Quick Answer
⚠️ Champagne 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 are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased duty-free after security.
✈️ FAA rules: Champagne is under 24% ABV, so there is no federal quantity limit in checked luggage.
Details
- Carry-on (before security):
- Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz are allowed.
- Standard 750 ml bottles are not permitted at TSA checkpoints.
- After security:
- Duty-free Champagne (sealed in tamper-evident bags) is allowed on board.
- Risk: bottles may be confiscated if you re-clear security at a layover.
- Checked luggage:
- Champagne is ~12% ABV, well under the FAA’s 24% threshold.
- No federal limit, but airlines may set their own baggage rules.
- Carbonation increases the risk of bottles bursting — pack securely.
- International flights:
- Customs typically allows 1 liter duty-free. Extra may be taxed or seized.
TSA Champagne Rules Summary
| Champagne Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (no FAA limit, under 24% ABV) |
| Duty-free sealed bottles | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Carbonation risk: Bottles may pop or leak in checked bags. Wrap well in padded sleeves.
- ✈️ Duty-free trap: Sealed bottles can still be confiscated if you re-clear security at connections.
- ✈️ Customs rules: Most countries limit travelers to 1 liter of alcohol duty-free, even for Champagne.
- ✈️ FAA reminder: Drinking your own Champagne on the plane is prohibited.