When you’re bringing back drinks from a “spirited” vacation, how you get to packing alcohol in your luggage for a flight could make or break things—quite literally.
But wait, you say: Can I even pack alcohol into my luggage in the first place? Yes, you can. The official language on the TSA’s website says, “Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.”
That said, there are no rules in place around the packaging condition of the liquids, so it’s on travelers to secure their own bottles. We spoke with avid travelers and alcohol experts for the dos and don’ts of flying with your favorite drinks. Here are the mistakes to avoid when packing alcohol in your luggage.
Do not carry sparkling or carbonated drinks in checked-in baggage
You are technically allowed to carry fizzy drinks in checked luggage, but they pose a risk of exploding due to pressure changes in the cargo hold. While cargo holds in most commercial aircraft are pressurized, consider confirming with your airline if it’s a good idea to check your alcohol before packing things up.
Even so, spirits always run the risk of spilling or exploding, which is why it’s inadvisable to carry your seltzers and Champagne on a flight. If you still do, pack them up in individual airtight bags, and stuff them between clothes and objects to ensure minimal movement. You could also consider buying your bottles at duty-free stores to bypass the 100ml limit and carry them with you into the cabin.
Do wrap bottles in protective materials
There’s no knowing how your bags are going to be handled in transit. To avoid damage, skip the flimsy plastic wrap and cover your bottles in thicker materials like your own sweaters. Or, you could do it like a pro and use bubble wrap or wine-shipping packaging designed specifically for situations like this. Materials like this provide sound cushioning and can help prevent breakage. Consider using thick socks to further secure the bottle and prevent it from shaking or breaking during the flight.
