domestic travel liquor allowance

The Dos and Don'ts of Traveling With Alcohol in Your Checked Bags

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.

Trust us: the original retail packaging is worth the space it takes up. While the canister may seem like it’s occupying extra room, the metal case can serve as an added protective layer, especially in checked-in baggage. When travelling, research your destination as well as alcohol brands. Destinations like California have a thriving retail business, with most wineries and alcohol shops providing travel packaging so you don’t have to put in the extra effort. European destinations, on the other hand, are a network of small-scale wineries and distilleries, where you may not find bottles in sturdy packaging. So when visiting countries like Greece and Italy, you’d want to carry spare cases and covers from home.

Do not put partially consumed bottles in your checked luggage

Per regulations, travelers can carry up to 3.4 ounces or 100ml of liquids in cabin baggage. For alcohol with 24% to 70% ABV, up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of spirits are allowed in checked baggage. However, bottles with partially consumed alcohol are prohibited in flights altogether. This means your bottles must either remain unopened or be completely empty. Consider transferring the whatever leftover liquids you have to smaller bottles that can be properly sealed and packed for transit.

Do not open wine right after a flight

While most alcohol stagnates once they’re transferred from barrel to bottle, wine continues to age. It’s a living, breathing spirit that gets affected by the heat, pressure, and motion experienced in a flight. Even if you’re looking to celebrate your arrival with some red, it’s unwise to open your wine immediately after landing. Let the spirit stabilize for at least 48 hours after arrival by keeping it standing, so the liquid doesn’t touch the cork. With input from Subhasis Ganguly, founder of The Calcutta Malt and Spirits Club , and Hemanth Rao, founder of Single Malt Amateur Club . A version of this article first appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Can You Bring Alcohol on an Airplane? [Helpful Tips To Avoid Issues & Fines]

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

374 Published Articles 63 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Stella Shon

Senior Features Editor

123 Published Articles 807 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

44 Published Articles 3391 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Can you bring alcohol on an airplane, can you pack alcohol in your checked luggage, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

• Travelers can bring alcohol in checked luggage, but it must be in unopened retail packaging, and there are limits on alcohol content.
• Beverages with less than 24% alcohol by volume are not subject to quantity restrictions, while those between 24% and 70% are limited to 5 liters per person.
• Alcohol purchased after security can be carried on, but travelers should be aware of restrictions at their destination, as some countries have strict regulations.

Many travelers enjoy unwinding on their flight with a glass of wine, a cold beer, or just a strong mixed drink. Most airlines are happy to sell you an alcoholic drink during a flight, and they may even come complimentary on certain itineraries or in certain seats. However, if you’re one of the passengers who aren’t privy to a free alcoholic drink, you may be wondering whether or not you can bring your own alcohol on an airplane. It’s a common question, and the short answer is yes, but it’s not that simple .

In this post, we’ll give you a clear answer as to whether or not you can bring alcohol on an airplane and we’ll go over all of the guidelines and limitations related to flying with alcohol.

Generally, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but there are limitations you need to know. The most important part of the equation, though, is that you can’t drink that alcohol on the plane .

FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on an airplane that isn’t served by the airline. In short, that means, you can bring alcohol on the plane, but you can’t drink it on the plane .

While you may think that means you can ask your flight attendants to serve you the alcohol you provide, it doesn’t. While that practice has happened in years past, flight attendants these days will not serve alcohol to you that you brought on the plane.

JetBlue, for example, previously allowed flight attendants to serve passengers the alcohol that they brought on board but has since updated its policy online clearly stating, “You are not allowed to consume your own alcohol while on board.” Southwest Airlines is also taking the policy seriously; it has even added a mention to the announcements made at the beginning of each flight.

Alcohol in Your Carry-on Bag

Bringing alcohol in your carry-on bags is allowed, but you’ll still need to follow the TSA’s rules  for carrying liquids on planes. That means the alcohol needs to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag . Each passenger is only allowed 1 plastic bag.

Any alcohol with an ABV over 70% or 140 proof is prohibited on airplanes in both checked or carry-on baggage.

Duty-free Purchases of Alcohol

You might be wondering about duty-free purchases of alcohol, since those end up being carried on board and are over 3.4 ounces. You can purchase alcohol at an airport duty-free shop with some limitations.

• There’s a limit of 5 liters of 24% to 70% ABV (48 to 140 proof) alcohol per person
• The bottles must be packed in a transparent and secure clear plastic bag by the retailer
• You need to keep your receipt handy as you may need to prove the duty-free alcohol was purchased in the previous 48 hours

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. However, you can’t consume any of the alcohol you carried on while you’re on the airplane.

The rules for packing alcohol in your checked luggage are a bit different than the rules for bringing alcohol in your carry-on.

The amount of alcohol you can pack in your luggage is determined by the ABV or alcohol by volume content, a number that shows the percentage of the drink that is alcohol.

Beverages that are less than 24% ABV (under 48 proof), which includes most beers and wines, are allowed in unlimited quantities in your checked luggage. Of course, the more you pack, the more your baggage fees might be, so keep that in mind before you start packing cases of wine in your luggage!

For beverages with an ABV of 24% to 70% (48 to 140 proof), there’s a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in checked baggage. The alcohol needs to be in unopened retail packaging.

Alcohol over 70% ABV , or over 140 proof, is not allowed in your checked baggage.

How To Pack Alcohol in Your Checked Baggage

When you’re packing alcohol in your checked luggage, you’ll want to make sure it’s wrapped well, so it’s protected. A hard side suitcase   is important in this instance since it will help protect your alcohol bottles from being crushed.

Next, you’ll want to wrap your bottles in a protective layer — this can be just your clothes or a specially designed case. You can buy inexpensive bubble wrap bags for wine bottles online. While these bags are designed for wine, they can also be used for spirits and even things like olive oil.

If you’re a serious wine collector or are returning from a trip to Napa Valley , you can even find suitcases designed specifically to transport wine bottles.

If you find yourself packing alcohol in your checked bags and you don’t have any special bag or bubble wrap handy, just be sure to wrap each bottle with your clothes. You can slide bottles into sleeves or pant legs and then pack those wrapped bottles in the middle of your suitcase, between more layers of clothing so they are as insulated as possible.

If you’re packing mini bottles of alcohol, you can put those inside shoes to give them some protection. If you are traveling with beer bottles or something similarly sized, slide each into a sock for protection.

Don’t forget that the alcohol you pack in your checked luggage should be unopened and still in the original packaging.

Bottom Line: You can pack alcohol in your checked luggage as long as it’s unopened and in the original container. Alcohol that’s less than 24% ABV (under 48 proof) is allowed in unlimited quantities. There’s a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger for alcohol that has an ABV of 24% to 70% (48 to 140 proof).

Many passengers are curious as to whether or not they can bring their own alcohol on an airplane. Generally, you can bring alcohol on planes in both your carry-on and checked bags, but you aren’t allowed to consume that alcohol on the plane. The FAA has made it clear that any alcohol consumed on an airplane needs to be served by the airline carrier and its flight attendants.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• Travel Recommendations
• Travel in the US
• The Taste of Travel
• Tips & Tricks
• Travel Experiences

The dos and don’ts of bringing alcohol on a flight

Whether you’re bringing it home as a souvenir or a gift, alcohol often makes its way into our suitcases as we head back from vacation.

But before you stash that vino in your carry-on, you’ll want to brush up on the basics of flying with alcohol. (And, if you’re still looking for a flight, give our flight search a go while you’re here.)

So, can you bring alcohol on a plane? The short answer is yes, but there are caveats. We’re here to answer your common questions about carrying alcohol on a flight. For the official word on what you can and cannot bring with you on a flight (including alcohol), please refer to the TSA .

