Quick Answer
✅ Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but rules depend on alcohol content, bottle size, and where you bought it.
- In carry-on, alcohol must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz bottles) unless it’s duty-free.
- Duty-free alcohol is allowed in sealed bags if purchased after security.
- In checked bags, alcohol is allowed up to 5 liters per passenger for bottles between 24–70% ABV.
Details
- Carry-on (non-duty-free): Only bottles ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your quart-sized liquids bag. Larger bottles bought before security must go in checked.
- Duty-free purchases: Alcohol bought after security is allowed, even in larger bottles (e.g., 750 ml / 1 L), but must remain sealed in tamper-evident duty-free bags with the receipt until you reach your destination.
- Checked luggage:
- ≤ 24% ABV (beer, wine, low-alcohol drinks): No FAA quantity limit.
- 24–70% ABV (liquor, spirits): Limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger, bottles must be unopened retail packaging.
- > 70% ABV (overproof alcohol, grain alcohol): Prohibited in both carry-on and checked.
TSA & FAA Alcohol Rules Summary
| Alcohol Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bottles (≤ 3.4 oz) | ✅ Allowed in quart bag | ✅ Allowed |
| Duty-free liquor | ✅ Allowed (sealed bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Beer & wine (≤ 24% ABV) | ❌ Only duty-free allowed | ✅ Unlimited |
| Liquor 24–70% ABV | ❌ Only duty-free allowed | ✅ Up to 5 L per person |
| Over 70% ABV | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Drinking your own alcohol is illegal: FAA rules prohibit consuming personal alcohol on board, even if it’s duty-free or minis. Only flight attendants may serve alcohol.
- ✈️ Duty-free connections: If connecting flights require rescreening (especially international to domestic), your duty-free alcohol may be confiscated if > 3.4 oz and not in a sealed STEB (tamper-evident bag).
- ✈️ Spillage risks: Pack carefully in checked luggage — use padded sleeves or plastic bags to prevent leaks.
- ✈️ Overproof banned: Anything above 70% ABV (like Everclear 190 proof) is not permitted on planes at all.