travel bottles of alcohol

Rules for Carrying Alcohol in Luggage on International Flights

by Lisa Maloney

Published on 18 Feb 2023

Travel Tips: How to Pack Alcohol

Alcohol as a carry-on, alcohol in your checked bags, declaring your alcohol.

If you're thinking of packing your own alcoholic provisions for your next flight, think again: The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits drinking your own alcohol aboard a plane. But if you're packing a nice bottle of wine as a gift for a friend, or bringing back some duty-free whiskey from an international destination, there's considerably more leniency in what you're allowed to pack.

While you can't drink your own alcohol on board a plane, you can bring it in your carry-on bag with you, as long as it falls under the Transportation Security Administration's liquids rule for carry-on luggage. This limits you to only as many liquid items as will fit comfortably in a quart-size plastic bag; each bottle must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), so it must be a mini bottle that is able to fit in a quart-sized bag or sealed bag according to federal regulations on its way back to your final destination.

There's just one exception to this rule: You are allowed to carry-on larger quantities of alcohol through airport security if they were purchased in an international duty-free shop or duty-free store on your way back to the United States going onto an international flight. The duty-free alcohol must stay in its unopened retail packaging from the retailer and have been purchased within the last 48 hours, and you must have the original receipt with you at the security checkpoint. This alcohol doesn’t need to be put in a zip-top bag if it’s in your carry-on baggage.

The TSA rules are more lenient about what type of alcohol, and how much of it, you can put in your checked bags. But don't try to pack anything with more than 70 percent alcohol content; it's not allowed in your checked baggage. You can pack as much alcohol as you like if it contains less than 24 percent alcohol – think wine and beer. If your bottles have between 24 and 70 percent alcohol content, you can pack as much as 5 liters (1.3 gallons) in your checked luggage, as long as the bottles you're using can be sealed.

The regulations of your destination country may differ. Check the U.S. Department of State's country information pages for more information on restricted items; if you're still not sure how much alcohol is allowed (if any), contact the U.S. embassy in your destination country. If you're traveling with a local or regional air carrier abroad, it's a good idea to confirm their policies regarding alcohol too.

To bring bottles of alcohol back into the United States from an international destination, U.S. Customs and Border Protection imposes regulations on who can transport the alcohol and when tax and duty fees start accruing. Anybody "importing" alcohol, which includes bringing it back in your luggage for personal use or as a gift, must be at least 21 years of age. As a general rule, you can bring up to 1 liter (0.26 gallons) duty-free, although travelers coming from certain destinations, including Caribbean countries, are usually entitled to more. If you bring more than that duty-free quantity in, you'll have to declare it and pay duty and federal excise taxes.

Your state of residence may also have its own laws about importing alcohol, and they may be stricter than federal laws. When in doubt, contact your local Alcohol Beverage Control Board about local policies.

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Can You Bring Alcohol on an Airplane? [Helpful Tips To Avoid Issues & Fines]

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Alcohol in Your Carry-on Bag

Duty-free purchases of alcohol, how to pack alcohol in your checked baggage, final thoughts.

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Many travelers enjoy unwinding on their flight with a glass of wine, a cold beer, or just a strong mixed drink. Most airlines are happy to sell you an alcoholic drink during a flight and they may even come complimentary on certain itineraries or in certain seats. However, if you’re one of the passengers who aren’t privy to a free alcoholic drink, you may be wondering whether or not you can bring your own alcohol on an airplane. It’s a common question and the short answer is yes, but it’s not that simple .

In this post, we’ll give you a clear answer as to whether or not you can bring alcohol on an airplane and we’ll go over all of the guidelines and limitations related to flying with alcohol.

Can You Bring Alcohol on an Airplane?

Generally, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but there are limitations you need to know. The most important part of the equation, though, is that you can’t drink that alcohol on the plane .

FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on an airplane that isn’t served by the airline. In short, that means, you can bring alcohol on the plane, but you can’t drink it on the plane .

While you may think that means you can ask your flight attendants to serve you the alcohol you provide, it doesn’t. While that practice has happened in years past, flight attendants these days will not serve alcohol to you that you brought on the plane.

JetBlue, for example, previously allowed flight attendants to serve passengers the alcohol that they brought on board but has since updated its policy online clearly stating, “You are not allowed to consume your own alcohol while on board.” Southwest Airlines is also taking the policy seriously; it has even added a mention to the announcements made at the beginning of each flight.

Bringing alcohol in your carry-on bags is allowed, but you’ll still need to follow the TSA’s rules  for carrying liquids on planes. That means the alcohol needs to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag . Each passenger is only allowed 1 plastic bag.

Any alcohol with an ABV over 70% or 140 proof is prohibited on airplanes in both checked or carry-on baggage.

You might be wondering about duty-free purchases of alcohol, since those end up being carried on board and are over 3.4 ounces. You can purchase alcohol at an airport duty-free shop with some limitations.

• There’s a limit of 5 liters of 24% to 70% ABV (48 to 140 proof) alcohol per person
• The bottles must be packed in a transparent and secure clear plastic bag by the retailer
• You need to keep your receipt handy as you may need to prove the duty-free alcohol was purchased in the previous 48 hours

Bottom Line: You can bring alcohol (with an ABV of 70% or lower) on an airplane in your carry-on bag if it’s in containers of 3.4 ounces or less or in secure, sealed bags purchased from a duty-free shop. However, you can’t consume any of the alcohol you carried on while you’re on the airplane.

Can You Pack Alcohol in Your Checked Luggage?

The rules for packing alcohol in your checked luggage are a bit different than the rules for bringing alcohol in your carry-on.

The amount of alcohol you can pack in your luggage is determined by the ABV or alcohol by volume content, a number that shows the percentage of the drink that is alcohol.

Beverages that are less than 24% ABV (under 48 proof), which includes most beers and wines, are allowed in unlimited quantities in your checked luggage. Of course, the more you pack, the more your baggage fees might be, so keep that in mind before you start packing cases of wine in your luggage!

For beverages with an ABV of 24% to 70% (48 to 140 proof), there’s a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in checked baggage. The alcohol needs to be in unopened retail packaging.

Alcohol over 70% ABV , or over 140 proof, is not allowed in your checked baggage.

When you’re packing alcohol in your checked luggage, you’ll want to make sure it’s wrapped well, so it’s protected. A hard side suitcase   is important in this instance since it will help protect your alcohol bottles from being crushed.

Next, you’ll want to wrap your bottles in a protective layer — this can be just your clothes or a specially designed case. You can buy inexpensive bubble wrap bags for wine bottles online. While these bags are designed for wine, they can also be used for spirits and even things like olive oil.

If you’re a serious wine collector or are returning from a trip to Napa Valley , you can even find suitcases designed specifically to transport wine bottles.

If you find yourself packing alcohol in your checked bags and you don’t have any special bag or bubble wrap handy, just be sure to wrap each bottle with your clothes. You can slide bottles into sleeves or pant legs and then pack those wrapped bottles in the middle of your suitcase, between more layers of clothing so they are as insulated as possible.

If you’re packing mini bottles of alcohol, you can put those inside shoes to give them some protection. If you are traveling with beer bottles or something similarly sized, slide each into a sock for protection.

Don’t forget that the alcohol you pack in your checked luggage should be unopened and still in the original packaging.

Bottom Line: You can pack alcohol in your checked luggage as long as it’s unopened and in the original container. Alcohol that’s less than 24% ABV (under 48 proof) is allowed in unlimited quantities. There’s a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger for alcohol that has an ABV of 24% to 70% (48 to 140 proof).

Many passengers are curious as to whether or not they can bring their own alcohol on an airplane. Generally, you can bring alcohol on planes in both your carry-on and checked bags, but you aren’t allowed to consume that alcohol on the plane. The FAA has made it clear that any alcohol consumed on an airplane needs to be served by the airline carrier and its flight attendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring mini alcohol bottles on a plane.

Yes, you can bring mini alcohol bottles on a plane as long as you follow the TSA’s rules for carrying liquids on planes. That means the bottles need to be 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. However, you aren’t allowed to consume the alcohol you brought while on the airplane.

Can you bring alcohol in a checked bag if you're under 21?

No, anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to pack alcohol in their checked bags.

Can I bring beer or wine on a plane in my checked baggage?

Yes, alcohol that’s less than 24% ABV (48 proof), including most beer and wine, is allowed in unlimited quantities in your checked luggage.

How much alcohol can you take home on an international flight?