Can you bring alcohol on a plane?

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

Can you take alcohol on a plane of any kind?

If your booze is unopened and 140 proof or less, you can safely bring your alcohol on board. Anything over 140 proof is prohibited though, according to the Federal Aviation Administration . This includes grain alcohol and 151-proof rum.

What about boozy sweets and treats, though? Rum-soaked cakes and alcohol-infused candies are also popular souvenirs to bring home. So, if you’re wondering whether you can bring alcohol on a plane in food form, the answer is yes. Just be careful about where you pack it.

If you’re carrying one piece of cake or a closed container of candy, there should be no problem. But if you’re bringing an entire box of rum cake back from the Caribbean, for example, you may want to put it in your checked bag to avoid any trouble at security or customs.

How much can I carry?

How much alcohol you can bring on a flight depends on whether you’re checking your bottles or carrying them on.

Alcohol limits in carry-on baggage

If you’re packing alcohol in your carry-on, you’ll be subject to the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 limit for liquids. Containers must be 3.4 ounces or fewer and fit inside one quart-sized bag.

Alcohol limits in checked luggage

If you’re carrying alcohol in your checked bags, your limits depend on alcohol content. According to the FAA, there are no limits on how much alcohol you can pack in your checked luggage if the alcohol by volume is less than 24 percent (generally beer and wine). Between 24 and 70 percent, however, the FAA limits passengers to five liters.

Alcohol limits for international travel

Every country has its own rules for carrying alcohol on a flight. US Customs, for example, only allows one liter of alcohol to be carried into the United States duty-free. If you’re planning on meeting the five-liter legal limit, you’ll be subject to paying duty and taxes for the other four liters. Keep in mind that passengers under the age of 21 are completely prohibited from importing alcohol into the US.

Other countries like Kuwait forbid passengers from carrying alcohol into the country entirely. Be sure to check the local laws of your specific destination before packing alcohol in your suitcase.

Can you take alcohol on a flight if you buy it at a duty-free shop at the airport?

If you purchase alcohol in a duty-free shop, you can generally take it with you on the plane – but that doesn’t mean it can travel with you the entire way home.

If you have a connecting flight and need to pass through a TSA security checkpoint, your bags are once again subject to carry-on restrictions, which means anything over the 3.4-ounce limit needs to go in your checked baggage. This can be especially frustrating to learn during a layover, as you may not have access to your checked bags to check your alcohol (though you will likely have to claim your baggage and re-check it if you’re re-entering the U.S. and then have a connecting domestic flight).

To be safe, be sure to purchase your duty-free alcohol at the last airport you visit before arriving at your final destination to avoid losing it at a security checkpoint. Check out our guide to duty-free shopping .

Can I drink on the plane?

We get it: sometimes a stiff drink is the only thing that gets you through a 12-hour red-eye sandwiched between the snorer who uses your shoulder as a pillow and the Chatty Cathy who won’t stop raving about her trip to Thailand. That may just be why flight attendants serve alcohol – but they’re the only ones who can serve alcohol on the plane.

So, can you bring alcohol on a plane? Absolutely. But can you drink your own alcohol on a plane? Definitely not. It’s against federal regulation to open your own bottle of alcohol on a flight or to drink alcohol that was not directly served to you by a flight attendant. One of the main reasons is that your flight attendants are basically on bartender duty and need to keep your libations to a safe level.

How should I pack alcohol?

The last thing anyone wants to discover when they open their bag is a pile of wine-soaked clothes or glass shards from alcohol that didn’t make it safely through the flight. But there’s a way to avoid this and many other travel snafus . Whether you’re bringing back an expensive bottle of wine, exotic spirits or local beer, proper packing can ensure your alcohol makes it home in one piece.

Can you pack alcohol in checked luggage? And how should you pack it?

Certainly, but there’s a technique to it. First, make sure the bottles have never been opened – partially-consumed bottles are not allowed in your checked luggage. Then, place the bottle in a sealable plastic bag. In case the bottle does break, the bag will help contain the alcohol and keep it from spilling on your other belongings.

After placing the bottle in a bag, wrap the bottle to give it extra cushioning for the trip. Towels, sweaters, pants and shirts are all good options. Not only will they help protect the bottle from bumps and bruises during transportation, but the fabric will also help soak up any alcohol that manages to get past the plastic bag.

Finally, try to position the bottle snugly in the center of your suitcase and surround it with more clothes to ensure your bottle survives an accidental fall off the baggage carousel. If you’re packing mini bottles of alcohol in your checked luggage though, it gets even easier. Just the same as you would with larger wine or liquor bottles, you can seal your mini bottles in a bag to prevent any spillages in case they do break – this is a particularly good idea if the bottles have thin necks.

Then, put them inside some socks before placing them inside a shoe, which will provide extra protection during the journey. If you aren’t packing any shoes in your checked bag, wrap the bottles with towels, sweaters, and other clothes, just as you would with a bigger bottle.

Travel-friendly alcohol transport solutions

If you prefer to invest in something to help you carry your alcohol on a flight, products like the padded JetBag can help ensure your alcohol makes it home in one piece. If you’re in a bind at the airport, you can also check with your airline to see if they offer packaging.

Southwest Airlines, for example, offers wine and alcohol packaging for a small fee at their ticket counter. It’s also worth noting that it’s generally not a good idea to pack sparkling wine or other carbonated drinks in your checked bag, as they’re more likely to explode during pressure changes.

How to pack alcohol in your carry-on

Since the quantity of alcohol you can bring in a carry-on is more limited because of the 3-1-1 rule, you’ll be packing mini bottles the same way you pack your other liquids: in a clear quart-sized bag. Remember that each bottle must be 3.4 ounces or smaller.

What should I bring back?

When you’re only allowed to bring back a limited amount of alcohol, you can’t risk wasting your allowance on sub-par spirits or bottles that you later discover are readily available back home. What you choose to bring back depends on your personal tastes, but you might want to consider spirits that reflect the local flavor for a true souvenir of your experience, especially if you were on a booze-infused getaway .

In East Asia, for example, you might go for the local shochu or soju liquor. In British Columbia or parts of Europe, you might consider a bottle of the local ice wine, while a local varietal from a boutique winery in South Africa or Australia could be the perfect gift for someone back home. And while you’re in Europe ? Go for a bottle of Maraschino liqueur right from the source.

Curious how your airport and onboard drinking habits compare to other fliers? Check out our survey of Americans’ drinking habits while flying .

  This article was refreshed on August 2nd, 2024 .

About the author

Explore more articles

California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale * of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy .

Do not sell my info ON

* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.

Can you carry alcohol on a domestic flight – Rules Explained!

This website contains no sponsored content. The content is written entirely on my own and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

Domestic travel is in season, and the one question that gets Googled pretty frequently is – can I carry alcohol on a domestic flight in India. Whether it was while flying from Goa to Mumbai or for our flights within Croatia, we have looked this up too! 

That’s precisely why I have decided to compile the information that I collected through my research on ‘can we carry alcohol in domestic flight’ in this article.  

Here’s what I found when I researched whether you can carry alcohol on domestic flights.  As per the TSA guidelines, for carry-on luggage, you can only carry liquids (including alcohol) not exceeding 3.4 oz or 100 ml in a single quart-sized, clear bag. In checked luggage, you are allowed to carry five liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger subject to certain conditions based on the percentage of alcohol content. 

Continue reading this post to know how exactly you can carry alcohol on domestic flights, how much alcohol can we carry in domestic flight, how much alcohol can you carry in your carry-on luggage and your checked luggage, is liquor allowed in domestic flight as well as other significant conditions that you must know about when carrying alcohol on domestic flights. 

