There are many reasons to want to take alcohol on a plane. Maybe you found a delicious winery on your vacation and want to bring a few bottles back home. Or maybe you have a special spirit that you want to enjoy on your upcoming flight. We’ll go over the different scenarios that may have you wondering if you can bring alcohol on a flight, and if it is allowed.
Bringing Alcohol in Your Luggage
Whether you’re bringing alcohol from your home to give as a gift, or bringing it home as a souvenir, the TSA has rules for transporting alcohol in your luggage.
If the alcohol by volume (ABV) is less than 70% or 140 proof, you are allowed to bring it in your carry-on. You will just need to follow the same rules as the rest of your liquids. Make sure it’s in a 3.4oz container or smaller, and can fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag with your other liquids.
Bringing your alcohol in your checked bag is another great option. There is no limit on the amount of alcohol under 24% ABV or 48 proof that you can pack in a checked bag. Any bottles that are between 24%-70% ABV or 48-140 proof will have a limit of 5 liters per passenger.
If you have a connection in the US after traveling internationally, the alcohol allowances are a bit different. In this case, you would still be limited to the 5 liters, but can have it as a carry-on. The alcohol would just need to be packaged and sealed in a clear bag with no signs of tampering. You will also want to keep your receipt to demonstrate you have purchased it in the last 48 hours.
Any alcohol for 70% ABV or 140 proof is not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage at all. And any of the allowed alcohol you pack must be sealed and in retail packaging.
Bringing Alcohol from Airport Duty-Free Shops on a Plane
Buying alcohol at the duty-free shops in an airport is popular for a reason. It can save you quite a bit of money, since you don’t need to pay the normal sales taxes or fees. Alcohol is also a popular souvenir and gift option while you’re traveling. But how can you bring the alcohol you purchase from a duty-free shop onto your flight?
Each passenger that is 21 or over is allowed to bring up to 5 liters of alcohol that they purchase at an airport’s duty-free shop onto the plane. The shops will simply package your bottles into clear tamper-proof bags, which you can carry with you onto the airplane. Also, keep your receipt handy, as you may be asked to prove you purchased it within 48 hours of your flight.
Drinking Your Own Alcohol on a Plane
Generally, no, you cannot drink your own alcohol on a plane. But there are some grey areas in the rules that could possibly work in your favor.
According to FAA regulation, “No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.” This means that the flight crew are the only ones allowed to serve alcohol, and you cannot serve it to yourself. The rule helps the flight attendants regulate the alcohol served to prevent anybody from becoming intoxicated on the plane.
So, could you ask your flight attendant if they are able to serve you with your own alcohol? Sure. It never hurts to ask politely. But don’t get your hopes up.
Many airlines will also have additional rules in regards to serving alcohol, which can be found on their website.
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