Traveling with alcohol can be a bit of a tricky task, as it requires careful planning and adherence to rules and regulations to ensure that you are not in violation of any laws. Whether you are a wine lover, whiskey enthusiast, or simply want to bring some bubbly to celebrate a special occasion, this post will provide you with all the necessary information you need to pack alcohol in your luggage.
TSA Regulations on Alcohol
Before packing alcohol in your luggage, it’s important to check the regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA regulates the amount of alcohol you can bring with you on a flight.
Alcohol in Checked Baggage
According to the TSA, you’re allowed to pack alcohol in your checked baggage as long as it meets certain requirements. These requirements include:
- It must be in its original unopened packaging.
- It must be under a certain alcohol content. Specifically, the alcohol content of the beverage must be no more than 70 percent (140 proof) for it to be allowed in checked baggage.
| Alcohol Content | Allowed Volume |
|---|---|
| 24% or less | Unlimited |
| More than 24% up to 70% | 5 liters (1.3 gallons) |
| More than 70% | Not allowed |
Additionally, you’re only allowed to pack alcohol if it is for personal use and not for resale.
It’s important to note that these regulations only apply to flights within the United States. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to check the regulations of your destination country to see if they allow the transportation of alcohol.
TSA Security Screening
When you check your baggage at the airport, it will go through security screening. The TSA may need to inspect your checked baggage, including any alcohol you’ve packed.
If your alcohol follows federal regulations, it should not be an issue. However, if the TSA determines that your alcohol is not compliant, it may be confiscated or disposed of.
Alcohol in Carry On Baggage
The TSA allows alcohol in carry-on baggage. The rules are the same as for checked baggage. However, it’s also subject to the same TSA regulations as any other liquid. This means that if you plan to bring alcohol in your carry-on baggage, it must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Anything larger than this will need to be placed in your checked baggage.
Also, you’re not allowed to consume your own alcohol while on the plane.
Alcohol in Luggage on International Flights
It’s important to note that these regulations only apply to flights within the United States. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to check the regulations of your destination country to see if they allow the transportation of alcohol.
Check Your Airline’s Policies for Additional Restrictions
Once you’re familiar with the TSA regulations on bringing alcohol when flying, the next step is to check your airline’s restrictions. Airlines must follow TSA rules, but they are free to implement further restrictions if they choose to.
We reviewed the policies of the 11 largest U.S. carriers and are happy to advise that none of them have further restrictions on the transport of alcohol.
If you forget to pack your beer or wine in a protective container, Southwest has packaging available for sale at the check-in counter for $5 each.
Speaking of packaging, it’s important to note that all airlines categorize alcohol as a fragile item. This means that the airline will not be liable for any damage that may occur while your bags are being transported. So, it’s important that you properly pack your alcohol. We will cover this topic in the next section.
How to Pack Alcohol in Checked Baggage
Now, let’s talk about how to pack alcohol in checked baggage. The first step is to make sure that the alcohol is in its original unopened packaging. This means that you can’t pack an open bottle of wine or liquor.
Here are the steps to follow when packing alcohol in your luggage:
Check the Alcohol Content of Your Beverage
This has already been mentioned but it bears repeating. You can’t travel with beverages that contain more than 70% alcoholic content. For beverages containing more than 24% but no greater than 70% alcoholic content, you’re limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons). Beverages containing 24% alcoholic content or less have no restrictions.
Wrap Your Bottles Carefully
When packing alcohol in your luggage, it is crucial to wrap your bottles carefully to prevent breakage. You can use specially designed travel bags or bubble wrap to wrap the bottles.
It is also essential to ensure that the bottles are well-cushioned and separated from each other to prevent them from hitting against each other during transit. You can use your clothes to keep the bottles separate.
Travel with a Hard-Shell Suitcase or Wine Carrier
Choosing the right bag to pack your alcohol is just as important as wrapping your bottles carefully.
It is best to use a hard-sided suitcase or a padded wine carrier to ensure that your bottles are protected during transit.
If you are packing alcohol in your carry-on luggage, make sure that your bag meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions.
Place the Alcohol in the Center of Your Luggage
When packing alcohol in your checked baggage, it’s important to place it in the center of your luggage. This will give extra protection and prevent any damage from impact during transport. If you are packing more than one bottle, make sure to separate them with clothing or other soft items to prevent them from hitting each other.
Label Your Luggage
Once you’ve packed the alcohol, be sure to label your package as fragile. This will alert TSA agents to take extra care when inspecting your baggage. You can use a luggage tag or write directly on the package with a permanent marker.
Pack in a Plastic Bag
Pack your alcohol in a plastic bag to prevent any leaks or spills from damaging your other belongings.
Consider Shipping Your Alcohol
If you’re planning on packing a large amount of alcohol, or if you’re worried about the bottles breaking during travel, you may want to consider shipping your alcohol instead. It can give you peace of mind knowing that your alcohol will arrive safely.
When shipping alcohol, we recommend using a reputable shipping company that specializes in alcohol transportation. Hands Off My Suitcase recommends Luggage Forward for all your luggage shipping needs.
Final Thoughts
Packing alcohol in your luggage can be done if you follow the TSA regulations and take the necessary precautions. make sure to check that the alcoholic content isn’t more than 70%. Take extra care when packing your alcohol bottles in your luggage by using bubble wrap, travel wine bags, or even your clothes to insulate them from damage.
Remember that airlines aren’t liable for any damage that may occur to your liquor or wine during transportation, so it’s extra important to pack your bottles safely and securely.
Remember to always check your airline’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