Note that the rules governing domestic travel and international travel are almost identical. However, when carrying alcohol in an international flight, you will also be required to take into consideration the customs laws prevalent in the country of arrival. This article is intended to clarify the position with respect to carrying alcohol on a domestic flight.

Key factors to consider when taking alcohol on a domestic flight

Note that most of the information provided in this post is based on the TSA rules . The TSA rules are followed by airports in the USA and by most leading airlines worldwide. However, some airlines and airports in some countries may have different policies regarding taking alcohol on a plane. Therefore, if you have specific doubts, it is best to check with the airline or refer to locally applicable laws. 

How much alcohol can you carry in your carry-on luggage on domestic flights?

Most airlines across the world follow TSA 3-1-1 rule when it comes to how much alcohol is allowed in flight. 

This means that alcohol being a liquid is subject to the total liquid limits of 3.4 oz or 100 ml packed in a transparent, quart-sized zip lock bag together with all the other liquids such as gels, shampoos, lotions, etc. 

Thus, if you are carrying mini-bottles of alcohol in your carry-on, make sure that the bottles fit in a quart-sized zip-lock bag. 

Is alcohol allowed in check-in luggage? How much alcohol can you carry in your checked luggage on domestic flights?

The rules about carrying alcohol in your checked luggage are a bit more lenient. Thus, can liquor be carried in check-in baggage depends entirely on the percentage of alcohol in the beverage. Thus for – 

Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% per cent of alcohol – no limit. 

This means that you can carry any number of bottles with you, provided your total luggage weight is within your airline’s baggage policies. 

Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% – 

If you are considering carrying alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic content between 24% and 70%, you can only take 5 liters or 1.3 gallons with you. Note that this limit is per passenger. 

Here is a table with average alcohol content in popular types of liquor – 

Note that the alcohol content changes based on every brand. The above list only contains an approximate average of the alcohol content. 

How should you carry alcohol in checked luggage?

Alcohol carried in checked luggage must be in unopened (sealed) retail packaging only. Thus partially consumed, opened bottles are strictly forbidden.  

When packing alcohol in your checked luggage, make sure that the seal on the bottle does not look tampered with or broken, as, in such situations, you risk your bottles being confiscated. 

To ensure the safety of your alcohol, pack them in padded containers, or place them between layers of clothes. 

>>> Also check: Can you carry a hair straightener on a plane?

How many bottles of liquor are you allowed to carry on a plane?

The restrictions placed on carrying liquor on a flight are based on the total number of litres and not the total number of bottles. So if you are carrying alcoholic beverages with alcohol content between 24-70%, you can carry a total of 5 litres of alcohol in checked bags provided your total luggage is still within the permissble checked luggage allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions about bringing alcohol on domestic flights. 

Gee! There are going to be lots of common questions that will be answered in this section! So make sure you read them all unless you want to miss out on some essential information! 

Can you drink alcohol carried in your hand luggage on the flight?

I know that alcohol is rarely served on domestic flights, and therefore, you may be tempted to carry some for consumption along with you. However, remember that most airlines strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol that is not served by the airline. This means that you cannot drink the alcohol that you carry along with you in your hand luggage on the flight. 

There are some exceptions to this rule, though. Some travelers claim that dry airlines or airlines that do not serve alcohol on board sometimes allow passengers to drink their own alcohol provided they stay sober. But these are unwritten practices followed by specific airlines, and therefore do not carry alcohol for your journey without checking with the airlines in advance.

Can you carry alcohol bought at a duty-free shop on domestic flights?

In most cases, you will not have access to a duty-free shop on your domestic journey. However, you may be carrying duty-free alcohol bottles with you if you have shopped on one of the international legs of your journey. 

However, note that alcohol bought at a duty-free shop is not allowed on domestic flights in your hand luggage that your board after immigration. 

Any domestic flight that you take after immigration in cases where you have access to your checked luggage requires that you pack alcohol in your checked luggage only. Also, remember that the rules specified above with respect to taking alcohol in checked baggage will apply. 

Are the rules about taking liquor on domestic flights the same all across the world? 

The rules concerning bringing alcohol on domestic flights are not standard and are entirely dependent on the airline’s policies as well as the law of every nation.

Thus, you must remember that alcohol is illegal in several countries across the world , such as Saudi Arabia or Iran. Therefore, the rules specified above will not apply when traveling within these countries. You can check a full list of countries where alcohol is illegal here. 

Similarly, if you are wondering: is liquor is allowed in domestic flights in India, you should look at state-specific laws.

Accordingly here are some doubts cleared for you:

Can you carry alcohol in Gujarat by flight? is liquor allowed on a domestic flight to Bihar?

No, when travelling within India, carrying liquor to and from dry states such as Gujarat and Bihar is not allowed. 

Is any type of passenger allowed to carry alcohol on a flight?

While most domestic flights are not subject to scrutiny by customs officials, the laws of most countries specify that only adults can carry alcohol on flights. 

Thus, in Europe, alcohol cannot be carried by a person younger than 17 years of age, while the USA may insist on the person bringing alcohol on domestic flights being at least 21 years old. 

Can you bring wine on a plane?

Alcoholic content in wine is usually less than 24% and as a result there is no limit on the amount of wine that can be carried in checked luggage. But carrying wine in hand luggage is subject to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies i.e. s wine can be carried up to the total liquid limits of 3.4 oz or 100 ml packed in a transparent, quart-sized zip lock bag together with all the other liquids such as gels, shampoos, lotions, etc. 

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of passengers that carry alcohol while flying. However, to ensure that the alcohol you carry on domestic flights is not confiscated, make sure you follow the below-mentioned practices – 

• Check airline-specific policies on carrying alcohol on domestic flights.
• Check if any national laws are prohibiting or restricting bringing alcohol on domestic flights. Do not carry liqueur-based chocolates or other products too in countries where alcohol is illegal.
• If you are carrying alcohol in carry-on luggage, carry small bottles that can fit inside a quart-sized clear zip-lock bag. 
• Do not consume your own alcohol on the flight.
• If carrying alcohol in checked baggage, check the alcohol content of the beverage you intend on taking to determine the permissible quantities that you can take along with you. 
• Make sure the alcohol bottles are sealed, unopened, do not look tampered with. (Ideally, it is also advisable to keep the receipt of the bottles with you for proof)
• Transfer any alcohol bought at duty-free shops to checked luggage before the start of the domestic journey. 

Did you find this article useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

Related posts:

>>> Can you carry tea on a plane?

>>> Can you carry a razor in your hand luggage?

A die-hard cricket fan since childhood with a special respect for Rahul Dravid, a singer who believes that the world would have been a much better place had Kishore Kumar still been alive and most importantly a travel enthusiast who is willing to take both short and long trips whenever possible and come back with a bigger heart and a memory card full of photo memories!

Similar Posts

Can you carry tea on a plane (tea bags & loose tea leaves) – Detailed guide

If you know me, you would already know that I love chai. In fact, I can’t imagine spending a…

Can you carry a razor in your hand luggage?

Did you just see your razor while packing for a trip and did that make you wonder if you…

Can Hand Luggage Be Checked In: Meaning & Rules Explained

Ok, hang on! I know what just happened. You read the title of this post and it made no…

Terrific hacks to help you find cheap flight tickets!

Terrific hacks to find cheap flights! Yes, I get it! Spending a bomb on flight tickets sucks. It eats…

Can you carry a hair straightener on a plane?

Are you wondering if you can carry a hair straightener on a plane? Well, let me tell you that…

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• Ways to Redeem Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

Food & Alcohol Transportation

Though we do allow perishables to be brought as carry-on or checked baggage at your own risk, be sure to transport them using approved materials to keep them fresh.

