Can you take cans of alcohol in checked luggage

Short answer: Items with 24%–70% ABV are permitted in the aircraft hold up to 5 liters per passenger when in original, unopened retail packaging; products above 70% ABV are prohibited from both cabin and hold; products under 24% ABV are not subject to the IATA/TSA quantity limit but remain subject to carrier rules.

Pack bottles or aluminum containers inside their original sealed retail packaging. Use heavy-duty plastic zip bags around individual items, wrap with soft clothing or bubble wrap, and place them in the suitcase center surrounded by cushioning to reduce rupture risk. Hard-sided cases plus internal padding reduce pressure on seams and valves.

Confirm carrier policy and destination import rules before travel. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and TSA guidance set the 24%–70% ABV, 5‑liter limit per passenger for hold transport and prohibit >70% ABV entirely. National customs and duty-free allowances vary; commercial quantities require permits and freight handling, not passenger baggage procedures.

Practical checklist: keep receipts and original seals, split quantities across travelers when permissible, declare items at check-in if requested, buy duty-free in tamper-evident bags for hand-carry where appropriate, and avoid relying on fragile labels as a substitute for proper packing.

ABV and per-passenger quantity limits for hold baggage

Limit spirits between 24% and 70% ABV to 5 liters per passenger when stored in the aircraft hold; beverages above 70% ABV are not permitted in either hold or cabin.

Typical regulatory breakdown: 0–24% ABV – no specific aviation quantity cap but subject to airline weight/size rules and customs limits; 24–70% ABV – maximum 5 L per passenger, must remain in unopened retail packaging; greater than 70% ABV – prohibited from transport by air. Individual airlines or national authorities may impose stricter limits, so consult carrier policy before travel.

Packing recommendations: keep bottles in original sealed retail containers, place each bottle in a leakproof plastic bag, wrap with cushioning, and stow inside a rigid outer case for the hold. For cabin carriage where allowed, use a well-padded personal pack such as a best leather backpack for men and respect cabin liquid rules. Retain purchase receipts to verify unopened retail origin when requested by staff or customs.

Pre-departure checks: verify seals visually, apply gentle pressure to detect leaks, and perform a simple spill test in a sink before packing; for techniques to locate tiny breaches that can be adapted for packaging inspection see how to find a break in an electric dog fence. If transporting near allowable limits, notify the carrier at booking to avoid refusal at the gate.

How to verify airline policies and origin-country rules before packing tinned beverages

Confirm the operating carrier’s written policy and the departure country’s customs/export regulations prior to placing tinned or bottled intoxicating beverages into hold bags.

Step-by-step verification

1. Identify the operating carrier for each flight segment.

   Use the flight number to determine the operator (marketing vs operating carrier). The operator’s restricted-items and baggage pages determine acceptance at check-in for that segment.

2. Consult official sources.

   Compare three sources: the airline’s own baggage & restricted-items pages, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) guidance, and the national transport/security authority for departure and transit countries (examples: TSA/CBP for the United States, national civil aviation authority for EU/UK/Australia).

3. Verify customs/export rules for the origin country.

   Open the origin country’s customs website and search “duty-free allowance”, “export restrictions” and “prohibited goods”. Confirm whether possession or removal of intoxicating beverages is restricted or criminal (some jurisdictions prohibit entirely).

4. Request written confirmation from the airline.

   Call the airline with the reservation code and request an emailed statement specifying acceptance conditions (packaging, declaration, size limits, any required codes/forms). Save screenshots of live-chat transcripts or social-media replies that reference policy.

5. Check transit and destination rules.

   Verify rules for every stop on the itinerary: transit countries may impose stricter controls or require declarations even if items remain in the hold.

6. Escalate for large quantities.

   If intended quantity exceeds typical personal allowances, contact the airline’s cargo/freight desk and a customs broker to arrange proper export documentation and tariff classification before departure.

Practical documentation and arrival actions

• Keep original purchase receipts, serial numbers (if any), and VAT/tax paperwork accessible for customs inspections.
• Bring the airline’s written permission to the airport; present it at check-in and if inspection occurs by security or customs.
• Allow additional check-in time for manual inspection or declarations; expect possible seizure without compensation in jurisdictions that ban these products.
• When in doubt, obtain confirmation from the origin country’s embassy or customs helpdesk; treat their written guidance as authoritative for export legality.

