Can Duty-Free Alcohol Go In Carry-On? | Fly Safe Tips

What counts as duty-free alcohol

We’re talking about sealed bottles bought after the checkpoint at an airport shop or on board. Staff place them in a transparent, tamper-evident bag called a STEB. The receipt sits inside. Don’t open that bag until your final stop.

If you change planes and must pass through screening again, officers look for an intact STEB and a matching receipt dated within the allowed window. If the seal is broken, the bottle gets treated like any other liquid at the lane.

Carry-on basics in one glance

Here’s a quick grid to decode size, strength, and bag rules before you head to the gate.

Taking duty-free alcohol in your carry-on: rules that matter

The 3-1-1 liquids rule caps any single container at 100 ml inside a one-quart bag. Duty-free is the exception when you’re screened again with a STEB that shows a recent purchase and no tampering. Without that sealed bag, a full-size bottle doesn’t pass the checkpoint.

Many travelers connect after landing from abroad. On those routes, security may rescreen you before the next flight. Your STEB and receipt must be ready for inspection. Officers also need to clear the items by X-ray; anything that alarms, or can’t be screened, gets pulled.

Rules match across most hubs. The U.S. uses the same 100 ml cut-off and accepts duty-free bottles in STEBs during rescreening. The EU and other regions follow the same tamper-evident practice. That’s why you’ll see identical red-lined bags from shop to shop.

You can read the official wording in the TSA liquids rule, which lists the STEB conditions, and in the FAA’s PackSafe page for strength limits.

Proof limits and bottle size

Strength matters. Anything above 70% ABV stays off planes, period. Spirits between 24% and 70% can travel, but full-size bottles only clear carry-on when sealed in a STEB during a rescreen. If you’re walking straight from the shop to the gate with no new screening, the bag still must remain closed until you land.

Size matters too. A mini under 100 ml fits the liquids bag like any other toiletry. A 700 ml or 1 L bottle needs duty-free handling. Store it in the STEB and don’t break the seal. Keep the receipt visible. If you’re stopped for extra screening, present the whole package together.

Connection traps that spill bottles

Watch for surprise rechecks. Some airports funnel arriving international passengers through another checkpoint even when you stay airside. A short hop through pre-clearance can also trigger a new scan. If your STEB looks opened or the receipt is missing, the bottle won’t make it.

Timing plays a part. Shops and screeners look for recent purchases. Long layovers push you closer to the cut-off that officers accept. If your window is tight, buy closer to your departure or at the last connecting airport after you pass security again.

Another safe path is simple: collect at arrival. Many hubs sell the same brands near baggage claim or in city stores. If you’re unsure about a connection, skip the carry-on effort and buy after you land.

Airline serving and etiquette

There’s one hard line on every carrier: you can’t drink your own alcohol on board. Cabin crew hold service rights and won’t pour from a bottle you hand them. Expect a firm no if you try.

Some crews will store sealed duty-free in a closet for you. Others ask you to keep it under the seat. Flight staff make that call. A polite ask goes much further than a demand.

When checking is smarter than carrying on

Carry-on keeps glass near you, but a checked bag can be simpler when you have a tight link, a lot of gear, or multiple bottles. Follow the strength limits. Wine and most spirits sit below 70% ABV, so they’re eligible for checked baggage. Over-proof spirits don’t fly at all.

Wrap the bottles well. Use bubble wrap or clothing. Put each in a leak-proof bag, then in the middle of the suitcase. Hard-side luggage helps. Mark boxes as fragile if your airline allows it. Tape stays off labels with tax stamps.

If you’re crossing a border, read the duty allowances for your destination and pack to match. Excess amounts may draw tax. Officers can also ask you to show receipts, so stash them in your wallet, not only inside the STEB.

Packing steps for bottles

1. Leave the factory seal intact.
2. Pad necks and base first; then wrap the body.
3. Slip each bottle into a zip bag or wine sleeve.
4. Cushion with soft clothes on every side.
5. Center the load and avoid edge contact.

Real-world routing tips

Nonstop trips are easy. Buy after security, keep the STEB closed, and board. Direct international flights with no domestic connection pose the least risk of extra checks. The moment a domestic hop enters the plan, treat the bottle like a liquid that will face screening again.

On U.S. arrivals with a connection, collect bags, clear customs, and recheck. Then you pass through TSA again. Your duty-free must meet the STEB test at that second scan. That step surprises many travelers; plan time for it in your layover.

Leaving the EU, the same logic applies. Shops pack items in an ICAO-compliant STEB and include the receipt. If you connect in another EU airport, keep everything sealed for the next scan. U.S. hubs accept those STEBs as long as the package shows no tampering.

Second scenarios table

Use this chart to pick the right move when plans get messy.

Quick troubleshooting

If your bag was opened by duty-free staff for gift wrap, ask them to rebag it into a fresh STEB with the receipt inside. If the seal pops during a tight connection, place the bottle in checked baggage at the counter if time allows. When that’s not possible, you can ship from the airport post office where available.

If you’re told a bottle can’t pass screening, stay calm and ask about options. Disposal isn’t the only path. Some airports offer landside collection counters, shipping desks, or storage lockers. These services vary, and fees can be steep, yet they beat losing a rare bottle.

When you reach the plane, stow glass where it won’t slide out. The space under the seat in front of you beats a loose overhead bin. Treat the STEB like a full cup—upright, snug, and out of crush zones.

Finally, set your expectations. Every checkpoint can make a final call. A clean package, a clear receipt, and a patient approach lead to smooth trips with your duty-free in hand.

Pre-purchase checklist

Do a quick check before you pay. Confirm whether you’ll face screening again on the way home. If yes, ask the clerk to seal in a STEB and place the receipt inside. Check the label for ABV; if it reads above 70%, pick a different spirit. Carry a spare zip bag for minis in case you buy a sampler. Choose plastic sleeves or bubble wrap from the shop if they offer them. Compare prices with your last stop; buying later can save the bottle and your wallet. Plan where the package will ride so it stays upright and out of crush zones. Keep bags dry. Pack light.