ALCOHOL OR LIQUOR

Alcohol or liquor is permitted if it’s in your checked baggage or purchased after the security checkpoint for your carry-on,  as long as it meets carry-on guidelines  and the following:

• Alcohol content may not exceed 140 proof.
• Up to 5 liters of alcohol per person between 48 and 140 proof is permitted.
• Alcohol under 48 proof is not considered hazardous and is permitted.
• Alcohol must be in its original unopened retail packaging to be permitted onboard the plane.
• If the alcohol is purchased before going through the security checkpoint, our  security rules     apply for carry-on or checked baggage.

DRY & WET ICE

Dry ice packages in amounts of 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) or less are allowed when used to cool non-hazardous perishables in carry-on or checked baggage. The package must:

• Meet  carry-on baggage restrictions .
• Allow the release of carbon dioxide.
• State on the package, "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid".
• Specify the net weight of the dry ice material on the packaging.
• Include the contents being cooled, in writing, on the packaging.

If possible, instead of dry ice, we encourage the use of gel packs or similar products to keep frozen perishable items fresh. For more information, you can download the  Guidelines to Transport Dry Ice .

LIQUID NITROGEN (DRY SHIPPER)

Used for dry-shipping perishable goods, you can check or carry on packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen as long as it is fully-porous material, intended for transport of non-dangerous products and kept at a low temperature in insulated packaging. For more information, review our  printable guidelines to transporting refrigerated liquid nitrogen .  

MEALS READY TO EAT (MREs)

Unfortunately, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage on Delta Air Lines flights.

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips

Everything You Need to Know About TSA Liquid Rules

Get the details on flying with beauty products, medication, and other essential items.

Dealing with airport security can be a daunting aspect of air travel. There's a lot to contend with, from the long lines at checkpoints to keeping track of all the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Travelers are frequently tripped up by the TSA liquid rules — specifically, the 3-1-1 policy regarding liquids in carry-on bags. From the detailed requirements for traveling with liquids to helpful packing tips, we explain everything you need to know before going through security.

What is TSA's 3-1-1 rule?

In 2006, British security officials thwarted a plot to bomb an aircraft with liquid explosives carried on board. Since then, security agencies around the world have limited the amount of liquid passengers can bring through airport security.

In the United States, TSA stipulates that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) containers or smaller. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag, and passengers can only pack one of these bags in their carry-on.

The 3-1-1 designation is a simple way to remember these numbers: individual liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, they must fit into one clear, quart-size bag, and there is only one bag allowed per passenger.

Permitted liquids that do not comply with the 3-1-1 rule must be packed in checked bags or thrown out at airport security. Some liquids, such as gasoline or other flammable liquids, are prohibited entirely, both in checked and carry-on bags.

Are there any exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule?

TSA does exempt some items from the 3-1-1 rule: medically necessary liquids, breast milk, infant formula, toddler drinks, and pureed baby food typically packaged in pouches. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of these liquids on board, but you may have to undergo additional security screening.

"Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you're carrying them," TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle tells Travel + Leisure . "These liquids are typically screened by X-ray, but TSA officers may also test them separately for explosives or concealed prohibited items. Officers may ask you to open the container and/or have you transfer a small quantity of the liquid to a separate empty container, or dispose of a small quantity, if feasible."

If you don't want your exempt liquids to be screened by X-ray, inform your TSA officer, and they will use alternative security measures to clear the items.

Another exception is liquids purchased after security in an airport. In domestic U.S. airports, you can bring nonalcoholic drinks and other liquid items purchased in terminal shops or eateries onto your flight. (This is not always the case if you are passing through security again in international airports for a connecting flight.) Duty-free liquids, however, will be sealed in a tamper-safe bag before boarding. Sometimes they're permitted in the cabin, and other times they may be stowed elsewhere on the plane.

You can also pass through security with liquids that have been frozen solid . By taking this extra step, you can easily tote your favorite drink past security — even if it's well over three ounces.

Rules about partially frozen items do not apply to some childcare items, such as ice or gel packs used to transport breast milk, formula, or baby food, or gel- or ice-filled baby teething toys. If these items are not completely frozen, they will be screened using the same procedures as medically necessary items. While hand sanitizer must conform to the 3-1-1 rule, wet wipes are allowed.

Packing Tips for Liquids in Carry-on Bags

• While many products are sold in 3.4-ounce sizes suitable for travel, not all of them are. Consider decanting your liquids into leakproof travel-size containers.
• "Another way to save space in your quart-sized bag is to pack solid versions of products, which you can put in your luggage or carry-on bag without needing to place it in the quart-size bag," travel advisor Ateet Ahuja of Complete Getaways tells T + L. "For example, you can bring a stick or solid version of some perfumes and shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo." This solid Korean sunscreen stick is affordable and easy to pack.
• Buy your liquids, like body lotion or mouthwash, at your final destination. "While you'll spend a little extra, the cost far outweighs the potential of it spilling or leaking in your bag," says Ahuja.
• On that note, prepare for spills — Ahuja advises wrapping a small hand towel around your quart-size bag.
• Pack your liquids bag in an easy-to-access place, like an external compartment or the top of your carry-on bag. According to Ahuja, "This will save you time in the TSA line."
• Check the allowance for specific items using TSA's What Can I Bring? list . Here you'll find answers regarding everything from gel-style candles — not allowed — to dry ice, which requires airline approval rather than TSA approval.

If you're unsure about whether an item not listed adheres to the 3-1-1 rule, you can contact TSA before your trip. "Ask your questions via Facebook Messenger , weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET," says Mayle. "You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673."

Related Articles

100 Day Dream Home

• Backed by the Bros
• Bargain Block
• Battle on the Beach
• Celebrity IOU
• Christina on the Coast
• Divided by Design
• Down Home Fab
• Farmhouse Fixer

Fixer to Fabulous

• Help! I Wrecked My House
• Married to Real Estate

My Lottery Dream Home

• No Demo Reno
• Renovation Aloha
• Rock the Block

Unsellable Houses

• Vacation House Rules
• Windy City Rehab
• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• HGTV Gardening Experts
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2024: Take the Tour
• HGTV Designer of the Year Awards + $15K Sweepstakes
• $10K Your Way Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Smart Home 2024
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• HGTV Shopping Experts
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule

10 Tips for Bringing Alcohol Into the US

Refer to this guide before your next trip abroad.

Kula, Hawaii, USA - February, 3rd 2010: Bottles of Wine neatly displayed at the wine tasting room at Tedeschi Vineyards in Up Country on Maui. The vineyard is located on the Ulupalakua Ranch and is open to the public for wine tasting and purchases.

Photo by: iShootPhotos LLC

iShootPhotos LLC

We’ve all been there: It’s the end of an amazing trip abroad, and along the way you pick up a few (or many more than a few) bottles of alcohol. Will you be allowed to bring all of them home? Will you have to pay tax? And what exactly does duty free mean?

We’ve done the hard work of finding the answers for you, so all you have to worry about is making sure your precious cargo arrives home in one piece.

How Much Alcohol Can I Bring Back Into the US?

It depends, since numerous agencies hold jurisdiction. Technically there is no federal limit on how much alcohol can be brought in for personal use, but US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will likely flag you if you’re carrying more than a case (e.g. 12 bottles of wine) in your luggage. Anything beyond that might fall under suspected commercial use and require an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) import license form .

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits the amount of unopened alcohol that can be brought onto a plane to five liters per person if the alcohol content falls between 24 and 70 percent (up to 140 proof.) If it’s less than 24 percent you can bring more than five liters, but it would be taxed by Customs. Anything greater than 70 percent isn’t allowed since it’s considered a hazardous material.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 ml), unless you purchased alcohol at a duty-free shop at the airport after clearing security. However, if you have a connecting flight within the US and go through security again, then that bottle of alcohol you were initially allowed to carry on would have to be checked. To avoid this conundrum, wait until the last leg of a flight to buy duty-free alcohol.