If you’re flying back to the U.S. on an international flight, you’re allowed to bring alcohol back with you. In your carry-on bag, you’re limited to bottles that are 3.4 ounces or less and they must be packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. For alcohol that’s under 24% ABV, you can pack as much as you want in your checked luggage. If you’re carrying alcohol that has an ABV of 24% to 70%, there’s a limit of 5 liters per passenger. Any alcohol that’s over 70% ABV is not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage in any quantities.

What is the 311 rule?

The 3-1-1 rule from the TSA states that passengers can bring liquids, aerosols, or gels (including alcohol) in their carry-on luggage in quantities of 3.4 ounces or less, packed in 1 quart-sized plastic bag.

Can you bring rubbing alcohol on a plane?

Yes, you can bring rubbing alcohol on an airplane. If you’re bringing it in your carry-on bag, it must be in quantities of 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. If it’s in your checked bags, it needs to be in containers that are 18 ounces or less and the total amount packed can’t exceed 70 ounces.

Can you bring alcohol wipes on a plane?

Yes, you can bring alcohol wipes on a plane in any quantity in both your carry-on and checked luggage.

Can you bring alcohol back from Mexico on a plane?

Yes, can bring alcohol back from Mexico on an airplane. In your carry-on bag, you’re limited to bottles that are 3.4 ounces or less and they must be packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. In your checked baggage, alcohol that’s under 24% ABV is allowed in any quantity. Alcohol that has an ABV of 24% to 70% is limited to 5 liters per passenger. You can’t travel on an airplane with alcohol that’s over 70% ABV.

What happens if you get caught drinking alcohol on a plane?

If you get caught drinking your own alcohol on a plane you’ll most likely just be asked to stop. However, the FAA can fine passengers for doing so, especially if the alcohol consumption is paired with unruly behavior.

Can you pack alcohol in checked baggage on American Airlines?

Yes, the policies mentioned in this article for carrying alcohol in your checked baggage apply to all U.S. airlines, including but not limited to:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

The policy states that you can pack alcohol that’s under 24% ABV in your checked baggage in any quantity. Alcohol that has an ABV of 24% to 70% is limited to 5 liters per passenger.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Traveling with Alcohol: The Ins and Outs of Bottles in Bags

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

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Can you travel with alcohol? The short answer is “yes,” with some qualifications, and the main concerns are when you fly.

You can freely pack alcoholic beverage bottles in checked baggage. The only restrictions you face are on international flights: liquor import limitations in your flight’s destination country. Your main worry is breakage—a real possibility, given the way checked bags get handled.

The 3-1-1 Rule and Duty-Free Alcohol

Carry-on or cabin baggage is a different story. The TSA 3-1-1 rule requires that all liquids and gels in carry-on baggage be in containers of 3.4 fluid ounces (100 ml) or less each, the containers must be carried in a one-quart transparent zip-top plastic bag, and that each traveler can have only one such bag. In effect, you can’t take a full bottle of liquor in your carry-on baggage onto a domestic flight.

But TSA has recently relaxed its rules on “tax free” liquor. Now, if you buy a tax-free bottle on an inbound international flight, TSA says you can take the bottle into the cabin of a domestic flight that connects with your international flight if it is packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer, the bag shows no signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening, and you have the original receipts showing that the purchase was made within 48 hours.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol on a Cruise

The other situation limiting travel with alcohol is on a cruise. Most cruiselines say you can’t bring your own alcohol on board. This isn’t for security reasons; it’s because they want you to buy alcohol from them, at gouge prices much higher than you find at a typical cruiseport. In some cases, they allow you to take it on board if you check it into some form of storage and claim it only at the end of the cruise. Policies vary a bit line-by-line, so you need to check with your line before you embark.

On Trains or Buses

Trains, buses, and other forms of transport generally don’t have strict limitations. A carrier may, however, forbid your opening and drinking from your own bottle during a trip. Amtrak’s rule says you can carry it on without restriction, but you can’t drink your own alcohol in public areas of the train; you can drink it only in your sleeping car. Check with other carriers for specific policies.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Single Worst Packing Mistake You Can Ever Make
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
• 10 Packing Tips for Men

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How to Properly Pack a Bottle of Wine or Liquor in Your Suitcase

By Kaitlyn McInnis

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Packing for a trip is stressful enough—but packing wine or spirits in your suitcase is potentially wardrobe-ruining if you don’t take proper care to ensure all that alcohol stays in the bottle where it belongs.

Whether you’re planning to bring home a few vintage bottles from the vineyard you toured in France or want to surprise dad with his favorite scotch the next time you’re visiting home, we spoke to a handful of travel and culinary professionals to get their best tips on how to pack wine or liquor in a suitcase.

These tried-and-true methods require a little more effort than simply wrapping your vino in a sock—but they provide peace of mind by ensuring your booze makes it from gate to gate without breaking in your suitcase.

Choose the right suitcase

Always pack wine or spirits in a hard-sided spinning suitcase rather than a soft-sided suitcase or duffel bag—the more durable the better. Look for hard-sided options that are made with heavy-duty material like aluminum or polycarbonate . This will ensure that the contents don’t get squished or move around while in transit and will also help to absorb any inevitable shock from external factors between gates.

Wine-specific suitcases exist if you frequently purchase wine or spirits as a souvenir. These types of suitcases used to be bulky and inconvenient for regular travel but have recently become much more versatile.

“One of my favorite ways to travel with wine or to pack wine on the way home from a trip is to use FlyWithWine’s VinGardeValise suitcases ,” says Brianne Cohen , a Los Angeles–based wine educator and sommelier. “They come in five, eight, and twelve bottle options and what is so great about these hard-sided suitcases is that they are modular in design, and you can pull out the bottle inserts as needed.”

“For example, if I’m traveling to wine country, I keep the inserts on one side of the suitcase (this side travels empty on my way to wine country) and remove the inserts on the other side, which is where I pack my clothes and toiletries,” explains Cohen. “On the way home, I pop my new wines into the empty side with inserts, and they travel perfectly.”

Cushion your wine or spirit bottle to absorb impact

If you're bringing wine home from a trip, set yourself up for success the moment you start packing. First off, pack wine in your checked luggage , not your carry-on—it's too much liquid to bring on the plane. From there, it's all about cushion.

“To avoid breakage, start by packing a good layer of clothing above and below your wine bottle,” says Carrie Ann Karstunen, a former flight attendant and travel blogger . “It's a good idea to pack shoes (I put mine in shoe bags ) around the perimeter for an added shock absorber.”

Keeping everything as tight and secure as possible will yield the best result. You’ll want to pack your thicker clothes on the bottom, the wine in the middle, and smaller and lighter clothes around the bottle. Finally, you should pad the top of the suitcase with thicker clothing like sweaters or jeans.

Never pack two bottles next to one another

When you're packing more than one bottle of wine in your luggage, expect the worst if those bottles strike one another in transit.

“When packing more than one bottle of wine, make sure you take proper care to separate them with a shock-absorbing barrier—a bundle of clothes, shoes, or lots of bubble wrap ,” adds Karstunen.

Invest in bottle-specific accessories

If you transport wine regularly or you do not want to take any chances, you can invest in wine- and spirits-specific accessories made for keeping them secure in transit. These protective bags will help avoid additional damage if, worst case, one of the bottles breaks in transit. 

Melissa L. Smith, founder of Enotrias Elite Sommelier Services , suggests looking into inflatable wine travel protector bags if you are traveling with just a few bottles in your checked luggage. The ones with zip-top closures are even safer—should bottles break, none of the contents of your luggage will be damaged. There’s also the Bottle Hero , which comes with protective bubble padding, and the JetBag , which offers a super absorbent layer that will soak up at least 750 ml of liquid (the size of a standard wine bottle) without leaking into your luggage.

Don't pack a bottle that's already been opened

Savvy travelers know that high-altitude air travel causes liquids to expand.

“Even well-sealed containers can leak when pressure expands the contents, making a mess of your packed items,” Karstunen says. “Enjoy your opened bottle before you fly, or give the rest to a wine-loving friend, but do not pack a bottle that has already been opened under any circumstances.”

Ask the winery or distillery if they ship

If you've fallen in love with a certain vintage on a winery tour , ask if they ship to your home address. Many do—and it’s often a lot cheaper than checking an additional suitcase.

“Before you take a chance with shoving a bottle in your suitcase, find out if the winery can send a bottle or more in an insulated box to your door,” Karstunen says.

