Can You Bring Energy Drinks on a Plane?
Rules for Red Bull, Monster, Bang, and other energy drinks in carry-on and checked baggage, plus airside purchase tips.
Energy drinks are popular travel companions for combating long-haul fatigue and time-zone changes. But their can sizes create a predictable problem at the security checkpoint. Here is a complete breakdown of what is allowed where.
The Core Rule: Energy Drinks Are Liquids
Energy drinks fall under the standard airport security liquids rule. In the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most countries, any liquid in your carry-on must be in a container holding no more than 100 ml, and all such containers must fit inside a single 1-litre transparent resealable bag.
Almost every popular energy drink format fails this test:
- Standard Red Bull: 250 ml — over the limit
- Red Bull Large: 355 ml — over the limit
- Monster Energy: 500 ml — over the limit
- Reign / Bang: 473 ml — over the limit
- Rockstar: 500 ml — over the limit
These will be confiscated at the security checkpoint regardless of how much they cost or how much is left in the can.
What Energy Drink Formats Are Allowed in Carry-On
The only energy drink formats that clear the 100 ml carry-on liquid rule are small-format shots:
- 5-hour Energy (standard): approximately 57 ml — allowed
- 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: approximately 57 ml — allowed
- Other energy shots under 100 ml: allowed if the container capacity is 100 ml or less
Even if the container is under 100 ml, it must still fit inside your 1-litre clear liquids bag alongside your other liquids such as toothpaste, shampoo, and medications. If your liquids bag is already full, a small energy shot may not fit.
Checked Baggage: No Restrictions
Energy drinks in checked baggage face no restrictions under airline rules. You can pack as many cans or bottles as you like, subject only to the overall weight limit of your checked bag. There are no special rules around caffeine content, taurine, or other energy drink ingredients for checked baggage.
Pack cans carefully to avoid them being crushed or punctured. A small cooler bag or packing them between layers of clothing provides protection.
Airside Purchases: The Easiest Solution
If you want a full-size energy drink for the flight, the simplest approach is to buy one after you clear security at an airport shop, cafe, or vending machine. Drinks purchased airside:
- Are not subject to the 100 ml security restriction
- Can be taken through the departure gate and onto the aircraft
- Can be consumed freely in the cabin (unlike alcohol, energy drinks have no onboard consumption restrictions)
The downside is airport pricing, which is typically significantly higher than retail. But if you want a cold Monster or Red Bull on your flight, buy it past the checkpoint.
Country-Specific Notes
Most countries allow energy drinks without restriction at customs. However, a small number of countries have historically regulated caffeine concentration in beverages:
| Country / Region | Status |
|---|---|
| United States | No restriction on energy drinks |
| European Union | Allowed; must carry caffeine warning label over 150 mg/L |
| United Kingdom | Allowed; labelling requirements apply |
| Australia | Allowed; caffeine content capped at 320 mg per litre |
| Norway | Historically restricted Red Bull until 2009; now fully allowed |
| France | Previously banned Red Bull until 2008; now fully allowed |
| Denmark | Previously banned Red Bull; now fully allowed |
| Kuwait | Some caffeine-based products face restrictions — check current rules |
| Lithuania | Sales to under-18s restricted; import for personal use generally permitted |
The historical bans in Nordic countries and France relate to taurine, not caffeine, and those bans were lifted more than a decade ago. Current travellers to these destinations face no restrictions on bringing energy drinks for personal use.
Taurine and guarana, two common energy drink ingredients, are not regulated as controlled substances in any major travel destination.
On Board: Are Energy Drinks Allowed During the Flight
Yes. There is no airline rule prohibiting passengers from drinking energy drinks they purchased airside or received as part of onboard service. Some airlines sell or offer energy drinks as part of their in-flight menu. Unlike alcohol, which cabin crew must serve and which can be refused, energy drinks from your own bag can be consumed at any point during the flight without crew involvement.
Caffeine can worsen dehydration during long flights. If you consume energy drinks in the air, balance intake with water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a can of Red Bull in my carry-on?▾
No. A standard 250 ml Red Bull can exceeds the 100 ml liquid limit for carry-on baggage and will be confiscated at security.
Can I pack energy drinks in my checked bag?▾
Yes. Energy drinks are allowed in checked baggage in unlimited quantities with no special restrictions.
What about 5-hour Energy shots in carry-on?▾
The standard 57 ml (approximately 2 oz) 5-hour Energy shot is under 100 ml and is allowed in carry-on, provided it fits in your 1-litre liquids bag.
Can I buy energy drinks at the airport after security?▾
Yes. Any energy drink purchased airside at a shop past the security checkpoint is not subject to the 100 ml liquid rule and can be taken on board.
Are energy drinks restricted at customs in any countries?▾
Most countries allow energy drinks freely. However, always check if a specific country has caffeine content regulations, as some nations limit the concentration of caffeine permitted in beverages.
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