Photo by: bravo1954

What Types of Alcohol Can You Bring Back Into the US?

To make matters more complicated, each state has its own guidelines on how much alcohol can be brought in , and some states allow less than a case. However, the CBP says that these rules only apply to residents of that state. To be on the safe side, check with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regarding limitations.

Oh, and think twice before buying that bottle of absinthe . It’s regulated by both the FDA and the TTB, and possesses a host of requirements: It must be thujone-free (thujone is the ingredient commonly associated with absinthe’s mind-altering effects), and can’t have the word absinthe in the brand name or as a stand-alone name on the label. Any artwork or graphics with hallucinogenic depictions will also get your bottle confiscated at Customs.

(Despite all the restrictions, it’s worth noting that homemade wine is allowed. Besides following general rules for alcohol, it just has to be labeled.)

Duty free, for press only. (Photo by: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)

Photo by: BSIP/UIG

What is Duty-Free Alcohol?

Essentially, duty-free means there’s no local sales tax (commonly called Value Added Tax, or VAT, outside the US) on goods. Stores can offer this wherever governments don’t impose a tax on items leaving the country; the reason behind it is that customers can’t use or consume a purchase until they return home. Therefore, travelers 21 and older can bring one liter (the equivalent of one bottle) per person into the US without paying additional taxes on it.

For a full guideline, Duty Free Americas (DFA) answers the most commonly asked questions. There’s some debate over whether or not duty free is a deal, but DFA notes that duty-free alcohol can potentially save travelers anywhere from 25-50 percent in taxes.

Just be advised that the US requires travelers to leave the country for at least 48 hours to prevent people from taking advantage of duty-free shopping. Individuals are also limited to $800 worth of duty-free goods per month (including alcohol) and $1,600 for a family.

George Town, Cayman Islands- June 20, 2015: Different brands and flavors of vodka are on the shelves in the duty free liquor store in the Owen Roberts International Airport terminal which is located in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman Island. Duty free shopping is available for luxury items such as liquor, jewelry, cigars and perfume. These items can be purchased when you leave the island. The airport is the main international airport for the Cayman Islands.

Photo by: Jodi Jacobson

Jodi Jacobson

How Much Are Duty Taxes?

This varies. A CBP spokesperson says it depends on the cost of the additional liter or case of alcohol and the alcohol content percentage.

Parts of the Caribbean are a notable exception to the one-liter rule (although the Caymen Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are among the islands that aren’t).

The CBP says you can bring back two liters of alcohol duty free from islands that compose the Caribbean Basin Initiative , which include St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Aruba, as long as one bottle was locally produced. Even better, travelers are allowed to bring back five liters duty free from the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) . The catch is that at least one of the bottles must be locally produced, and the rest purchased within the USVI. More than that would be taxed at a 1.5 percent flat duty rate , plus IRS taxes.

Another exception for the USVI is the monthly limit allowance: Whereas CBP typically limits individuals to $800 worth of duty-free goods per month, individuals can haul home $1,600 worth of items from the USVI.

Tokyo, Japan - March 27, 2016: Pedestrians and taxis outside the Don Quijote Tax Free Shop in the commercial district of Tokyo, Shinjuku. There are several logos, names and brands on the building.

Photo by: DavidCallan

DavidCallan

What Countries Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

According to DFA, travelers can find duty-free alcohol anywhere in the world with a tourism industry. This includes airports, ship ports and border towns, but don’t expect to find it in some Muslim countries where alcohol is illegal, such as Sudan and Libya. You can also find duty-free stores in some major cities; for example, Tokyo offers tax-free shopping to foreign tourists who are in the country for six months or less.

Airport Duty Free Shopping Sign

Photo by: Nirian

Which Airports Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

Most international airports sell it. Joe Bates, liquor and wines editor at Duty Free News International , says duty-free alcohol is even sold at airports in Middle Eastern countries that are otherwise dry. “One notable exception is Saudi Arabia, where duty-free liquor is certainly not for sale at any of the country’s airports as you might expect,” he says. On the other hand, even though Dubai has strict laws governing alcohol, Bates says that Dubai International Airport is one of the top-selling sales locations for Jack Daniel’s.

Some airlines also sell alcohol as part of on-board duty-free shopping, including United and KLM . Be mindful that if you bring your own carry-on bottle on the flight, the cabin crew must serve it to you.

Again, make sure the quantity and alcohol content adhere to TSA, FAA and CBP rules.

People walk through the "Royal Promenade" aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s Voyager of the Seas, berthed at the Ohi wharf in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. Royal Caribbean, the worlds second-largest cruise-line operator, doubled its dividend and will make directors stand for election every year. Photographer: Yuriko Nakao/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Photo by: Bloomberg

Which Cruise Lines Sell Duty-Free Alcohol?

This depends. Sherry Kennedy, the editor and publisher of CruiseMaven.com , notes that while most major lines offer duty-free shopping, not all sell alcohol, such as river cruises and some boutique lines. It’s also common to find alcohol in ports, especially the Caribbean, and Kennedy says the prices are competitive to ship stores. However, due to alcohol policies, most lines will confiscate your bottles and keep them until the end of the cruise. On the other hand, most port stores deliver alcohol to the ship for you, meaning less for you to carry.

Whether or not you buy alcohol on the ship or in a port , keep in mind that the same Customs’ rules generally apply. As already mentioned, the Caribbean is among the exceptions. When cruising, the five-liter allowance from the USVI includes the onboard duty-free shop, as long as one bottle was produced in the USVI.

Champagne is being poured into several champagne glasses. The glasses sit in front of the ice bucket that held the champagne bottle as bubbles from the freshly poured champagne can be seen. The camera is tilted slightly of axis.

Photo by: DNY59

What are the Best Duty-free Alcohol Deals?

Due to competition from online retailers and big box stores, duty free isn’t the deal it used to be, but bargains can sometimes be found.

Eric Arnold, a member of the League of Extraordinary Drinkers and author of “ Drink Like A Grown-Up ,” says duty-free alcohol can be a good deal when stores are clearing out their inventory, and on more expensive brands, such as Champagne. He also points out that duty-free bottles tend to be a little larger, so customers get about 25 percent more volume for the money. However, he says some of the best deals are on locally made spirits, since duty-free stores heavily promote them. Among his picks is rum from Fiji, scotch from Scotland, Bundaberg rum from Australia and tequila and mescal from Mexico. Arnold says he’s also found good deals on scotch in Paris.

Bates takes the opposing side on deals. “In my view some of the best prices tend to be on well-known international brands,” he says, such as Baileys, Smirnoff, Absolut, Bacardi and Johnnie Walker. “If you are out to find a bargain, only buy when there’s a clear saving on what you’d pay back home,” says Bates. “Domestic liquor prices in the U.S. are quite low by international standards, so it’s unlikely you’ll find huge savings, but it’s worth checking. Now everyone has a smartphone in their pocket; that’s not hard to do.”

Kennedy says cruise lines often have deals toward the end of the cruise, such as two-for-one bottles.

George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - November 30, 2009: The long road that fronts the sea is lined with shopping malls and duty free shops, restaurants and bar.

Photo by: Flavio Vallenari

Flavio Vallenari

Where are the Best Places to Buy Duty-Free Alcohol?

Thanks to trade agreements, some of the best deals are found in the Caribbean. “In general, alcohol is absurdly cheap in the Virgin Islands,” says Arnold. For example, he says Bulleit Bourbon costs about $40 in Midtown Manhattan, but sells for around $17 in the USVI. He notes Cruzan sells for about $8 a bottle.

