Lena Savoie
While there are strict rules about bringing alcohol on a plane, it is unclear whether or not your ID will be checked when ordering alcohol on a plane. In the US, passengers over 18 must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel, and the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the US. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID. It is prohibited to open bottles of alcohol purchased in duty-free, and flight attendants are trained to ID passengers who look underage and have the right to refuse any passenger at their discretion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ID Checked When Ordering Alcohol on a Plane | No, but it is a specific criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft. Cabin crew are trained to ID passengers who look underage and have the right to refuse service to anyone, regardless of age, at their discretion. |
| Drinking Laws | Vary by country and airline. Most airlines abide by the laws of the country where the airline is registered, while some adhere to the laws of the country from which the plane is departing, or the destination. |
| Drinking Age | Varies by country. For example, the drinking age is 21 in the US and 18 in the UK. |
| Bringing Alcohol on a Plane | Allowed, but with restrictions. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags and must be unopened. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit comfortably in a single quart-sized bag. |
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What You'll Learn
ID checks when boarding a plane
ID checks are a standard procedure when boarding a plane, and are required for adult passengers (18 and older) at the airport security checkpoint. These checks are in place to ensure passenger safety and to comply with TSA regulations. Without providing valid identification, travellers will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint and proceed with their journey.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so passengers are advised to check the latest requirements before travelling to ensure they have the correct documentation. Additionally, TSA officers may request further information, such as current address details, to verify a person's identity.
In terms of purchasing alcohol on a plane, there do not appear to be specific ID checks in place for this purpose. However, FAA regulations prohibit travellers from consuming alcohol on board unless served by a flight attendant. Thus, the focus is on responsible service rather than ID checks for alcohol purchases. Travellers are permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board, but these must adhere to certain quantity and packaging restrictions.
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Drinking your own alcohol on a plane
In addition to this, some airlines have their own specific policies regarding alcohol. For example, American, Delta, and Southwest all stipulate that alcohol brought onto the plane by passengers must remain unopened. It is always best to check with your airline before attempting to bring alcohol on board.
If you are planning to bring your own alcohol on a plane, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on the amount and type of alcohol that is permitted. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 litres (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to these limitations, but mini bottles in carry-on luggage must be able to fit comfortably into a single quart-sized bag.
It is worth noting that the consequences of violating these rules can be costly. For example, a JetBlue customer was fined $14,500 for drinking their own alcohol and refusing to wear a mask. To avoid any issues, it is always best to follow the regulations and consume alcohol only when it is served by a flight attendant.
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Buying alcohol at duty-free
When buying alcohol at duty-free shops, it's important to be aware of the rules and restrictions that apply. Firstly, duty-free shops offer items without the taxes that would normally be applied in the country where the airport is located. This means that when you purchase an item at a duty-free shop, you won't be charged the taxes of that country, but you may still be subject to taxes when you arrive at your destination. For example, if you buy alcohol at a duty-free shop in France and then fly to the United States, you won't pay French taxes, but you may be taxed when entering the US.
It's also important to note that the duty-free allowance varies by country. For instance, returning US citizens are allowed one liter of duty-free alcohol, but they must declare it if they have spent more than their exemption amount. Additionally, some countries allow arriving international travelers to shop at duty-free stores before leaving the airport, but the US does not. Returning US travelers can only buy duty-free at foreign departure airports.
When it comes to saving money at duty-free shops, it's recommended to use a credit card with no transaction fees and to accept the charge in the local currency to avoid higher converted rates. Additionally, it's worth considering the exchange rates and whether you might find better deals at local shops outside of the airport, especially in Europe. However, if you are a non-European resident, you may be eligible for a refund of value-added taxes (VAT) or goods and services taxes (GST) before leaving the EU zone, so keep your receipts and relevant documentation.
While duty-free shops can offer convenience and savings, it's important to be mindful of any restrictions or additional taxes that may apply. Always check with your airline before bringing alcohol on board, as FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming their own alcohol on board and limit alcoholic beverages with more than 24% alcohol to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags. Additionally, passengers 18 and older must present valid identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport, at the airport checkpoint.
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Drinking laws by country
Drinking laws vary across the world and are dependent on several factors, including cultural norms, religious beliefs, and the perceived impact of alcohol on health and social behaviour. While most countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18, there are some countries where the legal drinking age is lower or higher, and others where alcohol is prohibited.
In the United States, the minimum legal purchase age is 21, which was implemented to reduce drunk driving rates among teenagers and young adults. However, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have a minimum drinking age of 18. Interestingly, fourteen states permit minors to drink alcohol given to them by their parents or someone entrusted by their parents. Similarly, in Canada, the legal drinking age varies by province, with Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Saskatchewan having a minimum drinking age of 18, while the remaining provinces and territories have a minimum drinking age of 19.
Across Africa, the typical legal drinking age is 18, as seen in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. However, there are exceptions like Angola (except Luanda Province), the Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali, where there are no laws restricting the sale of alcohol to minors. In Latin America, 18 years is also the predominant legal drinking age, as seen in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay.
In the Middle East, the legal drinking age tends to be higher, with countries like Bahrain and Egypt setting the minimum drinking age at 21. Conversely, in Abu Dhabi, the legal drinking age is 18, while in Sharjah, alcohol consumption is prohibited. Some countries in Europe, such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Portugal, have a minimum purchase age below 18, but still regulate access to alcohol for minors.
It is important to note that while these are the legal drinking ages in different countries, the consumption and purchase of alcohol may still be regulated within specific contexts, such as in airports or on planes. For example, while an 18-year-old may be above the legal drinking age in their country, they may still need to provide valid identification to purchase or consume alcohol in certain settings.
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Alcohol limits in checked luggage
To answer the first part of your query, yes, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel, as per TSA regulations. This also applies to ordering alcohol on a plane. The list of acceptable IDs includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a U.S. passport, and several other forms of ID. It is always good to check with the TSA before travelling to ensure you have acceptable ID.
Now, for the alcohol limits in checked luggage:
Alcohol regulations for checked luggage depend on the alcohol's percentage by volume (ABV). Alcoholic beverages with an ABV of 24% or less are not subject to quantity limitations in checked bags. However, for beverages with an ABV of over 24% but not exceeding 70%, the limit is 5 litres (1.3 gallons) per passenger. These beverages must be in their original, unopened retail packaging.
It is important to note that partially consumed bottles of alcohol are prohibited on flights. Therefore, any alcohol packed in checked luggage must be unopened or entirely empty. Additionally, it is recommended to pack alcohol securely to prevent breakage during transit. Using materials like bubble wrap, wine-shipping packaging, or thick clothing can provide cushioning and protect bottles.
Finally, it is always advisable to check with your specific airline before bringing any alcoholic beverages on board, as policies may vary. Additionally, while alcohol purchased at duty-free stores can be carried into the cabin, it must comply with the standard liquid limits for carry-on luggage, typically limited to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100ml.
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Frequently asked questions
Flight attendants are trained to ID passengers who look underage and have the right to refuse serving alcohol to any passenger, regardless of age, at their discretion. However, most airlines abide by the laws of the country where the airline is registered, while some follow the laws of the country from which the plane is departing or the destination.
Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but there are a few things to consider. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 litres (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. For carry-on luggage, the same 3-1-1 rule that applies to toiletries also applies to liquor. You can pack mini bottles of alcohol that are 3.4 ounces or less in a clear, quart-sized bag.
No, drinking your own alcohol on a commercial flight is prohibited by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Those who don't comply could face fines of over $40,000. You can only drink alcohol served by a flight attendant.
