Bringing alcohol onto an airplane in a carry-on bag is governed by specific regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These rules differ based on both the volume of the liquid and the percentage of alcohol it contains. Understanding these two distinct parameters is necessary before packing any alcoholic beverages for air travel.
Container Size Restrictions
The primary restriction for liquids, including alcohol, carried through a security checkpoint relates to volume. Every container of alcohol must hold a maximum of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less to be eligible for transport in a carry-on bag. This limitation applies universally to all liquids, gels, and aerosols, regardless of the beverage’s alcohol concentration.
Travelers must place all these small containers into a single, transparent, quart-sized plastic bag with a zipper closure. This packaging requirement is designed to allow security personnel to quickly and clearly inspect all liquids being transported. If any container exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit, it will be confiscated at the checkpoint, even if the liquid is non-alcoholic.
Alcohol Content Limitations
Separate from the volume rule, the alcohol content by volume (ABV) introduces additional regulatory tiers based on flammability and safety. Alcoholic beverages that contain less than 24% ABV, such as most beers and wines, are permitted in carry-on bags, provided they still adhere to the 3.4-ounce container size restriction.
Liquors falling between 24% and 70% ABV, which includes most vodkas, whiskies, and rums, are also allowed under the same volume limitations. This range of proof requires adherence to the 3.4-ounce container size and must be placed inside the single, quart-sized plastic bag. The regulations recognize that while these spirits are flammable, the small container size reduces the overall risk.
Alcoholic beverages that exceed 70% ABV (140 proof) are prohibited from being transported in both carry-on and checked luggage. High-proof spirits like grain alcohol pose a significant fire hazard due to their high flammability. This prohibition is based on federal safety guidelines concerning hazardous materials in air transport, regardless of the container size or packaging.
In-Flight Consumption and Duty-Free Purchases
Once a traveler has passed through the security checkpoint, a different set of rules governs how the alcohol can be used during the flight. Federal aviation regulations prohibit passengers from consuming any alcohol they brought with them onto the aircraft, even if it met the initial 3.4-ounce size requirement. Any alcoholic beverage consumed during the flight must be served by the flight crew.
An exception applies to alcohol purchased at airport duty-free shops located past the security screening area. These purchases often include containers larger than the 3.4-ounce limit and are permitted in the cabin under specific conditions. The alcohol must be packaged in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) and accompanied by the original receipt to verify the purchase occurred within the last 48 hours.
The integrity of the tamper-evident bag must remain unbroken until the traveler reaches their final destination. If a passenger has a connecting flight, they may be required to place the duty-free alcohol into their checked luggage if they have to exit and re-enter security for the next leg of their journey. This is because security staff at the connecting airport may require all liquids to conform to the standard 3.4-ounce rule again.