Category: Airlines

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Rum 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.

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Details

• Carry-on (pre-security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted in your quart bag.
• Standard bottles can’t pass security.
• After security:
• Duty-free rum in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
• Risk: if you re-clear security during a layover, bottles may be confiscated.
• Checked luggage:
• Rum is usually 35–50% ABV, so it falls in the 24–70% range.
• FAA allows up to 5 liters per person in unopened retail packaging.
• International flights:
• Customs may limit how much rum you can bring in duty-free (e.g., 1 liter to the U.S. duty-free).

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TSA Rum Rules Summary

Rum Type	Carry-On	Checked
Rum ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard bottles (750 ml+)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV)
Duty-free sealed bottles	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Rum > 70% ABV	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Duty-free trap: Rum bought duty-free may be confiscated at security on connections.
• ✈️ Overproof rum (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes at all.
• ✈️ Glass bottles in checked: Wrap carefully to prevent leaks/breakage.
• ✈️ FAA rule reminder: No drinking your own alcohol on the plane — crew must serve.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Whiskey 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 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.

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Details

• Carry-on (pre-security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted in your liquids bag.
• Standard whiskey bottles (750 ml, 1 L) not allowed.
• After security:
• Duty-free whiskey in sealed bags is allowed onboard.
• If you have a layover with re-screening, bottles may be confiscated.
• Checked luggage:
• Whiskey is usually 40–50% ABV, so it falls in the 24–70% category.
• FAA limit: 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger, bottles must be unopened retail packaging.
• International flights:
• Customs often restricts alcohol imports. In the U.S., travelers can bring 1 liter duty-free; more may incur duty/tax.

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TSA Whiskey Rules Summary

Whiskey Type	Carry-On	Checked
Whiskey ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV)
Duty-free sealed whiskey	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Whiskey > 70% ABV	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Duty-free trap: Whiskey bought duty-free may be seized if you re-clear security during a connection.
• ✈️ Overproof whiskey (>70% ABV): Prohibited on planes, checked or carry-on.
• ✈️ Breakage risk: Glass bottles in checked bags should be packed in protective sleeves.
• ✈️ In-flight drinking: FAA bans consuming your own whiskey bottles — only crew-served alcohol is legal.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Beer is a liquid.
✅ In carry-on, cans or bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles and cans are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security.
✈️ In checked luggage, FAA rules apply: beer is under 24% ABV, so there is no federal quantity limit.

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Details

• Carry-on (pre-security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted.
• Standard beer cans (12 oz) or bottles are too large → not allowed before security.
• After security:
• Beers purchased at airport shops, bars, or duty-free are allowed onboard.
• Checked luggage:
• Beer is under 24% ABV → FAA imposes no limit.
• Pack bottles/cans carefully to prevent breakage or explosion from pressure.
• International flights:
• Customs often restricts alcohol imports. In the U.S., you may bring 1 liter duty-free; more may require duty fees.

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TSA Beer Rules Summary

Beer Type	Carry-On	Checked
Beer ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard can/bottle (12 oz, 16 oz)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free sealed beer	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Craft beer growlers	❌ Not allowed (unless ≤ 3.4 oz)	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Carbonation risk: Beer cans/bottles can burst in checked luggage — double-bag them.
• ✈️ Growlers: Not allowed through security unless ≤ 3.4 oz, but full-size growlers can go in checked.
• ✈️ Customs restrictions: Import limits vary — U.S. allows only 1 liter duty-free.
• ✈️ In-flight drinking: FAA prohibits consuming your own beer on board.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Wine is a liquid.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size wine bottles are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security (duty-free).
✈️ In checked luggage, FAA limits apply: up to 5 liters per passenger for wine between 24–70% ABV.

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Details

• Carry-on (pre-security):
• Only wine containers ≤ 3.4 oz are allowed through TSA.
• Standard 750 ml bottles are not permitted.
• After security:
• Full-size duty-free bottles purchased post-screening are allowed on board if sealed in a tamper-evident bag.
• Checked luggage:
• FAA rules allow up to 5 liters per passenger of alcohol between 24–70% ABV.
• Wine is usually ~12–15% ABV, so unlimited bottles are technically allowed (FAA limits apply only above 24%).
• International flights:
• Customs often limits wine imports (e.g., U.S. allows 1 liter duty-free per traveler). Extra bottles may require duty fees.