Let the wine rest before opening it

Whether you packed wine in a suitcase or had it shipped to your door, you’ll want to be patient before enjoying a bottle. Smith urges travelers to let wines rest for as long as possible after transport because the wines can be adversely affected by the jostling, elevation change, and temperature variations. Aim for a minimum of one to two weeks—the wine will be that much more delicious when you finally do open it.

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• Travel Packing

How to Pack Alcohol in Your Luggage

Last Updated: January 2, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lorenzo Garriga . Lorenzo is a time-tested globe-trotter, who has been traveling the world on a shoestring for almost 30 years with a backpack. Hailing from France, he has been all over the world, working in hostels, washing dishes, and hitchhiking his way across countries and continents. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 155,574 times.

Packing alcohol in your luggage can be confusing. Before you decide to transport alcohol on a plane, make sure you understand the rules and regulations that govern alcohol on aircraft, such as limits on quantity and alcohol content. Once you’ve studied these regulations, you can safely and legally pack alcohol in checked or carry-on baggage for your next flight. Just make sure you properly package your alcohol for transport before you place it in your luggage so you don’t end up with a broken bottle of wine when you reach your final destination!

Following the Rules

• In the U.S., alcoholic beverages containing less than 24% alcohol, such as beer and wine, are not restricted as hazardous materials by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Taking Alcohol in Your Carryon Luggage

• If you have a connecting flight after reentering the U.S., however, you will have to go through security again and the duty-free alcohol will then be subject to the 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliter regulation for liquids in carryon luggage.

Packing Alcohol in Your Checked Baggage

• ↑ https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A1144
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2019/06/21/tsa-travel-tip-traveling-alcohol
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/alcoholic-beverages
• ↑ Lorenzo Garriga. World Traveler & Backpacker. Expert Interview. 11 July 2019.
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/emsauter/2023/08/11/heres-the-right-way-to-pack-alcohol-in-your-suitcase/
• ↑ https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/liquids-non-solid-food-personal-items
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-pack-alcohol-in-your-luggage-243869

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About This Article

To pack alcohol in your luggage, you can put it right in your carry-on bag if it's no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. The only time you can bring a bigger bottle on the plane is if it's duty-free alcohol you purchased within the past 48 hours. In that case, you'll need to show the airline a receipt. If you're trying to pack non duty-free alcohol that's more than 3.4 ounces, you'll need to pack it in checked luggage. Wrap the bottle in newspaper or bubble wrap for extra protection. Then, place it in a plastic bag, which will limit the damage to the rest of your luggage if the bottle breaks. Put a barrier, such as an item of clothing, between 2 bottles to prevent them from smashing against each other. For tips from our Travel co-author on how to check country-specific regulations about transporting alcohol, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Alcohol Is the Best Souvenir. Here’s How to Prevent Bottles From Breaking.

A ll of your souvenirs will be in the trash 20 years after returning from a trip abroad. Snacks, spices, and even the hardiest canned foods expire. Clothes rip and begin to stink. Books yellow and magnets lose their stick. Furniture crumbles under feet and beneath thousands of butts. Even memories fade. If you want something that will be enjoyed in the moment, lasts, and brings back a flood of memories, few things compete like a quality bottle of booze.

Spirits speak to a time and a place. Some you can only buy in the country that it’s made , a few are worth seeking out whenever you’re abroad . The most valuable in terms of experiences are spirits that are so tied to a culture it’s hard to imagine the place without them. Genever in the Netherlands , for example, or Gosling’s Black Rum in Bermuda , or baijiu in China .

Decades after you touch down at your hometown airport, a bottle of alcohol will still provide your belly, and by extension your brain, all the bright flavors of another place. Wine and liquor evoke the true flavors of a culture, allowing you to share those tastes with friends back home. Stored properly, a bottle will easily keep until the perfect special occasion (though there’s nothing better after a soul-crushing workday than daydreaming about past travels with a happy hour glass from your souvenir bottle).

With boozy tourism on the upswing, many cities now boast at least one distillery, vineyard, or brewery where you can see firsthand how your host’s favorite drinks are made. Nothing completes a stop at one of these sites like a bottle of your own from the gift shop. By going straight to the source, you can even sometimes find exclusive products or cheaper prices.

Next time you go somewhere new, skip the cheap airport gift shop and pick up a quality bottle of booze. Just keep in mind a few tips to make sure it all arrives safely.

It’s legal to bring most alcohol into the US.

Full bottles of liquor and wine are far larger than the 3.4-ounce limit for liquids in carry-on bags, which means you’ll be checking your precious cargo. The Federal Aviation Administration doesn’t really care how much wine and beer you pack into your checked bag, as long as the alcohol is below 24 percent. For bottles that are more than 24 percent but less than 70 percent (which covers the majority of spirits), the administration allows up to five liters in your checked bag, which is likely more than you’ll need. Anything higher than 70-percent alcohol is a no-go, though we’re not really sure how that’s enforced. Fly with high-proof booze at your own risk.

US Customs and Border Patrol also doesn’t care how much alcohol you bring back, unless you’re planning to import full cases — in which case, you should probably do your research on this topic elsewhere.

Duty free isn’t always the best deal on alcohol.

You don’t have to worry about packing your own bottles or liquid limits in your carry-on bag if you simply grab your bottles at the duty-free shop in the airport. Duty-free shops offer some major discounts, but the selection at these shops remains pretty similar no matter where you are in the world. You don’t go to France for the bourbon, and it would be odd to bring back a bottle of Bordeaux from Thailand . The real tastes of another country lie on the shelves of local liquor stores outside the airport, which means you’ll need to learn to pack your bottles safely for the trip home.

Leave room for a bottle (or two).

Step one is making sure you have physical room for your souvenirs. This could be an excuse to travel light, leaving room in your suitcase, but an even better option is to pack a second suitcase inside your primary checked bag. At the end of your trip, simply break out the second bag and fill it with items from your checked bag to make room.

Photo: Olena Yakobchuk /Shutterstock

Invest in a good hard suitcase.

If you fool around with glass containers in a soft suitcase, you will end up with a bag full of liquor-soaked clothes and shattered dreams. Broken bottles happen. A hard suitcase is non-negotiable, and the bottle-protecting qualities is one reason why a good suitcase is the best travel gear investment for at least one Matador editor.

Bring bubble wrap.

Many savvy traveling drinkers will tell you they simply wrap their boozy keepsakes in dirty clothes for the return trip. That’s fine for amateur hour, but if you want to be sure your bottles don’t fall victim to an indelicate baggage handler, bring along a roll of bubble wrap. A combination of packing material, clothes, and faith will swaddle any bottle all the way home. We recommend bringing packing material from home, because no one wants to spend their last precious hours in a foreign city searching frantically for a UPS store.

Plastic wrap too.

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The dos and don’ts of bringing alcohol on a flight

Whether you’re bringing it home as a souvenir or a gift, alcohol often makes its way into our suitcases as we prep for a flight. Before you stash that vino in your carry-on, though, you’ll want to brush up on the basics of flying with alcohol. (And, if you’re still looking for a flight, give Cheapflights.com flight search a go while you’re here.)

Read on for basic answers to common questions about carrying alcohol on a flight. For the official word on what you can and cannot bring with you on a flight (including alcohol), please refer to the TSA .

Am I allowed to carry alcohol on a flight?

Passengers are allowed to carry alcohol on a flight, both in carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you are of legal drinking age and follow any applicable rules. In general, alcohol must be transported in its original, unopened container.

Can I bring any type of alcohol on the plane?

If your booze is unopened and 140 proof or less, you can safely bring your alcohol on board. Anything over 140 proof is prohibited, though, according to the Federal Aviation Administration . In addition to alcohol, here are some other things you might not know you can take on an airplane .

How much can I carry?

How much alcohol you can bring on a flight depends on whether you’re checking your bottles or carrying them on.

If you’re packing alcohol in your carry-on, you’ll be subject to the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 limit for liquids. Containers must be 3.4 ounces or fewer and fit inside one quart-sized bag.

If you’re carrying alcohol in your checked bags, your limits depend on alcohol content. According to the FAA, there are no limits on how much alcohol you can pack in your checked luggage if the alcohol by volume is less than 24 percent (generally beer and wine). Between 24 and 70 percent, however, the FAA limits passengers to 5 liters.

