Quick Answer
⚠️ Vodka 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 vodka containers ≤ 3.4 oz are permitted.
- Standard bottles are too large for TSA carry-on rules.
- After security:
- Duty-free vodka in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
- Risk: bottles may be confiscated at layovers with re-screening.
- Checked luggage:
- Vodka is typically 35–50% ABV → falls in the 24–70% category.
- FAA allows up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per person, in unopened retail packaging.
- International flights:
- Customs usually limits duty-free alcohol imports (e.g., 1 liter into the U.S. duty-free).
- Additional bottles may require taxes or be confiscated.
TSA Vodka Rules Summary
| Vodka Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Standard bottles (750 ml, 1 L) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV) |
| Duty-free sealed vodka | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Vodka > 70% ABV | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Duty-free trap: Vodka bought duty-free may be taken if you re-clear security during a layover.
- ✈️ Overproof vodka (>70% ABV): Not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
- ✈️ Glass bottles risk: Always pack in padded sleeves to prevent breakage.
- ✈️ No personal drinking: FAA prohibits consuming your own vodka bottles during the flight.