Yes, with limits. With limits. Carry-on: only containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in your quart bag. Checked: drinks over 24% up to 70% ABV are limited to 5 L per person in unopened retail packaging; over 70% ABV is forbidden.
Alcohol in carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less that fit in your one quart-size bag. Federal rules bar you from drinking your own alcohol onboard; only alcohol served by the airline may be consumed.
Beer, wine and drinks at 24% ABV or less have no hazmat quantity limit. Drinks over 24% and up to 70% ABV (140 proof) must be in unopened retail packaging, with a 5 L (1.3 gal) total per passenger. Above 70% ABV (e.g., grain alcohol, 151-proof rum) is not permitted.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Carry-on: 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, in one quart-size bag
- Checked, 24% ABV or less: no FAA quantity limit
- Checked, over 24% to 70% ABV: unopened retail packaging, 5 L (1.3 gal) total per person
- Over 70% ABV (over 140 proof): not allowed in carry-on or checked bags
- Onboard: you may only drink alcohol served by the airline (14 CFR 121.575)
Packing tips
- Your airline's own baggage weight limits still apply, and wine bottles add up fast.
- Wrap bottles in clothes inside a sealed plastic bag to contain leaks.
- Opened bottles over 24% ABV can't go in checked bags, since FAA requires unopened retail packaging for that range.
Outside the US
- CanadaCATSA applies the same split: no limit at 24% ABV or less, and 5 L per person for 24-70% ABV in checked bags; gift bottles should not go in carry-on. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
How much alcohol can I bring in my checked bag?
Unlimited beer and wine at 24% ABV or less (subject to airline weight limits), plus up to 5 L per person of 24-70% ABV liquor in unopened retail packaging.
Can I drink my own alcohol on the plane?
No. Under 14 CFR 121.575 you may only drink alcohol the airline serves you.
Can I bring Everclear or 151 rum on a plane?
No. Drinks over 70% ABV (over 140 proof) are not permitted in carry-on or checked bags.