However, every country has its own rules on carrying alcohol on a flight. U.S. Customs, for example, only allows for 1 liter of alcohol to be carried into the United States duty-free. If you’re planning on meeting the 5-liter legal limit, you’ll be subject to paying duty and taxes for the other four bottles. Other countries like Kuwait forbid passengers from carrying alcohol in the country entirely. Be sure to check the local laws of your destination before packing alcohol in your suitcase.

Can I buy alcohol in a duty-free shop in the airport and bring it on the plane?

If you purchase alcohol in a duty-free shop, you can generally take it with you on the plane – but that doesn’t mean it can travel with you the entire way home. If you have a connecting flight and need to pass through a TSA security checkpoint, your bags are once again subject to carry-on restrictions, which means anything over the 3.4 ounce limit needs to go in your checked baggage. This can be especially frustrating to learn during a layover, as you may not have access to your checked bags to check your alcohol (though you will likely have to claim your baggage and re-check it if you’re re-entering the U.S. and then have a connecting domestic flight). To be safe, be sure to purchase your duty-free alcohol at the last airport you visit before arriving in your final destination to avoid losing it at a security checkpoint.

Can I drink on the plane?

We get it: Sometimes, a stiff drink is the only thing that gets you through a 12-hour redeye sandwiched between the snorer who uses your shoulder as a pillow and the chatty Cathy who won’t stop raving about her trip to Thailand. That may just be why flight attendants serve alcohol – but they are the only ones who can serve alcohol on the plane.

It’s against federal regulation to open your own bottle of alcohol on a flight or to drink alcohol that was not directly served to you by a flight attendant. One of the main reasons is that your flight attendants are basically on bartender duty and need to keep your libations to a safe level. If you’re pounding mini bottles every time your flight attendant comes around and chasing them with swigs from your flask, it can get ugly fast. And no one wants to be stuck in a tiny airplane cabin with that passenger ( Kristen Wiig’s infamous flight scene in “Bridesmaids,” anyone?). Stick to what the flight attendants serve you and wait to crack into your stash until you get to your destination.

How should I pack alcohol?

The last thing anyone wants to discover when they open their suitcase is a pile of wine-soaked clothes or glass shards from alcohol that didn’t make it through the flight. Whether you’re bringing back an expensive bottle of wine, exotic spirits or local beer, proper packing can ensure your alcohol makes it home in one piece.

The first step is to start with bottles that have never been opened. Then, place the bottle in a sealable plastic bag. In case the bottle does break, the bag will help contain the alcohol and keep it from spilling on your other belongings. After placing the bottle in a bag, wrap the bottle to give it extra cushioning for the trip. Towels, sweaters, pants and shirts are good options. Not only will they help protect the bottle from bumps and bruises during transportation, but the fabric will also help soak up any alcohol that manages to get past the plastic bag. Finally, try to position the bottle snugly in the center of your suitcase and surround it with more clothes to ensure your bottle survives an accidental fall off the baggage carousel.

If you prefer to invest in something to help you carry your alcohol on a flight, products like the padded JetBag can help ensure your alcohol makes it in one piece. If you’re in a bind at the airport, you can also check with your airline to see if they offer packaging. Southwest Airlines, for example, offers wine and alcohol packaging for $5.

What should I bring back?

When you’re only allowed to bring back a limited amount of alcohol, you can’t risk wasting your allotment on sub-par spirits or bottles that you later discover are readily available back home. What you choose to bring back depends on your tastes, but you might want to consider spirits that reflect the local flavor, a true souvenir of your experience. In East Asia, you might opt for the local shochu or soju liquor. In British Columbia or parts of Europe, you might consider a bottle of the local ice wine, while a local varietal from a boutique winery in South Africa or Australia might be the perfect gift for someone back home. And while you’re in Europe ? Go for a bottle of Maraschino liqueur right from the source.

Curious how your airport and onboard drinking habits compare to other fliers? Check out our survey of Americans’ drinking habits while flying .

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Top 3 Things to Know about TSA Alcohol Rules in Carry-Ons and Checked Baggage

by Mint Julep Experiences | Dec 1, 2017 | Bourbon , Nashville

We are often asked how our guests can bring their favorite Kentucky bourbons back home after their visit. Here are the current TSA alcohol guidelines and regulations for planes.

• Carry-on Alcohol
• Checked Baggage Limitations
• Airline Specific Regulations

1. Carry-on Alcohol

These restrictions only apply to alcohol purchased before you go through security. Once you clear the security checkpoints, you can purchase a larger bottle of whiskey from an airport vendor.

2. Checked Baggage Limitations

If you want to travel with quantities of whiskey greater than what you can carry in 3-ounce bottles, you will need to pack it in your checked luggage. Even if you do, though, you can’t travel with just anything.

The TSA prohibits any type of air travel with whiskey — or other liquors — more than 140 proof. It also restricts just how much liquor you can travel with, limiting each passenger to 5 liters total.

3. Airline-specific Regulations

Though the TSA does not have specific regulations on how you pack your whiskey — other than recommending that you do so carefully, so it doesn’t break — you should always check with your airline before you pack.

Packing regulations for alcohol vary by an airline to minimize breakage and damage, and the airline reserves the right to refuse your luggage’s contents even if the TSA does not. Some airlines, for example, require that each bottle be packed in a leak-proof bag and sealed with tape in a cardboard container.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about your tour? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page online .

About the Author – Rachel Goldenberg

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Can You Bring Alcohol on a Plane?

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

Can You Bring Alcohol On A Plane?

Bringing home a bottle of wine from a vineyard you visited during your travels is the perfect souvenir to share with friends or family. But, when compared to a keepsake you pick up at a gift shop, packing alcohol for a flight is a bit more involved than just tucking it inside your carry-on bag. Aside from the standard carry on liquid allowance , there are a few things to consider.

If you’re wondering, “Can I bring alcohol on a plane?” Rest assured that the answer is yes, you can fly with alcohol. You just need to take a few extra steps. Here’s everything you need to know about packing alcohol for a flight.

How Much Alcohol Can You Bring on a Plane?

When it comes to packing your  carry-on luggage and clearing TSA checkpoints, the same 3-1-1 rule that applies to toiletries also applies to liquor. You can pack small bottles of alcohol that are 3.4 ounces or less in a clear, quart-sized bag. If you have already passed through the security checkpoints and decide to buy alcohol at a duty-free store inside the airport, make sure to keep your receipt and don’t remove the bottle from the sealed bag provided at checkout.

When you’re packing alcohol in your  checked bag , you are limited to five liters of alcohol. For reference, a standard bottle of wine is 750 milliliters, which means you can fit about six bottles. For liquor connoisseurs, the alcohol by volume percentage also becomes a factor. The TSA rule of thumb is that all alcohol must be less than 140-proof (70% ABV).  

Whether you’re packing mini bottles in your carry-on or you’re bringing back a case of beer in your checked bag, make sure the alcohol is unopened and in its original packaging so you don’t raise any red flags with the authorities.

How Can You Put Alcohol in a Checked Bag?

You certainly don’t want to arrive at your destination and find that the entire contents of your suitcase have been dyed wine red because you didn’t take the proper precautions. Whether you’re packing liquor or wine and beer, store it carefully to prevent breakage. Do so by wrapping clothing, like scarves or sweaters, around the bottles to keep them from clanking into one another during transport.

Can You Drink Your Own Alcohol On a Plane?

The short answer is a resounding “no.” U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations state that drinking your own alcohol on a commercial flight is prohibited, and those who don’t comply could face upwards of $40,000 in fines. If a drink helps to calm nerves before hopping on a plane, you can visit a bar at the airport before boarding or purchase mini bottles of wine and beer or mixed cocktails while in-flight, as long as they’re served by a flight attendant.

Don’t make a simple packing mistake and run the risk of having a high-price bottle confiscated at the airport. By following these steps for transporting alcohol on an aircraft, you can return home—spirits in tow—without a hitch.

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10 Tips for Bringing Alcohol Into the US

Refer to this guide before your next trip abroad.

Kula, Hawaii, USA - February, 3rd 2010: Bottles of Wine neatly displayed at the wine tasting room at Tedeschi Vineyards in Up Country on Maui. The vineyard is located on the Ulupalakua Ranch and is open to the public for wine tasting and purchases.

Photo by: iShootPhotos LLC

iShootPhotos LLC

We’ve all been there: It’s the end of an amazing trip abroad, and along the way you pick up a few (or many more than a few) bottles of alcohol. Will you be allowed to bring all of them home? Will you have to pay tax? And what exactly does duty free mean?

