Can you put canned drinks in checked luggage

Recommendation: Prefer carrying sealed aluminum beverage containers in the cabin when possible. If stowing them in the aircraft hold is necessary, pack each unit inside a sealed plastic bag, surround with padding, and place near the suitcase core to minimize impact and temperature fluctuation damage.

Regulatory summary: Carry-on liquid limits apply: individual containers must not exceed 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) and must fit within a single quart-sized clear bag. For baggage placed in the aircraft hold, non-alcoholic beverages are generally permitted without container-size limits, but alcoholic beverages are regulated by alcohol by volume (ABV): up to 24% ABV – no special limit; >24% to ≤70% ABV – limited to 5 liters (≈1.32 gallons) per passenger in unopened retail packaging; >70% ABV – prohibited from both cabin and hold. Proof conversion: ABV × 2 (24% = 48 proof; 70% = 140 proof).

Packing best practices: double-bag each unit with a high-quality resealable bag, add bubble wrap or clothing padding, and isolate from electronics and garments that stain easily. Leave space for possible expansion of carbonated items and avoid placing containers adjacent to suitcase seams or corners. For higher-risk flights (cargo unpressurized segments or extreme temperature routes), move beverages to carry-on or ship via courier with appropriate packaging.

Operational and customs notes: airlines may apply additional limits or refuse carriage; local customs and import allowances vary by destination and can impose duty or seizure on large volumes of alcohol. Declare alcohol when required and confirm airline policy before travel. Inspect baggage after arrival; leakage or rupture damage claims are subject to the carrier’s baggage liability rules and weight limits for excess items.

Are sealed non‑alcoholic aluminum beverage containers permitted in the aircraft hold by TSA and major airlines?

Recommendation: Transport unopened, non‑alcoholic sealed beverage containers in the aircraft hold only when each item is well‑protected (double‑bagged, cushioned) and carbonated items are limited to reduce burst risk.

TSA policy: Non‑hazardous, non‑alcoholic liquids are permitted in both carry‑on and hold baggage. Carry‑on limits apply: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) per container inside a single quart‑/1 L‑size clear bag, with exceptions for medications, baby formula and duty‑free purchases. There is no TSA volume cap for liquids placed in the aircraft hold, but Transportation Security Officers may open or remove containers during screening.

Airline and hazardous‑goods notes: Major U.S. carriers follow TSA and DOT/IATA dangerous goods rules. Alcoholic beverages are regulated by alcohol content (24–70% alcohol limited to 5 L per person in retail packaging in the hold; >70% prohibited); non‑alcoholic items are not subject to these alcohol limits. Pressure and temperature changes during flight may cause carbonated metal vessels to swell, leak or rupture, increasing the likelihood of damage to other items.

Packing guidance: Wrap each container in absorbent material, seal inside a strong zip‑top bag, place in the suitcase center surrounded by clothing, and use a hard‑sided case when available. Limit the number of carbonated containers and observe carrier weight limits (commonly 23 kg / 50 lb for economy checked allowances) to avoid excess‑baggage fees and handling stress.

International considerations and inspections: Verify destination import, quarantine and customs rules for foodstuffs; some countries restrict or require declaration of packaged beverages. If screening requires opening a bag, spilled contents may be discarded. For priority protection or in‑flight use, consider transporting small quantities in carry‑on (subject to the 100 ml rule) or shipping larger quantities with a courier that offers liquid‑safe packaging.

Will changes in pressure and temperature in the cargo hold cause cans to burst or leak?

Avoid placing metal-sealed beverage containers in unpressurized or non-temperature-controlled cargo if ambient values may fall below 0°C or exceed 35°C.

Pressure effects

• Typical passenger aircraft cargo holds are pressurized to cabin-equivalent altitudes of about 6,000–8,000 ft (~75–80 kPa). A container sealed at sea level (101.3 kPa) will therefore experience an external pressure drop on ascent of roughly 20–30 kPa (≈3–4.5 psi).
• That differential is small relative to the structural strength of commercial aluminum/steel beverage vessels; catastrophic bursting from altitude-related pressure change alone is rare.
• Leakage risk rises if a seam, pop-top, or can end is already compromised, or if repeated pressure cycles induce fatigue. Mechanical damage during handling is a more common failure mode than pure pressure differential.

Temperature effects and mitigation

• Freezing: water-based liquids expand roughly 9% when frozen. Expansion can deform bodies, split seams or push out end seals – fracture and leakage occur most often when containers are full with little headspace.
• Warming: each 10°C increase raises vapor pressure of the headspace gas; warm carbonated products are more likely to vent or spray from small defects or weak crimps. Sustained exposure above ~40–45°C increases bulging and seam stress.
• Practical recommendations:
  • Pre-chill products before transit to reduce initial headspace pressure.
  • Package each item in a heavy-duty sealable plastic bag plus absorbent padding to contain leaks.
  • Use a rigid, crush-resistant outer container to prevent mechanical deformation during handling.
  • Avoid direct contact with frozen gel packs (they can freeze contents) and avoid prolonged exposure to hot holds or tarmac heat.
  • When expecting subfreezing conditions, prefer non-rigid, flexible containers or keep items inside the pressurized cabin/hand baggage alternative.
• Inspection after transit: check for bulging, popped seams, residue at seams or closures, and dents at ends. Minor seepage often indicates seal failure rather than pressure rupture.

