it in a liquids disposal bin.
You’re Connecting Internationally
Buy at your final U.S. airport after your last screening. If you buy at an overseas airport, keep receipts and any tamper-evident bag sealed until you reach the next checkpoint. Gate screening at some airports blocks open containers on the jet bridge.
You Prefer Sugar-Free Or Special Flavors
Flavor doesn’t change the rule. Sugar-free, seasonal, or limited runs all count as liquid drinks. Size and packaging decide what clears the checkpoint.
Safety, Etiquette, And Airline Rules
Non-alcoholic drinks you bring on board can be enjoyed during the flight unless cabin crew says otherwise. Follow any seat belt or service announcements. Alcohol is a different story: you can’t drink your own, even tiny bottles. If you choose a caffeine boost, sip water as well so you arrive feeling fresh.
Carry-On Liquids Cheat Sheet
| Item | TSA Carry-On | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bull mini bottle ≤3.4 oz | Allowed in quart bag | Pack upright; tighten cap. |
| Red Bull 8.4-oz can | Not allowed at screening | Buy after security or check it. |
| Energy shot ≤3.4 oz | Allowed in quart bag | Space counts toward the bag. |
| Protein shake over 3.4 oz | Blocked at screening | Split into travel bottles or check. |
| Empty water bottle | Allowed | Fill at a fountain airside. |
| Baby formula | Allowed in larger amounts | Declare for screening. |
| Liquid medication | Allowed in larger amounts | Declare and present when asked. |
Where To Place Links You Can Trust
For straight from the source guidance, read the TSA liquids rule and the TSA’s page for soda. Those two pages capture the size cap, the quart-bag setup, and how drinks are treated at the checkpoint.
Bottom Line For Travelers
You can bring Red Bull through TSA if it lives in a 3.4-ounce container inside your quart bag. Full cans ride in checked luggage or come from a shop after security. Pack neatly, leave room in the liquids bag, and you’ll breeze through screening with the energy you planned to carry.