We’ve done the hard work of finding the answers for you, so all you have to worry about is making sure your precious cargo arrives home in one piece.

How Much Alcohol Can I Bring Back Into the US?

It depends, since numerous agencies hold jurisdiction. Technically there is no federal limit on how much alcohol can be brought in for personal use, but US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will likely flag you if you’re carrying more than a case (e.g. 12 bottles of wine) in your luggage. Anything beyond that might fall under suspected commercial use and require an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) import license form .

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits the amount of unopened alcohol that can be brought onto a plane to five liters per person if the alcohol content falls between 24 and 70 percent (up to 140 proof.) If it’s less than 24 percent you can bring more than five liters, but it would be taxed by Customs. Anything greater than 70 percent isn’t allowed since it’s considered a hazardous material.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 ml), unless you purchased alcohol at a duty-free shop at the airport after clearing security. However, if you have a connecting flight within the US and go through security again, then that bottle of alcohol you were initially allowed to carry on would have to be checked. To avoid this conundrum, wait until the last leg of a flight to buy duty-free alcohol.

Photo by: bravo1954

What Types of Alcohol Can You Bring Back Into the US?

To make matters more complicated, each state has its own guidelines on how much alcohol can be brought in , and some states allow less than a case. However, the CBP says that these rules only apply to residents of that state. To be on the safe side, check with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regarding limitations.

Oh, and think twice before buying that bottle of absinthe . It’s regulated by both the FDA and the TTB, and possesses a host of requirements: It must be thujone-free (thujone is the ingredient commonly associated with absinthe’s mind-altering effects), and can’t have the word absinthe in the brand name or as a stand-alone name on the label. Any artwork or graphics with hallucinogenic depictions will also get your bottle confiscated at Customs.

(Despite all the restrictions, it’s worth noting that homemade wine is allowed. Besides following general rules for alcohol, it just has to be labeled.)

Duty free, for press only. (Photo by: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)

Photo by: BSIP/UIG

What is Duty-Free Alcohol?

Essentially, duty-free means there’s no local sales tax (commonly called Value Added Tax, or VAT, outside the US) on goods. Stores can offer this wherever governments don’t impose a tax on items leaving the country; the reason behind it is that customers can’t use or consume a purchase until they return home. Therefore, travelers 21 and older can bring one liter (the equivalent of one bottle) per person into the US without paying additional taxes on it.

For a full guideline, Duty Free Americas (DFA) answers the most commonly asked questions. There’s some debate over whether or not duty free is a deal, but DFA notes that duty-free alcohol can potentially save travelers anywhere from 25-50 percent in taxes.

Just be advised that the US requires travelers to leave the country for at least 48 hours to prevent people from taking advantage of duty-free shopping. Individuals are also limited to $800 worth of duty-free goods per month (including alcohol) and $1,600 for a family.

George Town, Cayman Islands- June 20, 2015: Different brands and flavors of vodka are on the shelves in the duty free liquor store in the Owen Roberts International Airport terminal which is located in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman Island. Duty free shopping is available for luxury items such as liquor, jewelry, cigars and perfume. These items can be purchased when you leave the island. The airport is the main international airport for the Cayman Islands.

Photo by: Jodi Jacobson

Jodi Jacobson

How Much Are Duty Taxes?

This varies. A CBP spokesperson says it depends on the cost of the additional liter or case of alcohol and the alcohol content percentage.

Parts of the Caribbean are a notable exception to the one-liter rule (although the Caymen Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are among the islands that aren’t).

The CBP says you can bring back two liters of alcohol duty free from islands that compose the Caribbean Basin Initiative , which include St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Aruba, as long as one bottle was locally produced. Even better, travelers are allowed to bring back five liters duty free from the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) . The catch is that at least one of the bottles must be locally produced, and the rest purchased within the USVI. More than that would be taxed at a 1.5 percent flat duty rate , plus IRS taxes.

Another exception for the USVI is the monthly limit allowance: Whereas CBP typically limits individuals to $800 worth of duty-free goods per month, individuals can haul home $1,600 worth of items from the USVI.

Tokyo, Japan - March 27, 2016: Pedestrians and taxis outside the Don Quijote Tax Free Shop in the commercial district of Tokyo, Shinjuku. There are several logos, names and brands on the building.

Photo by: DavidCallan

DavidCallan

What Countries Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

According to DFA, travelers can find duty-free alcohol anywhere in the world with a tourism industry. This includes airports, ship ports and border towns, but don’t expect to find it in some Muslim countries where alcohol is illegal, such as Sudan and Libya. You can also find duty-free stores in some major cities; for example, Tokyo offers tax-free shopping to foreign tourists who are in the country for six months or less.

Airport Duty Free Shopping Sign

Photo by: Nirian

Which Airports Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

Most international airports sell it. Joe Bates, liquor and wines editor at Duty Free News International , says duty-free alcohol is even sold at airports in Middle Eastern countries that are otherwise dry. “One notable exception is Saudi Arabia, where duty-free liquor is certainly not for sale at any of the country’s airports as you might expect,” he says. On the other hand, even though Dubai has strict laws governing alcohol, Bates says that Dubai International Airport is one of the top-selling sales locations for Jack Daniel’s.

Some airlines also sell alcohol as part of on-board duty-free shopping, including United and KLM . Be mindful that if you bring your own carry-on bottle on the flight, the cabin crew must serve it to you.

Again, make sure the quantity and alcohol content adhere to TSA, FAA and CBP rules.

People walk through the "Royal Promenade" aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s Voyager of the Seas, berthed at the Ohi wharf in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. Royal Caribbean, the worlds second-largest cruise-line operator, doubled its dividend and will make directors stand for election every year. Photographer: Yuriko Nakao/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Photo by: Bloomberg

Which Cruise Lines Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

This depends. Sherry Kennedy, the editor and publisher of CruiseMaven.com , notes that while most major lines offer duty-free shopping, not all sell alcohol, such as river cruises and some boutique lines. It’s also common to find alcohol in ports, especially the Caribbean, and Kennedy says the prices are competitive to ship stores. However, due to alcohol policies, most lines will confiscate your bottles and keep them until the end of the cruise. On the other hand, most port stores deliver alcohol to the ship for you, meaning less for you to carry.

Whether or not you buy alcohol on the ship or in a port , keep in mind that the same Customs’ rules generally apply. As already mentioned, the Caribbean is among the exceptions. When cruising, the five-liter allowance from the USVI includes the onboard duty-free shop, as long as one bottle was produced in the USVI.

Champagne is being poured into several champagne glasses. The glasses sit in front of the ice bucket that held the champagne bottle as bubbles from the freshly poured champagne can be seen. The camera is tilted slightly of axis.

Photo by: DNY59

What are the Best Duty-free Alcohol Deals?

Due to competition from online retailers and big box stores, duty free isn’t the deal it used to be, but bargains can sometimes be found.

Eric Arnold, a member of the League of Extraordinary Drinkers and author of “ Drink Like A Grown-Up ,” says duty-free alcohol can be a good deal when stores are clearing out their inventory, and on more expensive brands, such as Champagne. He also points out that duty-free bottles tend to be a little larger, so customers get about 25 percent more volume for the money. However, he says some of the best deals are on locally made spirits, since duty-free stores heavily promote them. Among his picks is rum from Fiji, scotch from Scotland, Bundaberg rum from Australia and tequila and mescal from Mexico. Arnold says he’s also found good deals on scotch in Paris.

Bates takes the opposing side on deals. “In my view some of the best prices tend to be on well-known international brands,” he says, such as Baileys, Smirnoff, Absolut, Bacardi and Johnnie Walker. “If you are out to find a bargain, only buy when there’s a clear saving on what you’d pay back home,” says Bates. “Domestic liquor prices in the U.S. are quite low by international standards, so it’s unlikely you’ll find huge savings, but it’s worth checking. Now everyone has a smartphone in their pocket; that’s not hard to do.”

Kennedy says cruise lines often have deals toward the end of the cruise, such as two-for-one bottles.

George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - November 30, 2009: The long road that fronts the sea is lined with shopping malls and duty free shops, restaurants and bar.

Photo by: Flavio Vallenari

Flavio Vallenari

Where are the Best Places to Buy Duty-Free Alcohol?

Thanks to trade agreements, some of the best deals are found in the Caribbean. “In general, alcohol is absurdly cheap in the Virgin Islands,” says Arnold. For example, he says Bulleit Bourbon costs about $40 in Midtown Manhattan, but sells for around $17 in the USVI. He notes Cruzan sells for about $8 a bottle.

