Whether you are traveling for business or taking a much-needed vacation, many people enjoy an occasional drink in the sky to calm their nerves or simply make the trip more pleasant.
Recently, I was asked about the protocol when it comes to BYOB on the airplane. What can you expect when carrying on your own mini bottles of whiskey or favorite liquor on a flight?
I contacted the Transportation Security Administration to ask for the skinny because we all know that not everything you read online is accurate!
Mini Bottles on the Plane
According to the TSA website, a traveler can take as many mini liquor bottles, usually around 1.7 ounces, that will fit in a 1-quart-sized, clear zip-lock plastic bag. The bag must seal easily without effort. That means it cannot bulge or remain partially open to get one or two extra bottles in the bag. Only one clear bag is permitted per passenger. Travelers may carry as many 3.4-ounce bottles of liquid that will fit in the bag. Any bottle larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in a suitcase and checked.
Pack Wisely
I was recently on a trip and purchased a bottle of liquor to bring back as a gift. I (not so securely) wrapped it in my heavy coat to pad it as best I could. Needless to say, when I arrived home, the bottle had broken in my suitcase, and the entire content of my luggage was covered in bourbon. Note to self: a puffy sleeved winter coat is not adequate padding.
Alcohol Content Matters
Alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol content, 140 proof, can’t be checked in your suitcase as they are banned under the hazardous materials regulations. When packaged in a sealed bottle, a traveler can only take up to 5 liters of alcohol with the content between 24% and 70% per person. Beverages with less than 24% alcohol content don’t fall under the hazardous materials regulations.
Finally, the next obvious question: once you get the alcohol on the plane, can you drink it?
Drinking on the Plane
According to federal regulations, no person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating aircraft has served the beverage to him or her. Translated, you can’t pour from your own mini bottle into your cup of soda or juice.
Does Duty-Free Matter
In regard to duty-free alcohol, you aren’t limited to only 3.4-ounce bottles on board. However, the other restrictions apply. Don’t forget to declare your alcohol upon arrival. Alcoholic beverages purchased in a duty-free shop are subject to federal excise tax when flying into the US.
Thank you, Carrie Harmon, TSA regional spokesperson, for your help!
For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy 9 Times It’s Not Worth Scrimping on Travel Costs. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.
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