Quick Answer
⚠️ Gin 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 containers ≤ 3.4 oz are permitted.
- Standard gin bottles are too large for TSA checkpoints.
- After security:
- Duty-free gin in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
- Warning: if you have a layover with re-screening, bottles may be confiscated.
- Checked luggage:
- Gin is typically 37–50% ABV, so it qualifies under the FAA’s 24–70% alcohol rule.
- Up to 5 liters per person permitted in unopened retail packaging.
- International flights:
- Customs often allows only 1 liter duty-free. Extra bottles may be taxed or seized.
TSA Gin Rules Summary
| Gin Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Gin ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV) |
| Duty-free sealed bottles | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Gin > 70% ABV | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Duty-free risk: Bottles can be seized during connecting flights if you re-clear security.
- ✈️ Overproof gin (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes at all.
- ✈️ Glass breakage: Always use padded sleeves or travel protectors in checked luggage.
- ✈️ FAA reminder: You cannot drink your own gin on board — only alcohol served by the crew is permitted.