Packing methods to prevent punctures, leaks and pressure damage to beverage tins

Wrap each sealed beverage tin with two layers of 3–6 mm bubble wrap, seal the wrap with waterproof tape, place into a 4‑mil (or thicker) heavy‑duty zip-top bag, then double-bag and nest inside a rigid, crush‑resistant case positioned at the suitcase center.

Step-by-step packing protocol

1) Inspect each metal beverage container for dents or bulges; discard any compromised units.

2) Wrap: apply two overlapping layers of 3–6 mm bubble wrap around the body and an additional short pad over the seam at the top; secure with 48 mm packaging tape.

3) Seal: place wrapped unit into a freezer‑grade zip bag (4 mil+), press out air, zip fully, then place that bag into a second identical bag and seal.

4) Box: insert double‑bagged unit into a rigid box or plastic transport box with internal foam or cardboard dividers; center the box within a hard‑sided suitcase and surround with soft clothing for shock absorption (leave ~2–3 cm clearance between box and shell).

5) Orientation and support: load tins upright when possible; use vertical cardboard partitions or egg‑crate foam (10–20 mm closed‑cell) to prevent lateral movement and point impacts.

Preventing leaks and pressure-related failures

Place an absorbent pad under each boxed group and include a small, sealed sachet of desiccant to limit moisture. Avoid overpacking that applies constant lateral pressure to seams. For long transit or hot climates, choose insulated packing or include cold packs separated by absorbent layers to keep internal temperature below 35 °C. Do not puncture, pressurize, or depressurize containers; rely on cushioning to prevent impact‑induced rim or seam failure.

Security screening, labeling and declaration requirements for sealed beverage containers in hold baggage

Only factory-sealed beer, wine and spirits in their original retail packaging should be placed in hold baggage; present them for inspection at the airline check-in desk and retain purchase receipts and proof of origin for customs checks.

All sealed beverage containers are subject to X‑ray screening and may be selected for physical inspection or explosive-trace testing. Security officers are authorized to open any container that raises suspicion; expect resealing, sampling or seizure. Pack items where they can be reached without unpacking the entire bag and allow time at the departure desk for possible secondary checks.

Labels required for screening and customs: original manufacturer label with brand name, net volume (mL or L) and percentage by volume (ABV %) must remain legible. If retail labelling has been removed or liquids have been transferred to alternate vessels, affix a printed, waterproof label stating beverage type, exact volume and ABV, plus supplier contact or receipt number.

Declaration rules at arrival: declare quantities that exceed personal import allowances on the official customs form and present receipts and original packaging at the red/declare channel. Many jurisdictions enforce excise, age-verification and import-permit rules for distilled spirits; failure to declare may trigger fines, confiscation or forfeiture of the goods.

Airline and freight formalities: carriers may require passengers to declare retail-packaged beverages at check-in when volumes approach carrier limits or when items are classified as dangerous goods. Shipments sent as cargo often need a shipper’s declaration and carrier acceptance for beverages with high proof levels; without correct documentation the shipment may be refused or returned.

Practical precautions for screening and declaration: keep receipts and original boxes accessible; do not conceal or relabel products in a manner that obscures ABV or manufacturer details; mark outer packaging as fragile and allow security personnel to open packages if requested; obtain any required permits before departure when transporting distilled spirits destined for countries with strict import controls.

Customs, duty and import restrictions for bringing sealed metal beverage containers into destination

Declare sealed metal beverage containers that exceed the destination’s duty‑free allowance immediately at arrival; failure to declare typically results in seizure, fines and retrospective invoicing for duty plus VAT.

How duties and taxes are applied

Customs applies import tax as a combination of customs duty (tariff code-based), excise (for spirituous or fermented products) and value-added tax/GST. Calculation uses declared value (purchase receipts or fair market value), plus freight and insurance if transported commercially. Tariff schedules are publicly available (e.g., TARIC for EU, HTS for US). Keep invoices and proof of payment for rapid assessment.

Personal‑use shipments are assessed differently from commercial imports: quantity, frequency of arrivals and presentation (original retail packaging, uniform labelling, identical receipts) are used to determine commercial intent. When classified as commercial, full import licensing, customs brokerage and anti-dumping or health permits may be required.