Kennedy also recommends buying Bacardi from Puerto Rico. She notes that cruisers are unlikely to find deals in Europe, where duty free means you get the local VAT reimbursed when you leave the country. However, Kennedy says that she’s yet to find a port in Europe with a designated agent to handle VAT receipts.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE: A salesperson places on the shelf the limited-edition bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac in a special decanter with a diamond embedded in the stopper and priced at more than USD8,000 dollars at the duty free transit mall in Changi International Airport in Singapore 11 October 2005. Earnings from retail and food and beverage concessions account for a third of the over 500 million US dollars in total revenues of the airport's operator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, in the year to March 2005. AFP PHOTO/Roslan RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo by: ROSLAN RAHMAN

ROSLAN RAHMAN

When Does it Make Sense to Buy Duty-Free Alcohol?

The experts agree that it’s not just about the savings. Bates notes that it’s possible to find rare and collectible wines and spirits at Singapore Changi and London Heathrow airports.

As for Arnold, “I personally like to buy things when I know I’m not going to be able to find them at home,” he says. “Johnnie Walker Green, for whatever reason, has appeared and disappeared from the market multiple times, but I always have a relatively easy time finding it in duty free.”

Finally, there’s another benefit of shopping locally. “It’s the way to find and enjoy more things you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise,” says Arnold.

Actor Andrew McCarthy Shares His Top Travel Picks

Our Best 5-Star Hotel Hacks

The 10 Best Carry-Ons for Every Type of Traveler

10 Reasons We Want to Visit Pagosa Springs, Colorado

10 Best Laptop Bags and Backpacks for Stylish Tech Protection in 2024

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Tips

10 Things You Probably Forgot to Clean

10 Thoughtful Ways to Up Your Hosting Game

10 Things People With Clean Houses Always Do

10 Tips to Make This Thanksgiving the Best One Yet

Go shopping.

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

30 Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas Sep 16, 2024

6 Best Cordless Drills of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sep 16, 2024

27 Halloween Decorations That Will Last for Years Sep 13, 2024

38 Best Gifts for the Taylor Swift Fan in Your Life Sep 13, 2024

The 15 Best Fall Candles of 2024 Sep 12, 2024

30 Gifts for Garden-Loving, Outdoorsy Dads Sep 12, 2024

40+ Gifts for Teachers That Really Show Your Appreciation Sep 11, 2024

42 Outdoor Halloween Decorations to Create the Creepiest Yard on the Block Sep 10, 2024

8 Best Laser Levels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sep 10, 2024

56 Best Birthday Gift Ideas Under $100 Sep 9, 2024

Here’s How the ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Team Brought Its Iconic World to (After) Life Sep 9, 2024

8 Best Bath Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sep 9, 2024

4 Best Smart Cutter Machines, Tested and Reviewed Sep 6, 2024

28 Batman Gifts for the Past, Present and Future Heroes of Gotham City Sep 5, 2024

The Ultimate Gift Guide for 'Gilmore Girls' Fans Sep 5, 2024

Solo Stove's Bonfire 2.0 Is the Perfect Portable Fire Pit for Backyards and Beyond Sep 5, 2024

56 Gorgeous Autumnal Accents to Set the Perfect Fall Table Sep 5, 2024

Our Honest Review of Coop's Most Cooling Pillow Ever Sep 4, 2024

The 4 Best Alarm Clocks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sep 4, 2024

20+ Natural and Nontoxic Cleaning Products We Love Sep 4, 2024

Re-Create Your Favorite Hotel Bathroom With These Luxe (But Affordable) Towels and Bath Linens Aug 29, 2024

The Best Labor Day Sales You Can Shop Right Now Aug 29, 2024

8 Best Pruning Shears of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Aug 29, 2024

Where to Shop for Sheets if You Want to Re-Create Your Favorite Hotel Bed Aug 29, 2024

The Best Labor Day Mattress Sales to Shop Now Aug 23, 2024

The Iconic Lenox Spice Village Is Making a Comeback — Here's What We Know Sep 12, 2024

15 Beautiful Blanket Ladders We Love Right Now Aug 22, 2024

The Best Halloween Decorations on Amazon to Haunt Your Home in 2024 Aug 21, 2024

Everything You Need to Create a Cozy Backyard This Fall Aug 20, 2024

The 30 Best Fall Wreaths for Your Front Door Sep 12, 2024

House hunters, lil jon wants to do what, get the hgtv today newsletter.

Subscribe now to get our latest decorating tips, household hacks and more delivered to your inbox daily.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

• HGTV Insider
• HGTV Shopping
• HGTV Makeovers
• HGTV This Week
• HGTV Gardens and Outdoors
• HGTV Daily Sweepstakes Reminder
• HGTV Inspiration
• HGTV Weekend Projects
• Sweepstakes Updates

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Trip Planning

How to Bring Duty Free Liquids Into the US in a Carry-On Bag

Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images 

International airports usually feature duty free shops that sell liquors, perfumes and other luxury items to outbound travelers. These items are called "duty free" because travelers do not have to pay customs taxes, or duties, on their purchases because the travelers are taking these goods out of the country.

TSA Rules and Liquid Duty Free Purchases

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rigorously enforces its regulations pertaining to transportation of liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on baggage. Any item containing more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquid, aerosol or gel must be transported in checked baggage once you arrive in the US.

This means that you can purchase duty free liquid items, such as perfume or liquor, at a duty free shop outside the US and put them in your carry-on baggage for the international leg of your trip only. If you are changing planes in the US, you will need to put any liquid or gel duty free items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your checked baggage after you clear customs at your point of entry.

However, if you buy the items at a duty free shop outside the US, they are in transparent containers and the shop has packaged the bottles in an official tamper-evident, secure bag, you can keep them in your carry-on bag all the way to your US destination even if they are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). You must carry the receipt for this purchase with you on all legs of your flight, and the duty free items must have been purchased within the last 48 hours. The TSA changed this rule to permit use of secure, tamper-evident bags in August 2014.

Where Should You Buy Your Duty Free Liquors and Perfumes?

You will not be able to bring duty free liquors or perfumes in containers larger than 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters through a TSA security screening checkpoint in the US, and similar conditions apply in many other countries, including  Canada , Australia  and the United Kingdom. Instead, go through the security checkpoint, and then buy duty free items once you are in the secure area of the airport. Be sure the items are packaged in tamper-evident security bags before you leave the duty free shop.

For example, a traveler flying from Cancún, Mexico, to Baltimore, Maryland via Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport could purchase duty free items in the Cancún International Airport's shopping area and take these items to Atlanta in a carry-on bag. Once that passenger clears customs in Atlanta, any liquid, gel or aerosol items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces purchased at a duty free shop will need to be placed in a checked bag before the passenger boards the flight to Baltimore unless the bag containing the duty free items is secure and tamper-evident. If the bag does not meet these requirements, TSA officials will confiscate the bottles.

How to Pack Liquid Items and Place Them in Your Checked Baggage

Placing bottles of duty free liquor or perfume in your checked baggage could be risky, for obvious reasons. However, planning ahead and packing a few useful items as you prepare for your trip can help you minimize the risk of having a bottle break inside your checked bag.

Bring wrapping materials, such as packing tape and plastic grocery bags, to secure breakable bottles. For maximum security, pack an old towel; you can use it to wrap wine, perfume or liquor bottles. Once you have wrapped the bottles, put them in the middle of your suitcase so that a direct blow to the outside of your bag will not break them. To be even safer, place glass bottles in at least two plastic bags, wrap the bundle in a towel, place that bundle in yet another plastic bag, and pack the plastic-covered bundle in the center of your largest suitcase. Pack washable items around the bundle, just in case the bottle breaks.

