Can you take duty-free alcohol on a plane?

Duty-free Purchases of Alcohol
You can purchase alcohol at an airport duty-free shop with some limitations. Bottom Line: You can bring alcohol (with an ABV of 70% or lower) on an airplane in your carry-on bag if it's in containers of 3.4 ounces or less or in secure, sealed bags purchased from a duty-free shop.



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Passengers are allowed to carry alcohol on a flight, both in carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you are of legal drinking age and follow any applicable rules. In general, alcohol must be transported in its original, unopened container.

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Psuty suggests packing some gallon-sized plastic bags plus a trash bag to avoid broken bottles. “A good friend of mine who leads beer tours in Europe brings a suitcase within a suitcase, a package of plastic bags, and a bunch of socks. These socks become beer packaging on the return trip,” says Psuty.

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If you open it at the gate or onboard, airline staff will confiscate your purchase, empty the liquor or perfume and throw out your candy or tobacco. Your goods will meet the same fate if you show up at your final destination and a customs agent sees that you've opened the bag or its contents.

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International airports have duty-free shops that carry luxury goods—but watch out for potentially high markups on the products. In the U.S., you must fill out a U.S. Customs Form, often during your flight home, to declare any purchases made abroad.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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For beer and wine under 24% ABV, there aren't any limitations on how much can travel in checked bags as long as it fits in your luggage. Anything over 70% ABV won't be permitted, but this would only apply to distillates and extremely hard liquor, not beer or wine.

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You Can Shop Duty-Free On Arrival Some countries allow arriving international travelers to use duty-free shops before leaving the airport, but the U.S. does not. Returning U.S. travelers can buy duty-free only at foreign departure airports.

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Your beer (or wine) will not explode when bringing it on an airplane. Changes in air pressure could cause this to happen but it's very rare. Usually beer will not explode in your checked luggage. It is important to pack it securely to prevent leaks or the possibility it could become punctured.

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Checked Baggage Limitations
The TSA prohibits any type of air travel with whiskey — or other liquors — more than 140 proof. It also restricts just how much liquor you can travel with, limiting each passenger to 5 liters total.

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