Quick Answer
⚠️ Tequila 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 duty-free after security.
✈️ FAA limits alcohol in checked bags: up to 5 liters per passenger of spirits between 24–70% ABV. Anything stronger than 70% ABV is banned.
Details
- Carry-on (before security):
- Only tequila bottles ≤ 3.4 oz are permitted.
- Standard retail bottles are too large to pass TSA checkpoints.
- After security:
- Duty-free tequila in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
- Be cautious with connections — if you re-clear security, it may be confiscated.
- Checked luggage:
- Tequila is usually 35–50% ABV, so it qualifies under FAA’s 24–70% rule.
- Up to 5 liters per person allowed in unopened retail packaging.
- International flights:
- Customs rules apply — e.g., U.S. allows 1 liter duty-free, extra may incur duties or be seized.
TSA Tequila Rules Summary
| Tequila Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV) |
| Duty-free sealed bottle | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Over 70% ABV tequila | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Duty-free trap: Bottles bought after security may still be confiscated during connections with re-screening.
- ✈️ Overproof tequila (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes at all.
- ✈️ Glass bottle risk: Always wrap tequila bottles carefully in checked luggage.
- ✈️ FAA reminder: You cannot drink your own tequila on board — only crew can serve alcohol.