Wrap each sealed metal beverage container individually, seal in a puncture-resistant resealable bag, then place inside a rigid, crush-proof box with at least 5–10 cm of padding on every side.

Use heavy-duty resealable bags rated ≥4 mil thickness; squeeze air out and double-seal. Add a single layer of 3–5 mm bubble wrap around each container (two turns minimum) and secure with tape. Place an absorbent pad (kitchen roll or commercial spill pad) under and over each row to contain leaks.

Preferred materials and dimensions

Rigid inner container: corrugated cardboard box or plastic tote with internal dimensions 10–15% larger than combined items. Padding: closed-cell foam sheets 6–12 mm or 5–10 cm of folded garments. Dividers: cardboard wine-shippers or foam inserts to prevent lateral movement. External case: hard-sided suitcase or double-box (inner box inside soft bag with 5 cm padding).

Packing sequence and placement

1) Line the rigid box base with an absorbent layer. 2) Stand containers upright when possible; if not, lay flat in single layer–avoid stacking more than two tiers. 3) Insert dividers so no container contacts another or the box walls. 4) Fill all voids with soft items; compress padding to eliminate movement but avoid tight compression that deforms cans. 5) Wrap the inner box in a second layer of padding and center it inside the outer suitcase or hard case, keeping at least 5 cm between inner box and exterior. 6) Do not pack sharp objects (tools, keys) in the same compartment; store them separately or sheath them completely.

Label the exterior “Fragile – liquids inside” and place the package toward the center of the aircraft cargo bag, away from wheels and seams. If transporting a portable compressor or inflator alongside these items, consult how to inflate tires using an air compressor for safe handling and storage guidance.

Limit alcohol in airline hold: 5 L per passenger for 24–70% ABV; >70% ABV is prohibited

Place sealed metal or aluminum beverage containers with 24%–70% alcohol by volume (ABV) in the aircraft hold only in unopened retail packaging and keep the total per passenger at or below 5 liters (1.3 gallons). Products below 24% ABV have no TSA-imposed volume cap for the hold but remain subject to carrier weight and packaging rules. Any liquid above 70% ABV (140 proof) is forbidden from air transport in the hold under aviation dangerous-goods rules.

Airline / security transport rules

TSA aligns with international dangerous-goods guidance: 24%–70% ABV – up to 5 L per person in unopened retail packaging permitted in the hold; <24% ABV – no federal quantity limit for the hold; >70% ABV – prohibited. Airlines may add stricter limits (total weight, number of containers, or outright bans on alcohol carriage), so consult the carrier’s policy before travel. Labeling must remain intact; damaged, leaking, or repackaged bottles/containers may be refused for carriage.

Customs and import allowances

Personal import allowances and age restrictions vary by destination. Common patterns: duty-free allowances are often expressed in liters and differ for spirits, wine and beer; exceeding the allowance usually triggers duty, taxes and mandatory declaration. Examples: United States typically grants a 1‑liter duty-free exemption per adult arriving from abroad (additional quantities possible but may incur duty and state restrictions); Australia’s passenger concession often permits 2.25 L duty-free for eligible travelers. Some countries prohibit alcoholic imports or set very low limits for certain regions. Always declare quantities on the arrival customs form when above allowance or when unsure; failure to declare can lead to fines and seizure.

Actions at check‑in and on arrival if an airline rejects or confiscates sealed beverage containers

Obtain a written confiscation receipt from airline staff immediately; include staff full name, employee ID, time, exact wording of the reason or regulation cited, and any tag or reference number placed on the bag.

At the counter or gate

Photograph the affected container(s), interior of the suitcase, the bag tag, boarding pass, and the confiscation receipt before leaving the area. Request supervisor review and a clear statement of available options: return to vehicle (if access permitted), donation to an approved airport charity, on‑site shipping through airport mail/courier desk, or voluntary surrender with documented destruction. If an airport charity is suggested, request the charity name and a donation receipt.

Ask for a Property Irregularity Report or equivalent airline form for items removed from stowed baggage; keep a copy. If staff refuse written documentation, note exact time and names, then photograph the counter signage and any posted policy references offered by staff.

After arrival: follow‑up and claims

File an incident report with the carrier through the airline website and its customer relations office within the carrier’s stated timeframe; include photos, receipts for original purchase, bag tag, boarding pass, and the confiscation receipt. For international journeys, submit any damage or loss claim within 7 days for destroyed items and within 21 days for delayed property, following Montreal Convention and carrier procedures.

For seizures by customs or security agencies, obtain the official seizure form from the agency (retain the case or receipt number), contact that agency’s office at the airport for appeal or release instructions, and request written guidance on how to reclaim or retrieve items if eligible.

If return of value is sought, lodge a formal claim with the airline’s lost/damaged property desk and with the travel insurer or credit‑card protection program that covered the purchase; attach purchase receipts and the carrier’s documentation. If a refund or reimbursement is denied, escalate with a written complaint quoting the carrier’s contract of carriage and include all evidence.

Recordkeeping checklist: photos of item and bag interior; bag tag and boarding pass scans; confiscation/seizure receipt; staff names/IDs; purchase receipt; airline form or PIR; timestamped complaint submission confirmations.

Additional resource links: best umbrella for wind kolumbo, best umbrella for chicago wind