Michael Turner
Quick rules: U.S. transportation rules permit up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger of 24%–70% ABV beverages in hold storage, provided bottles remain in unopened retail packaging. Drinks under 24% ABV (typical beer and many wines) are not subject to the 5‑liter limit for hold storage. Any bottle above 70% ABV is banned from both cabin and hold.
Packing recommendations: Keep bottles in original, sealed retail packaging when possible. Wrap each container in bubble wrap or clothing, place them inside a heavy-duty zip-top bag, and position them in the center of the suitcase surrounded by soft items. Use a purpose-made bottle protector for best leak protection. For duty‑free purchases taken into the cabin, retain the tamper‑evident bag and receipt until arrival at your destination.
Cabin limits and practical steps: Liquids carried into the cabin must meet the standard 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) single-container rule and fit in a clear quart-sized bag; full bottles of beverages generally cannot pass through security. Before travel, confirm the carrier’s specific policy and any route-based restrictions via the airline website or customer service, and check customs import limits and taxes for international legs. If transporting high-value or large-quantity bottles, consider shipping options or declaring them at customs as required.
Transporting liquor in the aircraft hold for this carrier
Follow federal guidelines: passengers may stow up to 5 liters of beverages with 24%–70% ABV per person in unopened retail packaging in the aircraft hold; beverages under 24% ABV are permitted without a per-passenger volume limit subject to the carrier’s weight and piece allowances; items above 70% ABV are forbidden in both cabin and hold.
Age requirement: only travelers aged 21 or older may possess or transport these products on U.S. domestic services; carry valid government-issued ID.
Packing and protection
Keep bottles in original sealed retail containers. Wrap each bottle in bubble wrap or several layers of clothing, place inside a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, then position centrally inside a hard-sided suitcase or padded compartment. Use wine skins or foam sleeves and surround with absorbent material to contain spills. Secure caps with tape or heat-shrink seals when available.
Monitor total bag weight to avoid excess-baggage fees; each bottle contributes to the allowance and may trigger charges at the ticket counter.
Airport handling and international rules
Duty-free purchases placed in tamper-evident bags with receipts are typically allowed in the cabin even if volumes exceed standard carry-on liquid limits, but opening the bag before a connecting domestic segment can invalidate that exception. For international itineraries, verify destination import limits, customs duty thresholds, and any carrier-specific prohibitions before travel. For quantities exceeding personal limits, arrange shipment via licensed courier or bonded freight rather than transporting on board.
Permitted beverage types and ABV limits for hold baggage
Pack beverages with ABV ≤24% in hold baggage without a TSA quantity limit; beverages with ABV >24% up to 70% are permitted only in unopened retail containers and limited to 5 L (1.3 US gallons) per passenger; beverages with ABV >70% are prohibited from both carry-on and hold baggage.
The carrier follows U.S. Transportation Security Administration rules: ABV thresholds determine whether a bottle is unrestricted, limited, or banned. Requirements apply per passenger and per itinerary; international departures or arrivals may impose additional import limits or prohibitions.
| ABV range | Allowed in hold baggage | Per-passenger quantity limit | Container & packaging | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0%–24% ABV | Yes | No TSA limit | Any container; secure packaging recommended | Beer, wine, low-proof liqueurs |
| Greater than 24% up to 70% ABV | Yes | Maximum 5 L (1.3 US gal) per passenger | Original, unopened retail packaging required | Vodka, whiskey, rum, most standard spirits (typically ~40% ABV) |
| Over 70% ABV | No | Not permitted | – | High-proof neutral spirits (e.g., 95% grain neutral spirit) |
Packing recommendations
Wrap bottles in bubble wrap or padded sleeves, place inside a sealable plastic bag, and position in the suitcase core surrounded by clothing to reduce breakage risk. Keep receipts or original packaging visible for faster inspection. If carrying spirits within the 24%–70% band, split bottles across passengers when possible to stay under the 5 L limit per person.
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Operational notes
Airport staff may refuse items that appear tampered or not in original retail packaging. Rules from origin, destination, and any transit country all apply; verify local customs and import allowances before travel. Keep carry-on volume rules separate: some beverages allowed in hold bags are restricted from the cabin.
How much you may pack: quantity, bottle size and age requirements
Limit distilled beverages between 24% and 70% ABV to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in unopened retail packaging; beverages under 24% ABV have no federal per-passenger volume cap for carriage in the aircraft hold; products above 70% ABV are prohibited from transport.
Quantity and bottle-size rules
- 24%–70% ABV: maximum 5 L per person – combine multiple bottles but do not exceed the total (example: 3 × 1 L + 2 × 0.5 L = 5 L).
- Under 24% ABV: no federal volumetric limit for hold carriage; individual carrier weight/size allowances still apply (typical retail sizes: 375 mL, 750 mL, 1 L, 1.75 L).
- Above 70% ABV: not permitted for onboard transport under federal rules.
- Cabin restrictions: single containers must be ≤100 mL (3.4 oz) and fit in a clear quart-sized bag; duty‑free purchases in tamper‑evident bags with receipt may exceed 100 mL but are subject to transfer/security checks on connections.
- No per‑bottle size limit in the hold beyond the aggregate 5 L rule for 24%–70% and the carrier’s baggage-size/weight limits; oversized bottles are acceptable only if total allowance and weight limits are respected.
Age, ID and handling
- United States travel: minimum age 21 to carry or accept beverage products intended for drinking; present government photographic ID on request.