Kennedy also recommends buying Bacardi from Puerto Rico. She notes that cruisers are unlikely to find deals in Europe, where duty free means you get the local VAT reimbursed when you leave the country. However, Kennedy says that she’s yet to find a port in Europe with a designated agent to handle VAT receipts.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE: A salesperson places on the shelf the limited-edition bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac in a special decanter with a diamond embedded in the stopper and priced at more than USD8,000 dollars at the duty free transit mall in Changi International Airport in Singapore 11 October 2005. Earnings from retail and food and beverage concessions account for a third of the over 500 million US dollars in total revenues of the airport's operator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, in the year to March 2005. AFP PHOTO/Roslan RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo by: ROSLAN RAHMAN

ROSLAN RAHMAN

When Does it Make Sense to Buy Duty-Free Alcohol?

The experts agree that it’s not just about the savings. Bates notes that it’s possible to find rare and collectible wines and spirits at Singapore Changi and London Heathrow airports.

As for Arnold, “I personally like to buy things when I know I’m not going to be able to find them at home,” he says. “Johnnie Walker Green, for whatever reason, has appeared and disappeared from the market multiple times, but I always have a relatively easy time finding it in duty free.”

Finally, there’s another benefit of shopping locally. “It’s the way to find and enjoy more things you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise,” says Arnold.

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Liquids Rule

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

• Medications
• Infant and child nourishments

Inbound International Flights

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:

• The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
• The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
• The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

The items inside the secure, tamper-evident bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

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• At the airport

Restricted items

What can you fly with.

To prevent inflight danger, many common items are restricted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you travel with objects on the TSA prohibited items or FAA Pack Safe Hazmat restrictions lists, they will be confiscated.*

• TSA prohibited items Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
• FAA Pack Safe Hazmat restrictions Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

*You will be in violation of U.S. Federal Law if you don’t declare any dangerous items. This means you could face up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 (49 U.S.C 5124).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

Allowed for travel?

• Other alcoholic beverages in retail packaging
• Checked bags - yes

Visit the TSA for rules on carry-on bags Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Opened containers aren't allowed.

You can take a maximum of 5 liters per passenger for beverages 24 – 70 percent alcohol by volume in checked bags; customs regulations vary by country.

Due to restrictions set by the European Union (EU), you cannot transport certain products of animal origin into the EU. Please check ahead of time to make sure you comply with these restrictions.

• Carbon zinc
• Silver oxide
• Lithium or lithium-ion
• Nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride

Please remove batteries from devices in your checked bags and put them in your carry-on in separate plastic bags.

Lithium-ion battery acceptance by Watt-hour (Wh):

• Less than 100 Wh – 4 spares in carry-on bag
• 100 - 160 Wh – 2 spares in carry-on bag
• 160 - 300 Wh – Contact Special Assistance

Special assistance

• Damaged batteries
• Automobile, boat or aircraft batteries

Portable electronic devices containing cells or batteries (including lithium) and spares for these devices intended for personal use:

• Laptop computer
• Notebook computer

We allow up to 2 spare batteries for personal use, with restrictions:

• Each spare battery is individually protected in accordance with our lithium battery acceptance policy
• Batteries are in carry-on bag only
• For a lithium metal battery, lithium content cannot be more than 2 grams per battery
• For lithium-ion batteries, a maximum of 2, not exceeding 160 Wh each, are allowed in carry-on bag with airline approval

Traveling with lithium batteries Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Portable electronic devices containing cells or batteries (including lithium) and spares for these devices not intended for personal use:

We allow up to 2 of each device and 2 spare batteries intended for personal use only, with restrictions:

• Approved devices and batteries are safely packaged in carry-on only
• Bags and boxes carrying more than the allotted amount for personal use will not be accepted
• Metal knives (of any length or type)
• Box cutters
• Straight razors
• Carry-on bag - no

You can travel with plastic cutlery and safety/disposable razors in your carry-on bag.

• Pepper spray

Yes, with restrictions

Your drone's battery must not exceed 160 Wh

Drone can be carried on if it or its box is less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters

Dry ice for packing perishable items

You can travel with up to 5.5 lbs/2.5 kgs as carry-on if:

• Packed in a vented, hard plastic or heavy gauge styrofoam container
• You tell a ticket or gate agent
• Vapor cigarettes
• e-cigarettes

Checked bags - no

Carry-on bag - yes

Since some electronic cigarettes use lithium ion batteries, you cannot travel with them in your checked bags. You can travel with them in your carry-on, but you’re not allowed to use them onboard any flight. We recommend traveling with them in a designated carry case.

• Flares/flare guns
• Swingless golf club load strips

You can travel with swingless golf clubs without strips.

Checked bags - yes*

You can travel with firearms in checked bags only if they are declared to an agent at check-in.

You can travel with up to 11lbs/5kg small arms ammunition for sporting purposes in your checked bags if it is:

• Securely packed in the original manufacturers' packaging
• Packaged in fiber, wood, metal or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition

Firearms and ammunition

*Firearms are not allowed in checked bags on Landline motorcoach connections.

• Gas torches (including micro-torches and torch lighters)
• Flammable glues/epoxies
• Gas-powered trimmers/edgers

You can only travel with gasoline-powered tools in your checked bags if they are:

• New or unused
• In the original packaging (which must be in good condition)
• Spray starch
• Insecticides
• Drain cleaners
• Oven or bathroom cleaners
• Hoverboards
• Balance wheels
• Electric small scooters
• Intelligent scooters

We don’t allow lithium ion battery-powered personal transportation devices on board or as carry-on or checked bags.

• Lighters or lighter fluid
• Grill lighters

When traveling to/from/through Japan, you can carry one lighter per person.

For all other travel, you can also carry-on:

• 1 book of safety matches
• Common “Bic style” and unsealed “Zippo style” lighters

You cannot travel with:

• Torch/wind-proof lighters
• “Strike-anywhere” matches
• Lighter fluid
• Recreational Marijuana
• Medical Marijuana

Although American is aware of various state laws that allow recreational or medical marijuana possession, the TSA has stated that possession of marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law and that it will refer passengers traveling with marijuana to law enforcement authorities. Accordingly, American does not allow passenger to transport marijuana on our flights. Anyone traveling with or transporting marijuana on American flights does at their own risk.

Electric wheelchairs with spillable batteries

You can travel with mobility devices if:

• Transported according to our guidelines
• Advance notice is given when traveling transatlantic

Mobility and devices

• Aerosol deodorant or hair spray
• Insect repellent
• Perfume or cologne containing alcohol
• Nail polish or nail polish remover
• Large bottles of acetone such as liquid nails

You can travel with personal care items in your carry-on bag if they are:

• Travel-size (3.4 ounce containers or smaller)
• In a clear, plastic, one-quart zip-top bag

You can travel with personal care items in your checked bags if:

• You have no more than 70 ounces in total
• Each container has no more than 16 fluid ounces

Carry-on bags

• Propane tanks
• CO2 cartridges
• Self-inflating rafts
• Recreational oxygen
• Personal face / full-body pod
• Personal face / full-body tent
• Stadium tent

Checked bags – yes

Carry-on bag – yes

You can travel with these items in your bag, but they may not be used on board or in flight. If space is limited and the item doesn’t fit in the cabin, it may need to be checked.

• Portable electronic air freshener / purifier
• Ozone generator

Checked bags – no

Since some devices use lithium ion batteries, you cannot travel with them in your checked bags. You can travel with them in your carry-on, but you’re not allowed to use them on board any flight.

Traveling with lithium batteries Opens in a new window

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices

Includes recalled and replacement devices.

• Flameless meal products such as HeaterMeals
• Meals Ready-To-Eat (MREs)

Self-inflating life jackets with no more than 2 small CO2 cartridges for inflation purposes

You can only travel with one life jacket in your checked bag, but it may be confiscated by the TSA.

• Metal scissors
• Screwdrivers

Yes but with restrictions

You can travel with such items as carry-on if their measurements are:

• Cutting edge of up to 4-inches : metal scissors
• Up to 7-inches : tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers

Checked or carry-on bags with charging devices

Allowed to travel?

You can travel with these bags as a carry-on if the battery is removable. If the bag needs to be checked or valeted you must remove the battery and carry it with you. Bags with non-removable batteries won't be accepted.

• TASER devices
• Electro-shock weapons (conducted electrical weapons)

You can travel with stun guns / shocking devices in checked bags only if transported in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge.

