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TSA Travel Tip: Traveling with Alcohol

Want to bring some ‘air sodas’ on your next flight? That’s cool with us! Whether you are traveling with craft beer, cougar juice or hard liquor, we’ve got you covered. Don’t be absinthe-minded and make pour choices, follow these tips on your next trip!

According to the FAA , it’s all about the alcohol content!

Alcohol less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof, like most beers and wine:

• For carry-on you are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. If it’s overflowing from the bag, that isn’t comfortable. Please remember, one bag per passenger .
• For checked bags, there is no limit! I wish this was true when I was in college.

Alcohol between 24% - 70% ABV (48 – 140 proof):

• For carry-on, same rules apply as above. You are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that fit in your quart-sized bag.
• For checked bags you are limited to five liters per passenger. However, it must be in unopened retail packaging!

Alcohol over 70% ABV or over 140 proof:

• Leave your bathtub brew at home! Seriously the strong stuff isn’t allowed in carry-on or checked bags!

Our airline partners and the FAA ask that you don’t drink your own booze while flying. Let’s leave the pouring to the pros! And be sure to check your airline’s website to make sure they are cool with being a designated flyer for your hooch.

Planning on buying some ‘cough medicine’ at the duty-free store after the security checkpoint? You’re limited to 5 liters of alcohol between 24%-70% ABV or 48 – 140 proof. If you purchased the alcohol overseas and have a connecting flight in the United States, the alcohol is allowed in your carry-on bag if;

• The bottles are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer. Don’t try to sneak a swig! If the bag looks opened or tampered with, then it won’t be allowed to fly in your carry-on bag.
• Keep the receipt! You must show that the alcohol was purchased within the last 48 hours.

Are you brining wine or other spirits from overseas? Our friends at Customs and Border Protection are in charge of the rules for bringing alcohol into the United States .

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