While planning to travel on a long-hauling flight, the right beverage can level up your travel experience. Though airlines provide a variety of alcoholic drinks, they can’t match a person’s own favorite one. However, you might wonder, “Can you bring alcohol on a plane?”
Well, yes you can but only if you conform to the FAA and TSA regulations on this subject. Also, if you wish to include any beverage in your luggage, you need to understand the risks associated with it.
What requirement does a person need to fulfill for doing so? We will dive into the nitty gritty details regarding what’s allowed and not while taking alcohol on a plane. So, read on!
Can you take Alcohol on a Flight?
Here is all you need to know about carrying any type of alcohol in hand luggage or checked luggage:
Hand Luggage
Yes, you can pack your own alcohol or wine in hand luggage by satisfying the TSA regulations. According to the TSA rules, travelers can bring only bottles of up to 3.4-ounce capacity.
That means you can only include only mini bottles in their hand luggage. However, one thing to note here is even if you fulfilled all the regulations of the TSA, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to take the beverage on the plane.
So, you need to keep in mind the risk of seizure of your beverage bottles while bringing them. Also, you must conform to the alcohol packaging requirements as specified by the TSA.
Checked Luggage
Yes, you can! However, just like carrying it in a handbag, you also need to fulfill some conditions before you plan to check your liquor. For instance, the checked bag must be properly sealed and unopened.
How to Pack Alcohol in Checked Luggage?
Regarding the packing of alcohol, there are some rules that your must follow. Whatever the concentration of ABV there in your alcohol, you must comfortably pack it in a sealed and unopened transparent.
And the meaning of ‘comfortable packing’, varies as per the discretion of different officers present at the checkpoints.
To pack the bottles of alcohol safely, you need to seal them properly in a sealable transparent plastic bag. What it will do is ensure the safety of your belongings in case the liquor spills during the journey.
While packing, the best place to keep the bottle in the luggage is at the center. It would keep it safe by giving it extra cushioning during the trip. And if the bottle breaks or the alcohol spills, the fabric would soak up the alcohol.
Surrounding the bottle with other belongings, especially, clothes would place keep it safe in the case of an accidental fall of luggage.
How much Alcohol can you Bring on a Plane?
The quality of alcohol you carry in a plane varies according to the type of alcohol. If your liquor has ABV (Alcohol by Value) in the range of 24% to 70%, you are allowed to carry it up to 5 liters (per passenger). The bottles must be of a maximum size of 3.4 ounces.
But if your beverage is below 24% ABV (wine or beer), there is no limit on the quantity that you can carry. And in case, it has above 70% ABV (140 proof), you can’t even check it at the airport let alone take it with you in your handbag.
Some people love to purchase duty-free alcohol at an airport. If you plan to shop for duty-free alcohol by arriving at the airport early, you can carry heavy bottles with you on the plane.
But you can’t take it way to your home because you will be going through multiple checkings at different airports. If it turns out to be over 3.4 ounces, you would lose it.
This issue especially surfaces when traveling through a layover journey. So, it is advised to buy duty-free alcohol at the last airport you arrived in visiting your final destination.
One thing we must tell you is that every country permits different qualities of duty-free alcohol you can carry with you. So, it is a must for you to consider the local laws before packing alcohol in your luggage.
Is it Allowed to Drink your Own Alcohol on a Flight?
No, you can’t take out your bottle and drink from it in a place. Such activity violates the FAA regulations in all aspects.
But if you want to consume alcohol, you can ask flight attendants to serve it to you. Such a rule exists because they ensure you remain sane and safe while traveling. Also, they also keep in mind the safety of other passengers in every possible way.
So, you should consume the quality of alcohol that they serve you. Once you reach your destination, you are free to intake your own favorite alcohol available in your luggage.
Conclusion
Finally, we can conclude that it is possible for you to take your own alcohol on a plane. And if you choose to do so, you must follow some rules to ensure your and others’ safety.
If for any reason, the TSA assistants don’t give you the approval to carry your liquor, you must obey their orders. Not doing so could lead to serious troubles for you. And in the worst case, you may not be allowed to travel on your flight.
Also, you must allow the sellers to pack your duty-free alcohol in the most acceptable way. Above all, don’t forget to take a receipt of your liquor from the duty-free store.
Regarding drinking alcohol your own liquor, you must not try it as it would attract a heavy fine. If you feel the temptation to drink alcohol, you can choose to do so at the airport bars.
Lastly, in case of any confusion, don’t forget to clarify your doubts regarding alcohol consumption rules with the airport authorities. It will not just save you time but also prevent you from inviting any sort of trouble while traveling.