Quick Answer
⚠️ Rum is a liquid and counts as alcohol.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles (750 ml, 1 L) are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security (duty-free).
✈️ FAA limits alcohol in checked bags: up to 5 liters per passenger of spirits between 24–70% ABV. Over 70% ABV is banned.
Details
- Carry-on (pre-security):
- Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted in your quart bag.
- Standard bottles can’t pass security.
- After security:
- Duty-free rum in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
- Risk: if you re-clear security during a layover, bottles may be confiscated.
- Checked luggage:
- Rum is usually 35–50% ABV, so it falls in the 24–70% range.
- FAA allows up to 5 liters per person in unopened retail packaging.
- International flights:
- Customs may limit how much rum you can bring in duty-free (e.g., 1 liter to the U.S. duty-free).
TSA Rum Rules Summary
| Rum Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Rum ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard bottles (750 ml+) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV) |
| Duty-free sealed bottles | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Rum > 70% ABV | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Duty-free trap: Rum bought duty-free may be confiscated at security on connections.
- ✈️ Overproof rum (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes at all.
- ✈️ Glass bottles in checked: Wrap carefully to prevent leaks/breakage.
- ✈️ FAA rule reminder: No drinking your own alcohol on the plane — crew must serve.