Can I Bring Alcohol on A Plane in Checked Baggage International Flight?

Being aware of what you are allowed to take on an international flight is an important task on the pre-packing list. Maybe you want to bring along a very expensive bottle of alcohol to join a feast at the traveling spot. Or simply love sipping on wine listening to some jazz music before going to bed.

No matter what the case is, you want to bring along alcohol. And so, you need to find out if you can bring alcohol on a plane in checked baggage for an international flight. Let me help you with that.

So, Can You Bring Alcohol on A Plane in Checked Baggage for International Flight?

Yes. According to the TSA, also known as the Transportation Security Administration, travelers can bring alcohol in checked bags under some conditions. Drinks with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging.

Beer, wine and other drinks at 24% alcohol or less have no TSA quantity limit in checked bags. Anything over 70% alcohol (140 proof), such as grain alcohol or 151-proof rum, is not allowed in carry-on or checked bags.

In your carry-on, alcohol falls under the liquids rule: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less that fit in a single quart-sized bag. Putting checked bottles inside a sealed plastic bag also helps contain leaks.

The best thing to do is always check your destination’s laws, because a few countries do not allow travelers to bring alcohol in. One good example is Kuwait, where it is illegal to import alcohol.

Also, pay attention to the label of your liquor. The alcohol content of stronger drinks needs to be clear, and drinks over 24% must stay in their unopened retail packaging.

So, don’t make the mistake of packing a homemade or unlabeled bottle of strong liquor in your checked baggage. The final decision rests with the TSA officer, and a bottle with no clear strength information may be refused.

Also, about the limitation of how much alcohol you can carry, is a thing that varies as each country have their own customs regulations to follow. In the USA, if you are 21 years or older, one liter of alcohol can be included in your duty-free personal exemption, as long as it is for personal use and doesn’t break the laws of the state where you arrive.

If you are under 21, alcohol can’t be included in your exemption. If you are carrying alcohol that is 24 percent or less, there’s no TSA quantity limit. However, airlines can set their own limits for checked baggage so it’s still best to check before you pack.

And also, alcohol beyond the duty-free liter is subject to Customs duty and federal excise tax when you bring it into the USA, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop. States may also limit how much you can bring in, so check the rules for the state where you land.

Packing Alcohol in Checked Baggage.

Your most important concern when packing alcohol should be about making sure it does not break. As that will end your story right there and bring some serious consequences. So, the packing phase needs you to be wise and smart of course. Here are a few tips to follow that can truly help.

We are all very well aware of the robustness of luggage handlers. They are not very friendly with the baggage when handling them in a hurry. So, it’s the best idea to go for a wine suitcase if budget is not a problem. If it is a concern, then maybe invest in a wine bottle protector.

Another handy tip can be packing the liquor inside a dry bag. These are for sure not only best for storing wine and alcohol but also a lot of other things.

Now if that’s also not possible in your case, then bring gather all your fluffiest voluminous clothes. Go for those cozy sweaters and padded clothing. Let them be a surrounded by wall playing the role of protector for your alcohol bottles. And packing this way, you can hope for the best but there’s still a tiny bit of risk remaining this way. But it’s still better than doing nothing at all for preventing the break chances.

Wrap up

So now you know that bringing alcohol on a plane in checked baggage for international flight is fine to do in the general case. But you still need to be wise and smart enough to pay attention to the airlines and TSA’s guide over limitations and regulations.

Because the incidents of not being able to enter a place with alcohol aren’t very low. And so, the best thing you should try before anything at all is contacting the airlines, you’ll be flying with to be broadly aware of what the rules are on carrying liquor. And of course, even after knowing all possible rulings, packing those alcoholic bottles with care and caution.

Sources

• Alcoholic Beverages (What Can I Bring?), Transportation Security Administration
• PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages, Federal Aviation Administration
• Customs Duty Information, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Kuwait entry requirements, GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice