Yes. A full-size bottle is only allowed if you buy it after security; otherwise each container must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in your quart-sized bag.
Nothing spoils a trip quicker than handing over your treasured Pinot at the checkpoint. This guide spells out exactly when, where, and how a bottle of wine can fly by your side without drama.
The Rule In One Glance
The Transportation Security Administration’s “3-1-1” liquids limit rules the skies for wine carried through the checkpoint. Any bottle larger than 100 ml must stay behind or go in checked luggage.
| Scenario | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 750 ml bottle bought at home | Not permitted past security | Allowed if packed well |
| Mini (airline) 187 ml bottle | Yes, inside quart bag | Allowed |
| Duty-free 1 L bottle in STEB* | Yes, when sealed & receipts shown | Allowed |
*STEB = Security Tamper-Evident Bag issued by duty-free shop.
Why The 3-1-1 Limit Exists
The restriction traces back to a 2006 plot involving liquid explosives, prompting global rules that cap each liquid at 3.4 oz. Until new CT scanners roll out everywhere, the 100 ml ceiling still applies in most airports worldwide.
Alcohol Content Matters Too
Wine sits at roughly 12-15 % ABV, well under the 24 % threshold that triggers extra limits. That means quantity, not strength, drives the carry-on decision.
In checked bags, the Federal Aviation Administration allows up to five liters of alcohol between 24 % and 70 % per passenger. Because wine falls below 24 %, you can check as many bottles as weight permits, provided they are cushioned and unopened.
Buying Wine After Security
Once you clear screening, the size limit vanishes. Merchants inside the sterile area sell full 750 ml and even magnums that can board with you, provided they fit in the overhead or under the seat.
Duty-Free Transfers & Connections
International flyers can keep duty-free wine in a STEB sealed at purchase. Keep that bag closed and show the receipt during connections within 48 hours. Remove the bottle from the bag only after your final leg to avoid confiscation.
Packing Tips For Checked Wine
When a carry-on option fails, checked luggage is plan B. Follow these steps to avoid stains and shards:
- Use a molded wine shipper or inflatable sleeve.
- Position the bottle mid-case, wrapped in clothing to absorb shock.
- Label your bag “FRAGILE” if your airline allows.
- Add a plastic trash bag as a leak barrier.
Temperature And Pressure
Cargo holds on modern jets are pressurized and heated, so wine rarely freezes or boils. Aim for direct flights to reduce jostling.
Airline Policies Compared
Most U.S. carriers shadow federal rules, yet a few run sweet perks. Alaska Airlines lets Mileage Plan members check a case from select wine regions at no charge. Delta, United, and others treat wine as just another liquid but remind guests that self-served alcohol is forbidden onboard.
| Airline | Carry-On Rule | Special Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 3-1-1 applies | “Wine Flies Free” on select routes |
| Delta | 3-1-1 applies | No DIY drinking allowed |
| United | 3-1-1 applies | Suggests duty-free be re-checked |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pour My Own Wine Mid-Flight?
No. FAA rules prohibit passengers from opening or consuming personal alcohol onboard unless a flight attendant serves it.
What About Sparkling Wine?
Bubbly also sits under 24 % ABV, so treat it like still wine. Use extra padding to protect pressurized corks.
Are Refillable Wine Flasks Allowed?
Yes, if each flask holds 100 ml or less and fits comfortably in your litre-sized bag.
Do Non-U.S. Airports Follow The Same Limits?
Most stick to 100 ml, though a handful of U.K. airports raised the cap to two litres after installing 3-D scanners. Check rules at both ends before you fly.
Could My Wine Be Confiscated At Customs?
U.S. Customs normally allows one liter duty-free; extra may incur tax. Officers can seize bottles that lack proper declaration or exceed state import limits.
Picking Travel-Friendly Formats
Single-serve 187 ml “airline bottles” weigh little, fit neatly in a quart bag, and dodge breakage risks. Pack four of them and you still meet the 3-1-1 limit because the total volume stays within one litre.
Premium canned wine is another handy option. Aluminum shrugs off pressure changes and chills fast once you land.
Security Lines And Smart Timing
Reach the checkpoint with bottles easy to display. If your state allows open wine, finish or secure any unfinished servings before entering the terminal; TSA confiscates open containers regardless of size.
On peak travel days lines stretch, and digging for liquids slows everyone. Set your quart bag atop electronics so it pops out quickly.
International Nuances
Canada, the EU, Australia, and many Asia-Pacific hubs mirror the 100 ml rule. Some regions impose total liquid volume caps in addition to the per-item limit. Check local aviation authority pages during planning.
Many airports seal duty-free wine only at the gate for U.S.-bound flights. If staff hand you an unsealed bag, ask for a STEB to avoid problems at Customs pre-clearance stops.
Protecting Glass On The Road
Avoid bubble-wrap alone; sharp glass can cut through plastic. Dedicated sleeves with double-layer vinyl and air chambers cost less than replacing a broken Côte-Rôtie.
If you must improvise, wrap wine in two socks, slide inside a shoe, then wedge the bundle in the middle of your case among soft clothes. Fill empty space so items cannot shift.
What Happens If Security Rejects My Bottle?
You have three choices: surrender it, exit and drink or mail it home, or return to check the bag. Most airports provide mail-back kiosks, but fees start around $15, dwarfing a checked-bag fee for valuable wine.
Onboard Etiquette
Even when legal to carry, self-serve alcohol violates airline policy and could attract fines. Ask the crew to store your purchase until landing or check if they will pour it for you; many will say no due to FAA guidance.
Respect fellow travelers: avoid opening aromatic, fizzy, or cork-intensive bottles mid-flight. Pressure changes can pop corks unexpectedly.
After Landing
Give bottles at least 24 hours of rest before uncorking. Altitude agitation stirs sediment and can mute aromas. Let the wine settle upright in a cool place.
Quick Recap
- Through security, wine follows the 3-1-1 rule: 100 ml per container, one litre total.
- Past security, size no longer matters but self-service still banned.
- Duty-free wine rides with you when sealed in a STEB and backed by receipt.
- Checked luggage allows unlimited low-proof wine; pad bottles well.
- Some airlines, like Alaska, even waive fees for a case on certain routes.
Plan ahead, pack with care, and your favorite vintage will land intact, ready to toast the start—or end—of a memorable journey.
One last tip: photograph your packed bottle before closing the suitcase. If damage occurs, you have proof for any claim with the airline or your travel insurer.
Advance prep beats frantic airport improvisation every single time.
Cheers.