- International departures: follow the origin country’s minimum age (often 18 for beer and wine); check destination customs allowances if carrying amounts above personal-use thresholds.
- Commercial quantities or intent to resell require declaration and may be restricted or taxed; personal-use amounts should remain modest and clearly packaged in unopened retail containers.
Pack bottles upright when possible, use leakproof seals, rigid bottle sleeves or padded inserts and place in the center of a hard-sided case surrounded by soft items; for ideas about rigid containers and sizing comparisons see best aquarium filter for 75 gallon tank.
How to pack bottles to prevent breaks and leaks in hold baggage
Wrap each bottle in two to three layers of 1/8″ bubble wrap (cover neck and base), overlap seams by at least 2 inches and secure with shipping tape so padding cannot shift.
Place a square of cling film over the opening, tighten the cap, then wrap a band of strong packing tape around the cap-to-neck junction to reduce leak paths under pressure changes.
Insert every wrapped bottle into a heavy-duty 1‑gallon zip-top bag; expel most air, seal, then double-bag. For higher protection use neoprene bottle sleeves or foam column inserts rated for 750 ml or 1 L bottles.
When transporting several bottles, use a cardboard or molded wine carrier with individual compartments. Pack carriers vertically and fill remaining voids with rolled shirts, towels or foam inserts to eliminate movement.
Place bottles in the center of a hard-sided case or a reinforced duffel, surrounded on all sides by at least 2–3 inches of soft packing to create a protective buffer from impacts, wheels and zippers.
Avoid positioning glass near exterior seams, wheels, side handles or external pockets. Add a waterproof liner or an extra zip bag beneath clothing to limit garment damage in case of a leak.
Reduce fill to roughly 75–80% for non-carbonated liquids to allow thermal expansion; do not pack pressurized or carbonated containers unless specifically permitted by the carrier’s rules for cabin carriage.
Photograph each bottle and keep purchase receipts and serials in a separate pouch for claims. Distribute weight evenly to avoid concentrated impact on a single bottle and recheck seals after any rough handling.
Declare spirits at arrival and verify federal plus state import rules before travel
Declare all alcoholic beverages on your customs form; undeclared bottles may be seized, fines assessed, or subject to criminal penalties. If you exceed a country’s duty‑free allowance you’ll be assessed duties and taxes at arrival – admit quantities and present receipts to customs officers.
Prepare documentation: keep purchase invoices and receipts in an easy‑to‑reach pocket, keep bottles in original packaging, and have government ID ready to prove legal drinking age. If an inspection is requested, hand items to the officer rather than opening sealed cases yourself.
Federal versus local rules: national customs allowances set duty and tax obligations; subnational jurisdictions (states, provinces, counties) may enforce additional limits, bans, or special licensing for private imports. Examples include state control boards that restrict private importation or require purchases through state stores, and “dry” counties with prohibitions on possession or sale.
Before travel: consult the destination country’s customs website and the destination state or provincial liquor authority for numeric limits, age thresholds, and declaration procedures. For U.S. arrivals, declare all items and confirm the current duty‑free allowance for travelers 21 and older; for other countries, allow for smaller or larger duty‑free thresholds and for outright prohibitions on certain spirits.
If quantities exceed allowances or local law prohibits import: options include paying duties at the border, leaving items with customs for destruction or export, arranging shipment via a licensed broker who handles import permits and excise taxes, or using short‑term airport storage such as best luggage storage san francisco when available – do not attempt to move restricted bottles into state retail channels yourself without proper licensing.
Final steps: log serial numbers or take photos of bottles and receipts before travel; if assessed duties demand proof later, that documentation speeds resolution. When unsure, always declare and let customs advise – non‑disclosure carries heavier consequences than paying duty up front.
What to do if TSA or your carrier confiscates, delays or damages bottles in your hold bag
Immediately document: photograph the damaged bottle(s), interior of the suitcase, bag tag, boarding pass and any visible screening signs; keep original purchase receipts and credit card proof of purchase.
At the airport – actions to take before you leave
Request a written incident report from the airline’s baggage service office or the checkpoint supervisor and obtain an incident/reference number. If screening staff removed items, ask for the seizure receipt or property slip. For damaged items, complete the airline’s Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and get a copy. If law enforcement or customs is involved, obtain the official seizure notice and the contact information for the seizing agency.
After the airport – filing claims and appeals
Submit a written claim to the carrier within its stated time limits and include: photos, boarding pass, bag tag, itemized purchase receipts, repair/replacement estimates and the airline’s incident report. For international trips governed by the Montreal Convention, file claims for damaged baggage within 7 days of receipt and for delayed baggage within 21 days of delivery; attach the same documentation. File a TSA screening damage/loss report online if property was damaged or taken at the checkpoint and keep that confirmation.
If customs seized bottles, contact the customs office listed on the seizure notice immediately to request administrative review or instructions for appeal; keep the seizure number and all correspondence. If the carrier denies liability, escalate with the U.S. Department of Transportation or the equivalent regulator in the itinerary’s country and attach copies of your airline claim, photos and receipts.
Use secondary recovery paths: submit a claim to the travel insurance policy or the credit card benefits provider used to pay for the purchase or trip (many cards offer baggage/damage coverage). Keep original items and packaging until claims are resolved; insurers and carriers often require inspection. If replacement is approved, present cost receipts and shipping invoices for reimbursement.
Keep strict timelines, maintain clear documentation and pursue both the carrier and appropriate government agency simultaneously when seizures, extended delays or destructive damage occur.
