Not everyone is a good traveler, so maybe you are hoping to bring some liquid courage with you in your carry-on luggage. Perhaps you’re coming back from a trip and want to bring back a bottle of wine to enjoy once you get home. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering if you can bring wine on a plane, and the answer is yes, you can bring wine on a plane. However, there are some limits based on the alcohol content and size.
Here’s all you need to know to bring wine on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage so you can toast to your heart’s content!
Key Takeaways
- You can bring wine on a plane, but there are limits based on the alcohol content and size. Wines with less than 24 percent ABV can be carried in any quantity in checked bags, while wines with 24 to 70 percent ABV are limited to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags. Wines with ABV greater than 70 percent are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage.
- Wine must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags, which means that the wine must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a one-quart-sized bag with one bag per person. If you buy wine at the airport duty-free store, it must remain unopened during travel.
- If you bring wine on a plane, you cannot drink it during your flight, even if you purchased it at the airport. The flight attendants will serve wine and other alcohol on the flight, so it’s best to ask them for a glass of wine instead of bringing your own.
Wine Allowed by Alcohol Content
First, let’s look at the alcohol content of your wine.
- If it is less than 24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof or lower, then you’re good to go! There are no limits to the amount of wine you can carry in your checked bag, though if you’re hoping to carry on, it does need to be 3.4 ounces or less like all other liquid items.
- If the wine is between 24 percent and 70 percent ABV or 48 to 140 proof, then you’re limited to five liters per passenger in your checked luggage. These bottles must also be in unopened retail packaging or risk being confiscated. If you’re carrying on, again, you’re limited to 3.4 ounces or less.
- Anything higher than 70 ABV or more than 140 proof is not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage, regardless of the size.
These limits do not apply if you buy the wine in duty-free stores at the airport, though the wine will need to stay unopened during all points of your travel. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase in case you run into any trouble.
Wine Allowed by Size
Wine qualifies as liquid, so it needs to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule if you plan on carrying it on. That means that your wine must be in 3.4 ounces or fewer containers (100 milliliters) and fit in a one-quart-sized bag with one bag per person.
So, in other words, a mini bottle of wine or two will be okay, just as long as it fits in the allotted container and can zip. You must be of age to carry alcohol, so make sure to check the age requirements if you are on the bubble. Some countries allow 18-year-olds to drink, while others limit it to 21 years or older.
Now, depending on the alcohol content, you may need to limit the amount. This is contrary to the traditional liquid rules, so it’s important to keep that in mind. As long as it’s less than 24 percent ABV, you have no size limits, while up to 70 percent ABV should be limited to 5 liters per passenger.
Remember, if you’re purchasing wine at the airport, you cannot drink it at the airport or during your flight. The wine must remain unopened; otherwise, it could get confiscated, and you could get in trouble with airport security. If you think you’ll be tempted, keep the wine in your checked bags to resist the urge.
So, Can you Bring Wine on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring wine on a plane, but there are limits to how much. Carry-on wine bottles must be 3.4 ounces or less, like all liquids. Depending on the ABV, you can carry between 5 liters to unlimited quantities in your checked luggage.
Wine and other alcohol are often offered on flights, so while you can carry it, you should not drink your own liquor while flying. Ask flight attendants for your glass of wine instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring wine on a plane in my carry-on bag?
Yes, you can bring wine on a plane in your carry-on bag as long as it adheres to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. Wine bottles must be 3.4 ounces or less.
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Can I bring wine on a plane in my checked bag?
Yes, you can bring wine on a plane in your checked bag. However, there are limits to the amount you can carry depending on the alcohol content.
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What are the alcohol limits for carrying wine on a plane?
Wines with less than 24 percent ABV can be carried in any quantity in checked bags. Wines with 24 to 70 percent ABV are limited to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags. Wines with ABV greater than 70 percent are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage.
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What are the size limits for carrying wine on a plane?
Wine must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags. The wine must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a one-quart-sized bag with one bag per person.
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Can I drink wine on a plane that I brought with me?
No, you cannot drink wine on a plane that you brought with you, even if you purchased it at the airport. The flight attendants will serve wine and other alcohol on the flight.
