When carrying liquor on an international flight, the amount you can bring depends on whether it is in your carry-on or checked baggage, the alcohol content, and the rules of the countries involved.
Carry-On Baggage
- Liquids, including alcohol, in carry-on bags are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less each, all fitting within a single clear, resealable 1-liter bag
- An exception is for alcohol purchased at duty-free shops after passing security; these can be carried in larger quantities if sealed in tamper-evident bags with receipts dated the day of purchase
- Be cautious with connecting flights that require passing through security again, as you may have to surrender liquids not complying with the 100 ml rule
Checked Baggage
- You can pack up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% ABV in your checked luggage, provided the bottles are unopened and in original retail packaging
- Alcohol with less than 24% ABV (such as most wines and beers) can be carried in unlimited quantities in checked bags, subject to airline weight restrictions
- Alcohol exceeding 70% ABV is prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage
Customs Allowances
- Customs limits vary by country. For example, when entering the United States, travelers can generally bring up to 1 liter of alcohol duty-free for personal use
- Within the European Union, limits are higher, such as 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of fortified wine, 90 liters of wine, and 110 liters of beer per person when traveling between EU countries
- Outside the EU, limits are lower, for example, 1 liter of spirits, 4 liters of wine, and 16 liters of beer per person
Summary
Aspect| Carry-On Baggage| Checked Baggage
---|---|---
Maximum container size| 100 ml per container (3.4 oz)| No container size limit
Total quantity allowed| Limited to 1 liter total in containers| Up to 5 liters
of 24%-70% ABV alcohol
Alcohol content limits| No alcohol >70% ABV, except duty-free| No alcohol >70%
ABV
Duty-free purchases| Allowed in larger quantities if sealed| N/A
Alcohol under 24% ABV| Limited by container size and total liquid limit|
Unlimited quantity, airline weight limits apply
Always check the specific airline and destination country regulations before traveling, as rules can vary and customs may enforce their own limits
. In essence, you can carry small bottles (100 ml) of liquor in your carry-on unless purchased duty-free, and up to 5 liters of spirits between 24% and 70% ABV in your checked luggage. Alcohol over 70% ABV is not allowed on flights