Please remove all batteries from devices in your checked bags and put them in your carry-on in separate plastic bags.

• Less than 100 Wh – 4 spares in carry-on bag
• 100 - 160 Wh – 2 spares in carry-on bag
• 160 - 300 Wh – Contact Special Assistance

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Don’t Lose Your Booze: How to Bring Alcohol Into the U.S.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

A bottle of wine or a case of beer can allow you to savor your vacation long after it’s over. Getting it through customs, however, requires you to follow federal and state regulations and do some planning, unless you want to lose your booze.

If you know what you expect before you pack your bags, you can plan ahead and eliminate unwanted surprises on the way back.

Here's what you need to know to save yourself some money and headaches.

Understanding the basics

There are plenty of regulations to consider when bringing alcohol into the U.S. Even if federal law allows you to enter the U.S. with a certain amount of alcohol, your state’s laws might restrict it.

Let's start with some general rules from U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

You have to be 21 to travel with or import alcohol

A case of alcohol is an example of the amount that's generally allowed, but it's not a hard-and-fast rule, and state laws may permit less. You can verify the amount of alcohol allowed with your state’s Alcohol Beverage Control board .

Alcohol must be properly labeled, depending on type. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau offers guidelines on its website.

You must declare alcohol brought from a foreign country on a Customs and Border Protection form ( 6059B )

Duty-free? Maybe not

Be aware that you also may still have to pay a “duty” — a tax on goods brought across international borders — even if you bought your alcohol from a duty-free shop.

Customs and Border Patrol collects taxes on alcoholic beverages in the port of entry during the clearance process. The duty-free exemption generally allows you to skip the duty on one liter of alcohol purchased at a duty-free shop when you're traveling to the U.S.; more liters if you’re coming from certain Caribbean destinations.

Duty rates are charged on the percentage of alcohol per liter. Rates on wine and beer run relatively low — about $1 to $2 per liter — but rates on fortified wines and spirits could be much more costly, according to the CBP website. You may also be responsible for paying state taxes. Again, check with your state's Alcohol Beverage Control board.

Putting alcohol in your bag

Other federal rules will apply depending on whether you intend to fly with alcohol in carry-on or checked bags.

For starters, there's a size limit for bottles in your carry-on. The Transportation Security Administration requires liquids over 3.4 ounces to be packed in a checked bag, but exceptions are made for liquids above that size that are bought after you clear the security checkpoint.

If you're checking a bag with alcohol in it, the Federal Aviation Administration allows 5 liters per person of unopened bottles with alcohol by volume over 24% to 70%. You can pack more than that if the alcohol by volume falls under 24%.

The FAA doesn't allow bottles with alcohol by volume over 70% in checked bags or carry-ons.

Preparation and packing

If you know you’re going to want to bring back a bottle, or a few, you can save money by planning ahead.

First, keep in mind that buying a suitcase while you're abroad isn't ideal. Sure, it'll hold your liquid souvenirs, but new luggage can be expensive, and you may also have to pony up a checked-bag fee to get it home unless you have a credit card that waives such fees.

Ruth Berman, CEO of beer tour company Bon Beer Voyage , suggests packing an empty duffel inside your suitcase. She also likes to pack bubble wrap, packing tape or other items to protect the bottles.

“It’s hard to find things like bubble wrap over in Europe,” Berman says. “They are more ecologically-minded over there.”

Reusable protection sleeves may occupy less space, and they can also provide the same function as bubble wrap and packing tape. They may also prevent leaks if a bottle is damaged. If you're lucky, a duty-free store might give them to you for free with a purchase. Otherwise, you can order protector sleeves online.

Regardless, you'll want to wrap an alcohol bottle in a way that makes it easy for customs agents to check it and see the label. Otherwise, you might get delayed.

“I would take my wine bottles in their plastic sleeves and then wrap my clothes around those wine bottles for added security," says Elaine Schoch, a wine connoisseur and editor at Carpe Travel .

She makes a "wine sandwich" in her suitcase by packing her shoes first, adding a layer of clothes, putting the wrapped wine bottles in the middle and placing another layer of clothes on top.

Berman prefers the bubble-wrap-and-sock method for her beer. She wraps it in the bubble wrap, tapes it and puts it in a plastic bag. She then pulls her sock over the bag and wraps it in her jeans for added protection.

Shipping alcohol

Shipping alcohol to the U.S., if your state allows it, can be a more-convenient option than carrying it yourself — but it can also be more expensive. When you ship alcohol, you forfeit the duty-free exemption.

U.S. postal laws prohibit alcohol shipments through the mail, so you’ll have to go through a courier and likely pay handling and customs broker fees, according to CBP's website.

Before shipping, find out if the beverage you want is available in the U.S. If it isn't, consider the final cost after fees and taxes to determine whether it's worth shipping.

You may also want to pay for the shipment with a credit card that offers purchase protection. You could potentially be reimbursed if something goes wrong with your order.

Taking a sip down memory lane

Once you actually get your alcohol safely home, you may be tempted to crack it open immediately. Don't.

The change in temperature, altitude and other factors can have an impact on the contents. That's especially true of wine.

“If you travel with wine, lay it down for a week or two,” Schoch says. “Don’t come home and pop it open right away because wine needs to settle.”

Consult the merchant for best practices on how to make your beer, wine or spirits feel at home. Then, you'll be able to sip at your leisure and enjoy a taste of your fond vacation memories.

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UponArriving

Can You Bring Alcohol & Mini-Liquor Bottles on Planes: A Sobering TSA Guide [2023]

Sometimes a little bit of alcohol goes a long way when it comes to relaxing on a plane.

Yes, most airlines sell alcohol to passengers but what about the much cheaper and convenient route of bringing your own hooch through TSA?

Is it actually legal to take your own alcohol on board or are you asking for trouble with the FAA .

I was curious about this myself and so I took a deep dive into the FAA/TSA rules and even spoke with some TSA agents to see exactly what was allowed and what wasn’t.

In this article, I will talk about the rules for bringing alcohol and mini-liquor bottles through the airport and drinking them on the plane .

Table of Contents

Can you bring alcohol on a plane?

Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane but there are very specific restrictions that differ based on whether you are bringing your alcohol on in your carry-on or in your checked baggage.

If bringing alcohol in your carry-on, you need to abide by the TSA liquids rule and the FAA regulations on alcoholic content and consuming alcohol on the plane.

And if you’re bringing alcohol in your checked baggage, you need to be mindful about the FAA regulations on alcoholic content and limits to the total quantity allowed, especially when coming back from an international trip.

Below, I’ll break down these buzz-kill restrictions into clear terms so that you don’t miss out.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Bringing alcohol on a plane as a carry-on

If you want to take your booze with you in your carry-on, you’ll have to contend with the TSA liquids rule and a couple of very important FAA regulations.

Alcohol and the TSA Liquids 3-1-1 Rule

Alcohol falls in the liquids category and so when you are bringing it on as a carry-on you always have to abide by this rule.

The  TSA Liquids 3-1-1 Rule  states that you can only bring liquids in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and that all of your liquid containers must fit “comfortably” into one clear, quart-size bag.

(When going through the checkpoint, you’ll have to remove your quart-size bag from your luggage unless you have TSA Pre-Check .)

So if you plan on bringing alcohol in your carry-on bag, this rule means you’ll be limited to only small amounts.

Alcohol and FAA regulations

If you like guzzling down some seriously strong alcohol I’ve got some bad news for you.

The FAA forbids you to bring beverages with an alcoholic content of more than 70% (more than 140 proof) in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Why is that? It’s just a little bit too flammable for comfort.

The next regulation you need to be aware of pertains to partaking in your adult beverages on the plane.

FAA regulation §135.121 on alcoholic beverages states that:

No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless a certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.

Notice that the regulation only states that you may not drink alcohol unless a “certificate holder operating the aircraft” (aka a flight attendant) has served it to you.

This means that in theory you could request a flight attendant to serve you your own alcohol and be compliant with the FAA regulation.

But don’t get too excited.

First, to pull this off you need some serious master of persuasion skills. This is especially true in the post-pandemic world.

More crucial, if you look at the policy stated by virtually every major US airline you will see that they don’t seem very open to this idea (or they are just outright against it).

So generally speaking, drinking your own alcohol on a plane is going to be difficult to do (the legal way).

But what would you be risking if you chose to violate the law?

The FAA could slap a fine on you. In fact, they have been busy dropping huge fines on unruly passengers for alcohol related incidents.

