Quick Answer
⚠️ Wine is a liquid.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size wine bottles are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security (duty-free).
✈️ In checked luggage, FAA limits apply: up to 5 liters per passenger for wine between 24–70% ABV.
Details
- Carry-on (pre-security):
- Only wine containers ≤ 3.4 oz are allowed through TSA.
- Standard 750 ml bottles are not permitted.
- After security:
- Full-size duty-free bottles purchased post-screening are allowed on board if sealed in a tamper-evident bag.
- Checked luggage:
- FAA rules allow up to 5 liters per passenger of alcohol between 24–70% ABV.
- Wine is usually ~12–15% ABV, so unlimited bottles are technically allowed (FAA limits apply only above 24%).
- International flights:
- Customs often limits wine imports (e.g., U.S. allows 1 liter duty-free per traveler). Extra bottles may require duty fees.
TSA Wine Rules Summary
| Wine Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Wine ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard wine bottle (750 ml) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Duty-free sealed bottle | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Wine > 24% ABV (fortified wines) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Up to 5 L/person |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Duty-free connections: Bottles may be confiscated if you must re-clear security during a layover.
- ✈️ Spillage risk: Wine bottles can break in checked bags — use padded wine sleeves.
- ✈️ Customs limits: Many countries allow 1 liter duty-free; anything more may be taxed or confiscated.
- ✈️ Fortified wines (port, sherry): Stronger ABV but still under 24% — generally unlimited in checked.