Sometimes you want to get the party started a little bit early, topping off your liquid courage at an airport bar before boarding your plane. Once you’re seated, there are drinks available, but they’re often overpriced, so you may be wondering if you can bring alcohol on a plane. The answer is yes, though, unfortunately, you can’t drink it. There are some additional restrictions you want to keep in mind.
Ultimately, as long as you’re of age, the bottle is 3.4 ounces or less, and less than 70 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), then you’re good to go, but let’s dig deeper into the details so you know what to expect. While you can carry liquor, it is asked that you do not drink your personal stash while on the plane.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring alcohol on a plane, but it must meet the 3-1-1 requirements, meaning the bottle must be 3.4 ounces or less and no more than 70 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
- All liquids, including alcohol, must fit in a one-quart sized bag that can comfortably zip closed, and you are limited to one bag per passenger.
- Duty-free shops at airports offer the opportunity to purchase additional alcohol, but these items must remain sealed throughout the duration of the trip.
- If you want to bring a nice bottle of liquor as a souvenir, you can pack it in your checked bag, but there are limits based on the ABV, and the bottles must be unopened and in their original retail packaging.
- It is important to remember that just because you can bring alcohol on a plane, you cannot drink it. All liquor bottles should remain closed and tucked away in your carry-on or personal item.
Carry-on Alcohol
Alcohol is covered under the traditional liquids rule, so all personal bottles must meet the 3-1-1 requirements.
- Bottles must be 3.4 ounces or less (100 milliliters). Additionally, they can only be up to 70 percent ABV. Often, liquor bottles will pass through without additional inspection in your bag, though if it’s flagged for any reason, you may be subject to additional scrutiny.
- All liquids must fit in a one-quart sized bag that can comfortably zip closed.
- One bag is allowed per passenger.
Additionally, you must be of age to carry or purchase liquor, so you may be asked to share proof of ID. Once you’re in the airport, there are duty-free shops where you can purchase additional alcohol. However, these items must remain sealed throughout the duration of your tip. You may also be required to share proof of purchase, so make sure to keep your receipt.
Checked Alcohol
If you want to bring a nice bottle of liquor on a trip or bring it home as a souvenir, you can also pack it in your checked bag. There are limits based on the ABV, so you’ll want to be aware of the alcohol content as you pack.
- If your liquor is 24 percent ABV, there are no limits in your checked bag. You may pack as much as you want; however, be sure to pack carefully, as glass can easily break while in transit.
- If your liquor is between 24 and 70 percent ABV, then you are limited to five liters per passenger. The bottles must also be unopened and in their original retail packaging.
Check local regulations to make sure there are no additional restrictions in place on traveling with liquor.
Can I Drink My Liquor on the Plane?
No, just because you can bring the liquor on the plane doesn’t mean that you can drink it! All liquor bottles should remain closed and tucked away in your carry-on or personal item. If you need liquor while traveling, order a drink from the airport bar as you wait or from the flight attendants when in-flight service is available. Keep the liquor sealed until you get to your final destination, and then you can enjoy all your pre-bought comforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring alcohol on a plane?
Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but it must meet the 3-1-1 requirements and fit in a one-quart-sized bag.
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What are the 3-1-1 requirements for bringing alcohol on a plane?
The 3-1-1 requirements mean that the bottle must be 3.4 ounces or less and no more than 70 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
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Can I drink my own alcohol on a plane?
No, you cannot drink your own alcohol on a plane. All liquor bottles should remain closed and tucked away in your carry-on or personal item.
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Can I purchase alcohol at duty-free shops in the airport?
Yes, you can purchase alcohol at duty-free shops in the airport, but these items must remain sealed throughout the duration of your trip.
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Can I pack alcohol in my checked bag?
Yes, you can pack alcohol in your checked bag, but there are limits based on the ABV, and the bottles must be unopened and in their original retail packaging.
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How much alcohol can I pack in my checked bag?
If your liquor is 24 percent ABV, there are no limits in your checked bag. If your liquor is between 24 and 70 percent ABV, then you are limited to five liters per passenger.
