Quick Answer
⚠️ Beer is a liquid.
✅ In carry-on, cans or bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles and cans are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security.
✈️ In checked luggage, FAA rules apply: beer is under 24% ABV, so there is no federal quantity limit.
Details
- Carry-on (pre-security):
- Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted.
- Standard beer cans (12 oz) or bottles are too large → not allowed before security.
- After security:
- Beers purchased at airport shops, bars, or duty-free are allowed onboard.
- Checked luggage:
- Beer is under 24% ABV → FAA imposes no limit.
- Pack bottles/cans carefully to prevent breakage or explosion from pressure.
- International flights:
- Customs often restricts alcohol imports. In the U.S., you may bring 1 liter duty-free; more may require duty fees.
TSA Beer Rules Summary
| Beer Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Beer ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard can/bottle (12 oz, 16 oz) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Duty-free sealed beer | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Craft beer growlers | ❌ Not allowed (unless ≤ 3.4 oz) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Carbonation risk: Beer cans/bottles can burst in checked luggage — double-bag them.
- ✈️ Growlers: Not allowed through security unless ≤ 3.4 oz, but full-size growlers can go in checked.
- ✈️ Customs restrictions: Import limits vary — U.S. allows only 1 liter duty-free.
- ✈️ In-flight drinking: FAA prohibits consuming your own beer on board.