Can you bring alcohol on a plane? The rules explained

The rules for bringing alcohol on planes are complex, but knowing the size limits and rules about consuming alcohol on board can help ensure a smooth trip.

While flight attendants often offer the opportunity to buy or consume alcohol on a flight, you may be wondering if you can bring your own alcohol aboard. The rules on what you can bring on a flight and when you can consume alcohol tend to vary. To understand the rules on whether or not you can bring alcohol on a plane, read our comprehensive guide.

Rules for alcohol in carry-on bags

The TSA allows you to bring alcohol in your carry-on, but containers must comply with the 3.4 ounce (100ml) limit. This means usually only mini-liquor bottles (1.7oz/50ml) are allowed.

You can pack as many mini bottles that fit in a single quart-sized ziploc bag that seals securely. Depending on bottle size, that means squeezing close to twenty mini-bottles if you really max it out. While TSA allows mini-bottles, your airline might have stricter rules – always check before packing to avoid any issues at the gate.

Rules for alcohol in checked baggage in the US

According to the TSA, you can put alcohol in checked luggage as long as it meets these proof and volume limits:

• Proof: Alcohol must be between 24% and 70% (140 proof max)
• Volume: You can check up to five liters, which is about six regular wine or spirit bottles (750ml each), or about two large liquor bottles (1.75 liters each)
• Alcohol over 70% (140 proof): Leave this kind of strong stuff at home. It isn’t allowed in checked or carry-on bags.

There are no limitations for alcohol under 24% (48 proof). For alcohol 24–70% (48–140 proof), there's a five liter maximum per passenger, and the liquor must be stored in unopened retail packaging. That means you can pack six 750ml bottles and still have a little breathing room.

You obviously don’t want to arrive at your destination and find that everything inside your suitcase is soaked in liquor because the proper precautions weren’t taken. Whether you’re packing liquor, wine, or beer, pack it carefully to prevent breakage. Wrap towels or sweaters around the bottles to keep them from clanking into each other during transport. Better yet, invest in a travel wine bag to prevent breakage and contain any spills.

Drinking your own alcohol on board

Just because you can pack those mini-bottles doesn’t mean you can crack them open at 30,000 feet. If you want a drink before your flight, hit a bar at the airport before boarding. Once on board, you can enjoy wine, beer, or cocktails as long as they’re served by a flight attendant.

Federal aviation regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on a flight unless served by the airline. The FAA has fined passengers up to $40,000 for refusing to comply with this rule. Despite the rules, techniques like disguising liquor in soda cans or “palming” shooters to avoid detection have become popular. However, even attempting to drink your own alcohol on a flight can lead to serious consequences.

In many jurisdictions it’s a felony to board a plane under the influence or to appear drunk on board. The captain or cabin crew typically makes this call, and airline staff have the authority to deny boarding if they believe a passenger is too intoxicated to fly safely.

While it may be tempting to BYOB, the rules are in place for safety reasons. Violations of the FAA’s rules on unruly passengers can incur fines and criminal charges for public intoxication or interfering with the flight crew. Once you’re at cruising altitude, it’s better to enjoy the free sodas or buy alcohol from the cabin crew.

Bringing duty-free alcohol on board

In 2014, the TSA updated its security rules to allow travelers to bring five liters of duty-free liquids, including alcohol, in carry-on bags on international connections, with the following caveats:

• It was purchased at an international airport duty-free shop, not domestically.
• The retailer seals the duty-free liquids in a tamper-evident bag.
• You have a receipt proving the purchase was made within the last 48 hours.
• The bag shows no signs of tampering when screened by the TSA.

If you purchased the alcohol overseas and have a connecting flight in the US, the alcohol is allowed in your carry-on bag if the bottles are packed in a transparent, tamper-evident bag secured by the retailer. Don’t try to sneak a taste. If the bag looks opened or tampered with, it won’t be allowed to fly in your carry-on bag. The golden rule for traveling with alcohol in your carry-on is to always keep your receipts, because you’ll have to show that the alcohol was purchased within the last 48 hours.

While you can now transport select duty-free alcohol sizes in a carry-on, drinking your duty-free liquor inflight still violates FAA regulations. Although you can bring it on board, you can’t consume duty-free or any other alcohol unless served by the airline. The updated rule simply permits duty-free liquor to be screened at the gate rather than packed in checked luggage. Make sure you understand and follow the specific criteria to avoid any problems.

Domestic vs. international flights with alcohol

Most airlines serve complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on long-haul international flights. However, on domestic routes, alcohol usually has to be purchased. Drinking ages also vary by airlines’ registration countries. For example, an Icelandic airline will likely have a minimum drinking age of 20, while it would be 21 for US airlines. Some carriers allow exceptions for minors with guardian consent on international flights. Always check the airline’s policy. While free drinks may be a perk of overseas travel, overindulgence can get you in trouble. Know the policies to avoid any issues.

Traveling domestically vs. internationally with alcohol

When traveling within the US, TSA rules apply to alcohol in both carry-on and checked bags. On international flights, be mindful of variations in duty-free limits, import allowances, and drinking age. One tip is to take advantage of duty-free shopping when returning from international trips. You can bring more back than when departing the US due to higher customs limits. Wherever you’re flying, following airline and regulatory policies is the key to smooth travel.

Traveling within the European Union with alcohol

Within the European Union, you’re allowed to check or carry on up to 10 liters. The contents must be in unopened retail packaging. 10 liters is approximately 13 regular wine bottles or five large liquor bottles (1.75 liter each).

Before packing alcohol in checked luggage, verify the importation rules of your destination because limits may be stricter or more generous than the TSA’s. Safely transporting your alcohol home is easier when you know the rules upfront.

FAQs

Can you bring mini alcohol bottles on a plane?

Yes, but all liquids must follow the 3.4 ounces (100ml) rule. Mini liquor bottles are typically 1.7 ounces and meet this limit. For comparison, mini bottles are 1.7 ounces (50ml), and the typical hip flask is 6 ounces (177ml). Pack as many unopened mini bottles as you can fit in one quart-sized ziploc bag.

Can you bring your own alcohol on a plane?

Checked baggage limit: You can pack up to five liters of alcohol per passenger in checked baggage if it’s 24–70% (48–140 proof).

Duty-free alcohol (international flights): If you buy alcohol at a duty-free shop and are on an international flight with a US connection, you can carry up to five liters in a secure tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt. Just remember you can’t open or drink it during the flight. If you have a layover and re-enter security, the alcohol must fit TSA’s 3.4-ounce rule or be stowed in your checked baggage before your next flight.

Can you bring unopened alcohol on a plane?

Any alcohol you bring on a plane—from mini to full-size bottles—must be unopened.