Arrival procedures, documentation and penalties

At airports or ports select the declaration channel if carrying amounts over the allowance. Present originals: purchase receipts, passport, and any local import permits. Many authorities accept pre-declaration online or via mobile apps; using those services accelerates assessment and payment. If duty is payable, payment is commonly accepted by card at the customs desk or via an online payment portal; obtain a stamped receipt for any later claims or refunds.

Penalties for non‑compliance include confiscation, fines proportional to undeclared value, seizure of the entire consignment and, in strict jurisdictions, criminal charges. Jurisdictions with tight controls or prohibitions include several Gulf states and certain Asian countries; in those places personal possession may be unlawful regardless of declaration. For transport within a customs union (example: within the EU) internal movements are generally duty-free but still subject to age and retail regulation.

Practical checklist before departure: verify the destination customs website for residence-based allowances and permit requirements; retain original receipts and keep goods in original sealed retail packaging; if intending resale, arrange appropriate import/export licences and commercial invoices; use a customs broker for bulk quantities. For a compact travel accessory that fits carry choices and protects goods from rough handling, consider best quality ultra light travel umbrellas.

How to document damage or confiscation and file a claim with the airline

Report damage or confiscation to the airline or to airport security immediately and obtain a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or custody receipt before leaving the terminal.

At the airport – immediate documentation

Open the suitcase at the baggage carousel or airline desk and photograph the bag exterior (showing bag tag), interior, damaged items, packaging, and any visible date/time stamps. Capture wide shots and close-ups with a ruler or common object for scale; retain digital files with timestamps and back them up to cloud storage.

Request a PIR number from the airline ground agent and insist on a printed copy that includes flight number, PNR/booking reference, agent name and badge, location, and a short description of damage or confiscation. If an airport security officer removes items, obtain the confiscation receipt containing officer name, office contact details, reason for seizure, and reference number.

Keep originals: do not throw away packaging, damaged goods, receipts, tax invoices, customs forms, boarding pass, bag tag stub, purchase proof, or repair estimates. If merchandise lacks an original receipt, secure a dated written valuation from the retailer or a professional appraiser.

Filing the claim – timelines, evidence and sample wording

Report at the airport (PIR) first; then submit a written claim to the carrier within regulatory time limits: for damage, within 7 days of bag receipt; for delay or missing contents, within 21 days of the date bag was made available. Missing these deadlines frequently forfeits compensation rights under international conventions.

Attach to the claim: PIR number, boarding pass and itinerary, bag tag photo, original receipts or valuations, dated photos of damage or confiscation receipt, itemized list with quantities and model/serial numbers, purchase dates, and any repair quotes. Provide bank details for reimbursement and a daytime contact number. Send via the airline’s official claims portal or by registered mail to the carrier’s claims department and retain proof of submission.

Sample subject and body for an email/portal entry (replace bracketed text):

Subject: Claim – damaged beverage containers in hold baggage – Flight [XX123] [Date] – PNR [ABC123]

Body: Passenger name: [Full name]; PNR: [ABC123]; Flight: [XX123] on [date]. PIR: [PIR number]. Description: [number] sealed metal beverage containers found punctured/leaking inside hold baggage; photos attached (files: 01_exterior.jpg, 02_interior.jpg, 03_closeup.jpg). Attachments: boarding pass, bag tag photo, original receipts (or valuation), repair estimate. Request full reimbursement or replacement; bank details attached. Contact: [phone/email].

Be aware of liability caps for baggage transported in the aircraft hold under international rules: about 1,288 SDR (roughly USD 1,700–1,900 in 2024). Carriers often depreciate undocumented items and may deny claims lacking original proof of purchase. If confiscation was performed by security authorities (not the airline), lodge a claim with that authority and include its receipt when dealing with the carrier; travel insurance may cover losses not payable by the airline.

If no satisfactory response within 30–45 days, escalate with the carrier’s customer relations, copy the national aviation regulator or consumer protection agency, and keep all correspondence; consider small-claims court or arbitration where statutory limits apply. Maintain an orderly folder of all documents, timestamps and delivery receipts until resolution.