Yes. You may pack alcohol in your carry‑on as long as each container is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller, under 70 % ABV, and fits inside your single quart‑sized liquids bag.
Few travel topics prompt as many mixed messages as taking liquor past the security line. One friend says “buy mini bottles,” another insists “only duty‑free works,” while a third warns that an innocent nip could earn a hefty FAA fine. This guide slices through the chatter with straight facts drawn from TSA, FAA rules, and airline experience. You’ll see the exact size, proof, and packaging limits, learn how to keep duty‑free bottles legal on connecting flights, and understand why cracking your own can on board is still off‑limits. The goal: arrive with your favorite tipple intact—and without meeting airport security the hard way.
Quick Rule Sheet
| Scenario | Carry‑On Allowed? | Main Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Liquor ≤ 24 % ABV (wine, beer) | Yes | No size cap, yet containers must fit in bag space |
| Liquor > 24 %–≤ 70 % ABV (spirits, liqueurs) | Yes | Each bottle ≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml; all bottles in one quart bag |
| Liquor > 70 % ABV (over‑proof rum, grain) | No | Banned from both cabin and checked bags |
Carry‑On Alcohol Basics
The 3‑1‑1 Liquid Limit
Every bottle riding in your cabin bag falls under the same “3‑1‑1” rule that governs shampoo. That means each container may hold no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, all containers must fit inside a single quart‑sized resealable bag, and every traveler gets only one such bag per screening. Skip the bag or over‑fill it and expect a polite but firm handoff to the TSA property bin.
Proof Matters: ABV Limits
Spirit strength drives the next line. Anything stronger than 70 % ABV (140 proof) is classified as hazardous due to its low flash point and is banned from all passenger baggage by the FAA. Typical gin, vodka, or whiskey sits around 40 % ABV and therefore passes this test; grab a rare 151‑proof rum and it must ride home by courier or be left behind.
Mini Bottles and Quart Bag Tips
Standard aviation‑size “nips” hold about 1.7 oz / 50 ml, so six of them fill roughly half a quart bag. Slip each bottle upright to prevent leaks, then layer soft items—socks or a scarf—around the bag’s edges for shock absorption. TSA requires that the minis fit “comfortably” in the bag; don’t cram to bursting or the officer may reject the lot.
Bringing Booze In Cabin Bags: TSA & FAA Limits
Duty‑Free Purchases After Security
Buying liquor inside the sterile area is the simplest path. Retailers place those full‑size bottles in a tamper‑evident Secure Transport bag (STEB) along with your receipt. Keep the seal intact, and U.S. security allows you to carry bottles well beyond 3.4 oz when you board your first leg. Airlines store them in overhead bins or under the seat; you still may not drink them mid‑flight—more on that soon.
Making Connections With STEBs
When changing planes at another U.S. airport, the liquor faces screening again. Security agents will waive it through if the bag stays sealed, the receipt shows a purchase within the past 48 hours, and the traveler underwent no outside‑security detour. Internationally, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and many Asian hubs honor similar STEB protocols, though some still direct travelers to repack large bottles in checked bags on arrival. Check connection airport policy before you fly.
Transfer Rules Snapshot
| Region | STEB Accepted at Re‑Screen? | Special Note |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes, if sealed & recent | Receipt must show purchase < 48 hrs |
| European Union & UK | Yes | Sealed bag valid without time stamp |
| Australia & New Zealand | Often no at domestic transfer | Re‑check into hold luggage advised by local security |
Serving and Drinking On Board
Why Self‑Pour Is Banned
Even if you legally bring liquor on board, Federal Aviation Regulation 121.575 states that passengers may not consume any alcohol unless served by cabin crew. Flight attendants must monitor intoxication levels and may refuse further pours. Penalties for breaking this rule range from steep civil fines to permanent airline bans.
Getting a Crew Pour (Rare, Yet Possible)
Some airlines will indulge a celebratory bottle, typically in premium cabins, if it meets the carry‑on limits and you politely hand it to the crew. They log the beverage, chill or open it, and pour into airline glassware so service remains under their control. Never attempt stealth sips; hidden flasks spark conflicts that can divert a flight.
Packing Strategy & Safety
Cushioning Fragile Bottles
Glass breaks easily in bustling airports. Slide mini bottles into thick socks, place the sock bundle in the middle of clothing, then seal the quart bag on top to prevent leaks. Plastic flasks weigh less but must still respect ABV and size rules. Squeeze the flask after filling, remove extra air, and double‑zip the bag to guard sweaters against sticky accidents.
Declaring at Customs
U.S. Customs allows one liter of duty‑free alcohol for travelers over 21, though state duties sometimes apply. Additional bottles incur modest tax plus local inspection. Always present receipts and answer truthfully; undeclared booze may be seized or fined.
Common Missteps & How To Dodge Them
- Over‑Proof Surprise: Spirits labeled “cask strength” or “Navy Strength” often exceed 57 % ABV. Check the label before packing.
- Forgotten Bag Swap: Moving out of the sterile area to smoke or visit a landside lounge voids STEB protection. Repack big bottles in hold luggage before re‑screening.
- Quart‑Bag Overflow: That last‑minute hand sanitizer counts toward liquid volume. Share a quart bag with a travel partner or buy sanitizer in the gate shop instead.
- Seat‑Back Sips: Cabin cameras and crew patrols spot self‑service quickly. Ask politely if crew can pour; if they decline, wait for touchdown.
Final Sips & Carry‑On Checklist
Cabin booze rules read like fine print, yet they reduce to three checkpoints:
- Size: Each container ≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml and inside the single quart bag.
- Strength: Under 70 % ABV, never self‑served on board.
- Seal: For full‑size duty‑free bottles, leave the STEB closed and keep the receipt handy.
Follow those lines and your favorite craft bourbon or celebratory champagne minis will land right beside you at baggage claim, no scolding announcements required.