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TSA Wine Rules Summary

Wine Type	Carry-On	Checked
Wine ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard wine bottle (750 ml)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free sealed bottle	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Wine > 24% ABV (fortified wines)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Up to 5 L/person

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Duty-free connections: Bottles may be confiscated if you must re-clear security during a layover.
• ✈️ Spillage risk: Wine bottles can break in checked bags — use padded wine sleeves.
• ✈️ Customs limits: Many countries allow 1 liter duty-free; anything more may be taxed or confiscated.
• ✈️ Fortified wines (port, sherry): Stronger ABV but still under 24% — generally unlimited in checked.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages

Quick Answer
⚠️ Bottled, canned, or brewed coffee drinks are liquids.
✅ In carry-on, they must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger bottles/cups are only allowed if purchased after security or packed in checked luggage.
✈️ Coffee powders and instant mixes are allowed in any size, though > 12 oz may require extra screening.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Bottled Starbucks, Dunkin’, cold brews, iced coffees, and canned lattes are limited to 3.4 oz.
• Full-size 8–16 oz drinks cannot pass TSA security.
• After security:
• Any size coffee drink purchased post-screening is fine to carry onboard.
• Checked luggage:
• Larger bottles/cans are allowed. Seal them tightly to avoid leaks.
• Powders & instant coffee:
• Allowed in both carry-on and checked.
• Containers > 12 oz may trigger extra screening.
• International flights:
• Customs may restrict drinks with milk or cream ingredients when entering another country.

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TSA Coffee Drink Rules Summary

Coffee Product	Carry-On	Checked
Brewed / bottled coffee ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Brewed / bottled coffee > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free bottled coffee	✅ Allowed (sealed)	✅ Allowed
Instant coffee powder	✅ Allowed (screening >12 oz)	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Half-full bottles don’t count: TSA uses labeled size, not contents.
• ✈️ Milk-based drinks: Customs abroad may restrict lattes or cream-based coffees.
• ✈️ Leak risk: Coffee cans/bottles can burst in checked bags. Double-bag them.
• ✈️ Hack: Bring instant coffee packets and ask for hot water on the plane.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Coffee)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Powders)

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows tea bags and loose-leaf tea in both carry-on and checked bags with no limits.
⚠️ Bottled or brewed tea is a liquid and must follow the 3-1-1 rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on).
✈️ Powdered tea mixes are allowed, but > 12 oz may require extra screening.

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Details

• Tea bags & loose-leaf tea:
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
• Not considered liquid → no 3-1-1 restriction.
• Powdered tea / instant mixes:
• Allowed in carry-on and checked.
• Containers > 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening.
• Brewed tea / iced tea:
• Treated as a liquid.
• ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on (in quart bag).
• Full-size bottles/cups must be purchased after security or packed in checked bags.
• Checked luggage:
• Any tea type allowed, any size.
• International flights:
• Customs usually permits packaged/dry tea, but restrictions may apply to teas with herbs, seeds, or fruits.

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TSA Tea Rules Summary

Tea Type	Carry-On	Checked
Tea bags / loose-leaf	✅ Unlimited	✅ Unlimited
Powdered tea ≤ 12 oz	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Powdered tea > 12 oz	✅ Allowed (extra screening)	✅ Allowed
Brewed tea ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Brewed tea > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Powder check: Tea powders > 12 oz may be opened/swabbed at security.
• ✈️ Herbal blends: Some herbs/seeds in loose tea may face customs restrictions abroad.
• ✈️ Spillage: Brewed tea in checked bags may leak — seal bottles well.
• ✈️ Hack: Bring tea bags and ask for hot water in-flight (many airlines provide it for free).

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Tea)
• TSA – Liquids Rule
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Non-alcoholic beer and wine are liquids under TSA rules.
✅ In carry-on, bottles/cans must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger bottles are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security.
✈️ International flights: Customs may still restrict non-alcoholic beverages due to agriculture/import rules.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• NA beer, wine, mocktails, kombucha, and similar beverages must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Containers must be ≤ 3.4 oz to pass security.
• Full-size cans and bottles not allowed pre-security.
• After security:
• Full-size bottles/cans bought at airport shops or duty-free can be brought onboard.
• Checked luggage:
• Larger NA beer or wine bottles are permitted.
• Pack carefully in leak-proof sleeves or sealed bags to avoid breakage.
• International flights:
• Even though they are non-alcoholic, customs may restrict beverages with fruit, fermentation, or dairy. Always declare them.

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TSA NA Beer/Wine Rules Summary

Beverage Type	Carry-On	Checked
NA beer / wine ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
NA beer / wine > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free sealed bottles/cans	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Kombucha / fermented drinks	✅ ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Carbonation risk: NA beer and kombucha cans can leak or burst in checked luggage.
• ✈️ Customs restrictions: Even if alcohol-free, fruit/fermented drinks may be banned abroad.
• ✈️ Not exempt: Unlike baby milk or formula, NA beer/wine is not exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.
• ✈️ Best option: Buy or drink after security to avoid TSA confiscation.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages, applies to all drinks)
• CBP – Bringing Food & Drink into the U.S.