In reality, if you were asked to put away your alcohol and you immediately complied I doubt you would suffer any consequences.

It’s only when things escalate that the fines seem to come into play.

Mini liquor bottles

Although the odds might be stacked against you when it comes to consuming your alcohol on the plane, you should at least know that bringing mini liquor bottles on the plane is permitted.

Subject to a couple of restrictions, of course.

First, going back to the liquids rule.

Mini liquor bottles are about 1.7 ounces, so this means that they are small enough to be brought on the plane as a liquid.

If you would like to bring more alcohol, you can consider pouring your liquor bottles into larger carry-on size containers that are 3.4 ounces .

The tricky thing to remember is that the percent of alcohol can dictate what you can bring in your 3.4 ounce containers.

TSA has no rules against transporting alcohol in bottles that you did not purchase the alcohol in but if they contain more than 24% alcohol but not more than 70% alcohol they need to be in  unopened retail packaging.

So that means that many types of vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequilas, and other alcohols cannot be legally transferred from an open bottle of liquor into one of your personal liquid bottles and then carried onto a plane because the alcohol would not be in unopened retail packaging.

For your reference, here are some  ranges  for the alcoholic content of some common beverages:

Alcohol Percentage Content

• Vodka | ABV: 40-95%
• Gin | ABV: 36-50%
• Rum | ABV: 36-50%
• Whiskey | ABV: 36-50%
• Tequila | ABV: 50-51%
• Liqueurs | ABV: 15%
• Fortified Wine | ABV: 16-24%
• Unfortified Wine | ABV: 14-16%
• Beer | ABV: 4-8%
• Malt Beverage | ABV: 15%

Related: TSA Marijuana Rules Explained

How many mini-liquor bottles can you fit in a quart sized Ziploc bag?

The amount of bottles that you can fit inside of a quart size bag will depend on the shape and size of the mini-liquor bottles.

However you can generally expect to fit between five and seven mini-liquor bottles inside a quart size bag. 

Just remember that the bottles must fit “comfortably” within the bag.

Comfortably means that the bag will seal without busting at the seams.

If you cannot completely seal up that bag then the TSA agent will likely state that you have not met the “comfortably” requirement and you will have to throw away some of your alcohol.

Making cocktails on planes

You might be surprised that there are some food items great for cocktails that you can bring on planes. For example, you can bring fresh fruits (lime, lemon, etc.) with you through airport security.

Most airlines will serve many drinks that are perfect for mixing up cocktails such as, orange juice, Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, tomato juice, and other fruit juices. These are usually served either on a complementary basis or for a small fee.

If you want some inspiration for cocktail ideas you find those here .

You can also buy cocktail kits online.

The key here is to be mindful about those FAA regulations.

What about duty-free liquor bottles?

If you have purchased liquor bottles from a duty-free store then you should be able to bring those on the plane even if they are larger than the standard 3.4 ounces allowed.

If you are coming in from an international flight and you are connecting to another flight within the US, you should still be able to bring your duty-free liquor bottles with you through TSA and onto your connecting flight.

However, there are special requirements for doing so.

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:  

• The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
• The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
• The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

Read more about this rule here .

Alcohol and checked bags: know your limits

If you want to bring your booze in your checked baggage, there are additional (but similar) restrictions that apply in that case.

Let’s start with the lightest type of alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 

This would be mostly things like beer, champagne, wine, and some limited liquors.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging.

And, as stated above, beverages with more than 70% alcohol are not allowed on the plane at all.

The rules above don’t mean you should bring in unlimited amounts of alcohol, though (especially if flying into the US).

The CBP states that:

There is no federal limit on the amount of  alcohol  a traveler may import into the U.S. for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes , and a CBP officer could require the importer to obtain an  Alcohol  and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau  (TTB) import license (which is required for all commercial importations) before releasing it. 

So if you go pushing things to the limit you could find yourself subjected to license requirements. And I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that those licenses aren’t free.

So what would be a safe limit when bringing alcohol back into the country?

CBP does provide us with some guidance and they state:

A general rule of thumb is that 1 case of  alcohol  is a personal use quantity – although travelers are still subject to state restrictions which may allow less.

So if you are bringing in alcohol in your checked baggage, my advice would be to stick to one case of alcohol. If you try to push the limits, you could be subject to additional fees or worse, so it is just not worth it in my opinion.

Alcohol on planes FAQ

Contrary to what you might believe, it is not illegal to bring your own personal alcohol on a plane.

The FAA requires all alcohol consumed on a plane to be served by a flight attendant. Most airlines have policies that don’t allow you to drink your own alcohol on the plane so the odds of you getting a flight attendant to serve you your own alcohol are probably very low.

Many cocktail recipes call for special syrups. If you are wondering about bringing syrups on the plane, you should know that TSA will consider them to be liquids and they will be subject to the 3-1-1 rule. You can read more about different foods and liquids permitted to bring on a plane here .

Yes, you can take mini-liquor bottles through airports and onto planes. However, you need to be aware of the special regulations that govern liquids through security and those for serving alcohol on planes so that you are not violating any laws.

You must be age 21 to consume alcoholic beverages on a US plane.

You can bring a handful of your mini-liquor bottles through airport security and even drink them on the plane.

However, you need to be aware of the FAA regulations and decide the best way for you to go about complying with those. Some airline crews may be more relaxed than others or be more strict so you will have to get a sense of how the flight crew is going to be.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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I bought my of age son a bottle 1 fifth, of rare whiskey. I’m traveling from Albuquerque to Austin. May I put this sealed in my checked baggage on southwest wrapped in bubble wrap?

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One-time purchase: #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-whole { font-size: 28px !important; } #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-fraction, #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-symbol { top: -0.75em; font-size: 13px; } $14.10 $ 14 . 10 $1.53 per Ounce ( $1.53 $1.53 / Ounce) FREE delivery Friday, May 10 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon Sold by: FlaLab

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Isopropyl Alcohol 99% Travel Size Spray Bottles - 4 pack (Portable 2.3oz Size) - Manufactured in the USA

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Easy to use, all you have to do is to spray the desired area. For external use only.
• Small Bottle that you can always take wherever you go.
• You are buying Four - 2.30 oz Spray Bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol Pure Grade 99% Anhydrous. - Cap color might change -
• Made in USA

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Product Description

For over 14 years, Florida Laboratories has been dedicated to continually improving existing formulas and developing new products to meet market needs. We are committed to ongoing research for new and improved products and have implemented continuous laboratory quality assurance testing of all products to confirm the high standard we expect from our raw materials and finished products. We are pleased to offer you the finest raw materials available for your needs on the planet. Isopropyl Alcohol Pure Grade 99% Anhydrous. Warning Flammable Use only in a well-ventilated area, fumes may be harmful. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from Heat, Spark, Electrical, Fire or Flame

Product details

• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 5.1 x 1.15 inches; 9.45 ounces
• UPC ‏ : ‎ 791617374027
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Florida Laboratories
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08LQRNR65

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the strength, size and quality of the lab chemical. They mention that it's a strong pure alcohol cleaner, the size is just right for their crafting table and that it comes in a travel size spray bottle. They also appreciate the ease of use and convenience of the spray bottle

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the size of the 99% isopropyl alcohol. They mention that it is just right for their crafting table, and that it fits great in their purse.

"...The bottles are small enough to store easily in my instrument case. The spray tops operate well. It was a good value for 4 bottles, too." Read more

"...These bottles are very handy to have on hand. I like they are travel size ." Read more

"Perfect for my crafting projects. The size is just right for my crafting table." Read more

" Fits great in my purse ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lab chemical. They mention it's a good product, great quality, and perfect.

" Perfect ! Received what I expected." Read more

" Nice product ..." Read more

" Great quality ..." Read more

" Product is good ... if it is in the bottle..." Read more

Customers find the product easy to use and appreciate the convenience of the spray bottle.

"...I love the convenience of the spray bottle because I will typically cover a piece of vellum with alcohol markers and then spray the alcohol to cause..." Read more

" Ease of use " Read more

" Easy to use and great value..." Read more

Customers like the strength of alcohol in the lab chemical. They mention that it's a strong pure alcohol cleaner, and the right strength for crafting needs. Some say it'll sanitize door handles.

"This is the right strength of alcohol for my crafting needs...." Read more

"...Good for door handles and to sanitize " Read more

" Strong pure alcohol cleaner , in pump bottles that work." Read more

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