Alcohol On A Plane: What's The Law?

While it is not illegal to bring alcohol on a plane, there are strict guidelines that must be followed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that passengers can take alcohol in their checked and carry-on luggage, but only under certain conditions. For carry-on luggage, the standard liquid allowance rules apply, with each bottle of alcohol needing to be 3.4 ounces or less and fit inside a single transparent, quart-sized bag. For checked luggage, the rules differ depending on the alcohol content, with a maximum allowance of 5 liters of alcohol per passenger. Alcohol must also be in its original, unopened retail packaging to avoid raising red flags with authorities and to prevent breakage.

Alcohol volume and quantity restrictions

For international travel, alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 24% are not subject to quantity restrictions in checked bags. Beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% are limited to 5 litres per person, and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 70% are prohibited.

Within the EU, the limit for beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% is 10 litres per person.

In carry-on luggage, liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to containers of 100ml or less. An exception to this rule is made for wine or spirits purchased in duty-free, which are allowed in larger quantities provided they are placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

It is important to note that duty-free limits and overall limits are not the same. Duty-free allowances typically range from 1-5 litres, while total limits are usually unlimited for wine, sparkling wine, and beer. However, these limits may vary depending on the destination country, so it is important to check the regulations for your specific destination.

Additionally, some airlines may have their own rules about carrying alcohol, so it is recommended to check with your airline before your travel.

Container type and size

When packing alcohol in checked luggage, it is important to follow the guidelines outlined by the relevant authorities. Here are some key points to consider regarding container type and size:

• Container Type: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines state that alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol must be in their original, unopened retail packaging. This means that the alcohol should be in its original container, sealed, and not accessed during the journey. However, for alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less, such as most wines and beers, there are no specific limitations mentioned in terms of container type.
• Container Size: For alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70%, the permitted container size for checked luggage is up to 5 liters per passenger. This translates to approximately six standard bottles of wine, each typically containing 750 milliliters. On the other hand, for beverages with an alcohol content below 24%, there are no specified restrictions on container size.
• Multiple Containers: When packing multiple containers of alcohol, it is important to consider the total weight and volume of your checked luggage. A typical bottle of wine weighs around 1.4 kg, and when packing several bottles, the weight can add up quickly. Ensure you are aware of your airline's weight restrictions for checked baggage to avoid excess baggage fees. Additionally, consider using purpose-built wine suitcases or protectors to securely transport your alcohol and avoid breakage.
• Airlines' Specific Rules: While the TSA guidelines provide a general framework, it is crucial to remember that each airline may have its own specific rules and limitations regarding the type and size of alcohol containers allowed. These rules are in addition to the standard TSA guidelines, so it is important to familiarize yourself with your chosen airline's policies to ensure compliance.
• International Regulations: When travelling internationally, it is essential to consider the regulations and laws of the country you are visiting or transiting through. Different countries may have varying restrictions on the type and size of alcohol containers allowed, and these regulations can impact what you are permitted to carry. Always check the rules of your destination country to ensure you comply with their specific requirements.

By adhering to these guidelines on container type and size, you can confidently navigate the regulations surrounding alcohol transportation in checked luggage. Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes to policies by reviewing the TSA guidelines and your airline's specific rules before your journey.

Packaging and protection

When packing alcohol, it is important to consider the protection of the bottles to prevent breakage. It is recommended to use bubble wrap or wine-shipping packaging designed for this purpose. Thick socks or sweaters can also be used to secure the bottles and prevent them from moving around during the flight. Original retail packaging with a metal case can provide added protection, especially for checked baggage. Some airlines may require the use of Styrofoam wine protectors. When travelling to European destinations, it is advisable to carry spare cases and covers as small-scale wineries and distilleries may not provide sturdy packaging.

To comply with airline regulations, alcohol must be packed in unopened retail packaging. This means that partially consumed bottles are prohibited on flights. It is advisable to transfer leftover liquids to smaller bottles that can be properly sealed and packed. Additionally, alcohol must be in its original container, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for U.S. flights.

For carry-on baggage, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows mini bottles of alcohol that can comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag. Liquids larger than 100ml are generally not permitted in carry-on luggage. However, an exception is made for duty-free purchases, where wine or spirits greater than 100ml are allowed in cabin baggage if placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB). This exception applies to passengers travelling to the USA, Canada, and Europe.

When packing alcohol in checked baggage, it is important to adhere to the quantity limitations specified by the TSA. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 litres (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to quantity limitations. It is recommended to place alcohol bottles in the middle of the bag, surrounded by clothes, to provide protection and absorb any potential leaks.

Duty-free purchases

In Canada, travellers can bring 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages (or 1.5 litres of wine or 8.5 litres of beer) duty-free, as part of their CAN$800 personal exemption. Any goods above this amount are subject to duties and taxes.

Within the EU, there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring in from another EU country, as long as you have bought and paid for the goods within the EU, and they are for your own use. However, each EU country sets its own duty-free import limits for alcohol and tobacco brought in from non-EU countries.

It is important to note that duty-free limits only refer to the amount of alcohol that can be brought into a country duty-free. The total limit of alcohol that can be brought into a country is usually higher and subject to duties and taxes. For example, in the US, federal regulations do not specify a limit on the amount of alcohol that can be brought into the country, but unusually large quantities may raise suspicions that the alcohol is for commercial use.

To comply with airline regulations, alcohol purchased duty-free must be placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) and can be carried in cabin baggage. Alcohol purchased outside of duty-free or packed in checked baggage must comply with the airline's regulations regarding packaging and quantity.

Drinking on the plane

Firstly, for carry-on luggage, the standard liquid allowance rules apply, meaning that each bottle must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit inside a single transparent, quart-sized bag. This includes mini bottles of alcohol, which must be able to fit comfortably inside a single quart-sized bag. It is important to note that liquids larger than 100ml are not allowed in carry-on luggage, with the exception of wine or spirits purchased at duty-free, which are allowed in cabin baggage if placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB).

Secondly, for checked luggage, passengers are limited to 5 liters of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol concentration of more than 24% but not more than 70% (140 proof). These beverages must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic drinks with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to these quantity limitations in checked bags. It is important to securely pack alcohol in checked luggage to avoid breakage, by using bubble wrap or wrapping clothing around the bottles. Additionally, it is recommended to use a purpose-built wine suitcase to transport wine bottles.

It is also essential to be aware of any specific rules or limitations that your airline might have regarding carrying alcohol. Furthermore, when bringing alcohol into a country, it is important to follow the regulations and laws of that nation, as duty-free limits and total limits may differ. Lastly, passengers must be of legal drinking age in the country they are bringing alcohol into.

Frequently asked questions