Alternatively, you can purchase protective packaging, such as the WineSkin or BottleWise bag, before your trip. Use one of these commercial products, available at many US liquor stores and online, to seal your liquor bottles in cushioned plastic wrapping. Again, placing the wrapped bottles in the center of your suitcase will help protect them from breakage.

Wrap very expensive liquid items in a thick layer of toweling or bubble wrap, place the bottle in a box (or, even better, in a box within a box). Tape the box closed, put it in a plastic bag and place the bundle in the very center of your largest suitcase. ( Tip: Expensive items have been known to vanish from checked bags. You are better off trying to carry them onto the plane, provided you can get the proper secure, tamper-evident bag from the duty free shop.)

Related Articles

More related articles.

Enable JavaScript

Please enable JavaScript to fully experience this site. How to enable JavaScript

• At the airport

Restricted items

What can you fly with.

To prevent inflight danger, many common items are restricted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you travel with objects on the TSA prohibited items or FAA Pack Safe Hazmat restrictions lists, they will be confiscated.*

• TSA prohibited items Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
• FAA Pack Safe Hazmat restrictions Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

*You will be in violation of U.S. Federal Law if you don’t declare any dangerous items. This means you could face up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 (49 U.S.C 5124).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

Allowed for travel?

• Other alcoholic beverages in retail packaging
• Checked bags - yes

Visit the TSA for rules on carry-on bags Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Opened containers aren't allowed.

You can take a maximum of 5 liters per passenger for beverages 24 – 70 percent alcohol by volume in checked bags; customs regulations vary by country.

Due to restrictions set by the European Union (EU), you cannot transport certain products of animal origin into the EU. Please check ahead of time to make sure you comply with these restrictions.

• Carbon zinc
• Silver oxide
• Lithium or lithium-ion
• Nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride

Please remove batteries from devices in your checked bags and put them in your carry-on in separate plastic bags.

Lithium-ion battery acceptance by Watt-hour (Wh):

• Less than 100 Wh – 4 spares in carry-on bag
• 100 - 160 Wh – 2 spares in carry-on bag
• 160 - 300 Wh – Contact Special Assistance

Special assistance

• Damaged batteries
• Automobile, boat or aircraft batteries

Portable electronic devices containing cells or batteries (including lithium) and spares for these devices intended for personal use:

• Laptop computer
• Notebook computer

We allow up to 2 spare batteries for personal use, with restrictions:

• Each spare battery is individually protected in accordance with our lithium battery acceptance policy
• Batteries are in carry-on bag only
• For a lithium metal battery, lithium content cannot be more than 2 grams per battery
• For lithium-ion batteries, a maximum of 2, not exceeding 160 Wh each, are allowed in carry-on bag with airline approval

Traveling with lithium batteries Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Portable electronic devices containing cells or batteries (including lithium) and spares for these devices not intended for personal use:

We allow up to 2 of each device and 2 spare batteries intended for personal use only, with restrictions:

• Approved devices and batteries are safely packaged in carry-on only
• Bags and boxes carrying more than the allotted amount for personal use will not be accepted
• Metal knives (of any length or type)
• Box cutters
• Straight razors
• Carry-on bag - no

You can travel with plastic cutlery and safety/disposable razors in your carry-on bag.

• Pepper spray

Yes, with restrictions

Your drone's battery must not exceed 160 Wh

Drone can be carried on if it or its box is less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters

Dry ice for packing perishable items

You can travel with up to 5.5 lbs/2.5 kgs as carry-on if:

• Packed in a vented, hard plastic or heavy gauge styrofoam container
• You tell a ticket or gate agent
• Vapor cigarettes
• e-cigarettes

Allowed for travel?*

Checked bags - no

Carry-on bag - yes

Since some electronic cigarettes use lithium ion batteries, you cannot travel with them in your checked bags. You can travel with them in your carry-on, but you’re not allowed to use them onboard any flight. We recommend traveling with them in a designated carry case.

*Electronic cigarette regulations vary by country. Check the government websites of all the countries you're traveling to / through / from for their electronic cigarette regulations.

• Flares/flare guns
• Swingless golf club load strips

You can travel with swingless golf clubs without strips.

Checked bags - yes*

You can travel with firearms in checked bags only if they are declared to an agent at check-in.

You can travel with up to 11lbs/5kg small arms ammunition for sporting purposes in your checked bags if it is:

• Securely packed in the original manufacturers' packaging
• Packaged in fiber, wood, metal or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition

Firearms and ammunition

*Firearms are not allowed in checked bags on Landline motorcoach connections.

• Gas torches (including micro-torches and torch lighters)
• Flammable glues/epoxies
• Gas-powered trimmers/edgers

You can only travel with gasoline-powered tools in your checked bags if they are:

• New or unused
• In the original packaging (which must be in good condition)
• Spray starch
• Insecticides
• Drain cleaners
• Oven or bathroom cleaners
• Hoverboards
• Balance wheels
• Electric small scooters
• Intelligent scooters

We don’t allow lithium ion battery-powered personal transportation devices on board or as carry-on or checked bags.

• Lighters or lighter fluid
• Grill lighters

When traveling to/from/through Japan, you can carry one lighter per person.

For all other travel, you can also carry-on:

• 1 book of safety matches
• Common “Bic style” and unsealed “Zippo style” lighters

You cannot travel with:

• Torch/wind-proof lighters
• “Strike-anywhere” matches
• Lighter fluid
• Recreational Marijuana
• Medical Marijuana

Although American is aware of various state laws that allow recreational or medical marijuana possession, the TSA has stated that possession of marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law and that it will refer passengers traveling with marijuana to law enforcement authorities. Accordingly, American does not allow passenger to transport marijuana on our flights. Anyone traveling with or transporting marijuana on American flights does at their own risk.

Electric wheelchairs with spillable batteries

You can travel with mobility devices if:

• Transported according to our guidelines
• Advance notice is given when traveling transatlantic

Mobility and devices

• Aerosol deodorant or hair spray
• Insect repellent
• Perfume or cologne containing alcohol
• Nail polish or nail polish remover
• Large bottles of acetone such as liquid nails

You can travel with personal care items in your carry-on bag if they are:

• Travel-size (3.4 ounce containers or smaller)
• In a clear, plastic, one-quart zip-top bag

You can travel with personal care items in your checked bags if:

• You have no more than 70 ounces in total
• Each container has no more than 16 fluid ounces

Carry-on bags

• Propane tanks
• CO2 cartridges
• Self-inflating rafts
• Recreational oxygen
• Personal face / full-body pod
• Personal face / full-body tent
• Stadium tent

Checked bags – yes

Carry-on bag – yes

You can travel with these items in your bag, but they may not be used on board or in flight. If space is limited and the item doesn’t fit in the cabin, it may need to be checked.

• Portable electronic air freshener / purifier
• Ozone generator

Checked bags – no

Since some devices use lithium ion batteries, you cannot travel with them in your checked bags. You can travel with them in your carry-on, but you’re not allowed to use them on board any flight.

Traveling with lithium batteries Opens in a new window

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices

Includes recalled and replacement devices.

• Flameless meal products such as HeaterMeals
• Meals Ready-To-Eat (MREs)

Self-inflating life jackets with no more than 2 small CO2 cartridges for inflation purposes

You can only travel with one life jacket in your checked bag, but it may be confiscated by the TSA.

• Metal scissors
• Screwdrivers

Yes but with restrictions

You can travel with such items as carry-on if their measurements are:

• Cutting edge of up to 4-inches : metal scissors
• Up to 7-inches : tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers

Checked or carry-on bags with charging devices

Allowed to travel?

You can travel with these bags as a carry-on if the battery is removable. If the bag needs to be checked or valeted you must remove the battery and carry it with you. Bags with non-removable batteries won't be accepted.

