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Can I Carry It? — verified carry-on guide

Can You Bring Alcohol on a Plane?

Category: Liquids & Drinks

Direct Answer (2026 Official Rules)
Cabin: ⚠ LIMITED Hold: ⚠ LIMITED

Yes, with limits — you can bring alcohol in carry-on bags provided you follow security limits. Carry-on: 100 ml minis in the quart bag.

Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.

On this page · 10 sections

⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: International 3-1-1 Liquid Security Rules & Container Geometry

Containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less that fit within a single clear, resealable 1-quart (1-liter) plastic bag are permitted through screening because small volumes can be rapidly inspected and present limited hazard potential.

Decision Threshold: 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller container + 1 clear quart bag per passenger.

Rules by security authority

United States — TSA

Carry-on

Restricted

Mini bottles (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml) that fit in your one quart bag are allowed in carry-on.

Checked bag

Restricted

Yes for 24–70% ABV up to 5 liters in unopened retail packaging. Under 24% is unlimited. Over 70% is banned everywhere.

Rule conditions: Carry-on: 100 ml minis in the quart bagChecked < 24% ABV (beer, wine): no limitChecked 24–70% ABV (liquor): max 5 L, unopened retail packaging> 70% ABV (140+ proof): banned in both bagsFAA rule: you may only drink alcohol served by the airline — no BYO consumption onboard

Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.

Conditions, Warnings & Legal Exceptions

🛍️ Duty-free purchases

Duty-free liquor in the sealed tamper-evident bag (STEB) with receipt is allowed in the cabin, including through one connecting security checkpoint, typically within 48 hours.

🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice

Place your clear 1-quart bag in the screening bin outside your luggage in 2D X-ray lanes. In 3D CT scanner lanes, keep it inside your bag unless instructed otherwise by the screening officer.

Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →

⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid

The Mistake: Carrying multiple quart bags per traveler or forgetting that pastes and gels (toothpaste, hair gel, lip gloss) count as liquids.

How to Avoid It: Consolidate all toiletries into one quart bag per traveler or transition to solid alternatives (shampoo bars, solid deodorant).

🥃 Alcohol rules checker

Enter the bottle’s ABV (alcohol %) and size. You may only consume alcohol served by the airline — carrying is fine.

How to Pack Alcohol / Liquor for a Flight

The three numbers that matter: 100 ml for the cabin, 5 L checked, and 70% ABV as the hard ceiling. Use the alcohol rules calculator below for your exact bottle. And remember: carrying your minis on is legal, drinking them onboard is not.

Alcohol / Liquor on a plane — FAQs

Can you bring Alcohol in a carry-on?

Mini bottles (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml) that fit in your one quart bag are allowed in carry-on.

Can you pack Alcohol in checked luggage?

Yes for 24–70% ABV up to 5 liters in unopened retail packaging. Under 24% is unlimited. Over 70% is banned everywhere.

Why are there rules for alcohol on a plane?

Containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less that fit within a single clear, resealable 1-quart (1-liter) plastic bag are permitted through screening because small volumes can be rapidly inspected and present limited hazard potential.

Can I drink my own mini bottles on the plane?

No. FAA rules only allow alcohol served by a flight attendant to be consumed onboard. Your minis must stay sealed for the whole flight.

Last verified:

Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →