Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows mini liquor bottles (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml each) in your carry-on, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ They’re also allowed in checked luggage.
⚠️ FAA rules prohibit drinking your own alcohol on board — only flight attendants may serve alcohol.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Mini bottles must be ≤ 3.4 oz each.
- They must fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.
- TSA’s limit is based on container size, not how much is inside.
- Checked luggage:
- Larger quantities allowed, but alcohol content rules apply:
- ≤ 24% ABV (beer, wine): unlimited.
- 24–70% ABV (spirits): up to 5 liters per passenger.
- > 70% ABV: not allowed.
- Duty-free:
- Mini bottles or larger duty-free bottles purchased after security are allowed onboard if sealed in tamper-evident bags.
- In-flight rules:
- FAA strictly prohibits passengers from consuming personal alcohol (even mini bottles).
- Only crew-served alcohol is legal.
TSA Alcohol Mini Bottle Rules Summary
| Alcohol Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bottles ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Full-size bottles > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Up to 5 L (24–70% ABV) |
| Duty-free bottles | ✅ Allowed (sealed) | ✅ Allowed |
| >70% ABV spirits | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Don’t drink your own: FAA prohibits passengers from opening/consuming mini bottles on flights.
- ✈️ Container size matters: Even half-empty 5 oz bottles are not allowed in carry-on.
- ✈️ International connections: Duty-free bottles may be confiscated if you re-clear security.
- ✈️ Leak-proofing: Seal minis in a plastic bag to avoid spills in checked luggage.