• TASER devices
• Electro-shock weapons (conducted electrical weapons)

You can travel with stun guns / shocking devices in checked bags only if transported in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge.

Please remove all batteries from devices in your checked bags and put them in your carry-on in separate plastic bags.

• Less than 100 Wh – 4 spares in carry-on bag
• 100 - 160 Wh – 2 spares in carry-on bag
• 160 - 300 Wh – Contact Special Assistance

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

You may also like...

• Special items and sports equipment
• Oversize and overweight bags

Dos and don'ts for carrying alcohol on domestic flights​

Is it legal to carry liquor on flight?

Carrying alcohol on domestic flights is permissible as long as you follow specific rules.

Carry-on luggage

For items in your carry-on luggage, including alcohol, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) enforces a rule that liquids should not exceed 100 ml per container.

Checked luggage ​

In the case of checked luggage, passengers can carry up to five liters (1.3 gallons) of alcoholic beverages, subject to certain conditions. These conditions are determined based on the alcohol content percentage.

Conditions​

Passengers can include alcoholic beverages in their checked baggage if the following conditions are met: The alcohol is in its original retail packaging and appropriately packed to prevent damage or leakage. The alcohol content in the beverage does not exceed 70%.

Safe packaging

To prevent any breakage or spillage, it's advisable to pack liquor bottles securely. Place them within a padded container or position them between layers of clothing to minimize the risk of damage during transit. All liquids, including alcohol, should be placed in a single quart-sized, clear bag for inspection.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

TSA Liquid Limits: What You Can Carry and How Much You Can Bring

The tsa allows liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on—but what’s considered a “liquid” isn’t always obvious..

• Copy Link copied

Don’t forget to remove your liquids when going through TSA screening.

Photo by Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

Whether you’re a carry-on-only kind of person or not , knowing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid limits is essential for anyone who travels by plane in the United States. Yet understanding which of your toiletries, foods, and other items even count as “liquid”—let alone how best to pack them—can get confusing. Use this guide to understand the TSA’s rules and restrictions about liquids, common exceptions, and tips to help ensure your next airport security screening goes smoothly.

What is the TSA liquid limit?

The TSA’s liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person , or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag. Anything more will have to go in a checked bag or risk being tossed out.

If your liquids are stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if there’s only 3.4 ounces left inside the bottle, you can’t bring them through security.

Completely empty bottles, such as your reusable water bottle , are allowed through the TSA checkpoint since (spoiler alert!) they don’t contain any liquids at that moment.

Which toiletries TSA allows in your carry-on

The TSA allows all of the following common toiletries in your carry-on only in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Lotions and sunscreen
• Gel hair products

In other words: yes, you can bring toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen through TSA checkpoints but only if they are in travel-sized containers.

Powders and powder-like substances, including baby powder and some makeup items, aren’t restricted in your carry-on bag. But if you’re carrying more than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of a powder, you’ll need to place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening, and it may be subject to additional screening—so it’s a good idea to budget an extra few minutes at the security checkpoint if you think this might happen.

Tips for packing your toiletries in your carry-on

To comply with TSA regulations, invest in small, reusable toiletry bottles, like these capsules by Cadence.

Courtesy of Cadence

Especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck , it’s helpful to pack all of your toiletries in a quart-sized (or smaller) clear plastic toiletry bag for screening. Although improved airport technology means that far fewer air passengers (both in PreCheck and non-PreCheck lines) will have to take their liquids out out of their carry-on, it’s still helpful to have all of your liquids in one bag just in case you get pulled aside for additional screening. For an upgrade from that large Ziplock, we recommend the standard-sized Clarity Jetset Case from Truffle ($88), which has a clear window panel and is comparable in size to a quart-sized bag.

Since toothpaste is considered a liquid, paste, or gel by the TSA, most of us toss those tiny one-ounce tubes in our carry-on bags. However, if you want to ditch the hard-to-recycle packaging, consider toothpaste tablets, an ecofriendly alternative that’s not subject to the 3-1-1 rule. We like Humankind’s fluoride toothpaste tablets ($12), which resemble small mints and turn to paste when you crush them between your teeth. Matador has also recently released a reusable toothpaste tube ($10), which you can fill (and refill) with your regular toothpaste.

For travel toiletries that are easy to rebottle (like shampoo or body wash), consider investing in reusable bottles or containers so you can always keep your preferred brand on hand. Some of our favorite TSA-approved toiletry bottles include:

Buy Now: GoToob three-pack of 3.4-ounce bottles, $30, rei.com

These easy-to-fill, leakproof silicone tubes are ideal for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes. GoToob’s line comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.7 to 6 ounces, and are easy to clean between refills.

Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $13 for one or $35 for three, matadorup.com

Each three-ounce, TSA-approved bottle is made from a durable, waterproof, nylon-based fabric. Like GoToob, they’re leakproof and easy to fill, but thanks to their flexible, fabric-like design, they will shrink to their contents, taking up less space in your pack. >> Read the full review of the Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $14 for one or $74 for six, keepyourcadence.com

The refillable travel containers by Cadence are small, leakproof “capsules” that click together with magnets. At 0.56 ounces, they’re best for makeup and toiletries you don’t need much of—like a weekend’s worth of shampoo or a week of that under eye cream you only need a dab of.

Foods are subject to liquid limits

The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to food too, meaning you’ll need to make sure any foods that count as liquids, gels, or pastes (like yogurt, peanut butter, pâté, jams, or that tasty pimento cheese spread you tried to bring home from Charleston) are less than 3.4 ounces or packed in your checked bag. There are some exceptions, like frozen foods and juice for babies, and the TSA’s website is the best resource to check for specific items.

Exceptions to TSA’s liquids rule: Full-sized liquids that you can bring through security

The TSA has several important exemptions to its liquids rule. You’re allowed to bring full-sized bottles of the following:

Hand sanitizer: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the TSA currently allows travelers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in their carry-on bags. These will be screened separately.

Medication: You’re allowed to bring medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels through security. This also includes the ice or gel packs you may need to keep your medications cool. You are not required to store these items in a plastic, resealable bag, but you should remove them from your luggage and let the TSA officer know what you’ve packed.

Baby formula and breast milk: Like medication, you can bring freezer packs to keep these items cool, and you should remove them from your luggage and notify an agent when you go through security. More baby-related exceptions? Gel or liquid-filled teethers and canned or jarred baby food.

Of course, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, the TSA’s website has a handy, searchable list of prohibited and allowed items worth checking before you travel. You can also now text the TSA with your questions.

This article was originally published in 2022. It has been most recently updated on March 21, 2023, with additional information.

You are being redirected to an external/third party website. Please note that IndiGo cannot be held responsible for content and privacy policies on such website.

• Select Flight
• Fare Difference
• Seat Selection

Get Members Benefit.

Get Members Benefit. Sign Up

• 6E Rewards NEW
• Search FAQs

Select Language

Please select your preferred language

• English - EN

Baggage Allowance

• Ticket Modification
• Check-in Options
• Flight Delays & Cancellations
• Pre-paid Baggage
• Infants Travel
• Travel Certificate
• Add-on Services
• On-board Facilities
• Airport Check-in Requirements
• Terminal Information
• Non-standard & Special Baggage
• Lost & Mishandled Baggage
• Aircraft and Routes
• Expectant Mother
• Medical Assistance
• Passengers with Special Needs
• Unaccompanied Minor Travel
• Payment Alerts
• Reservations
• Payment Support
• Travel Documents
• Codeshare Flight
• Dubai Airport Change
• Credit Shell
• IATA Travel Pass
• Fees and Charges
• IndiGoStretch

How much baggage am I allowed to carry?

Read More...

**Disclaimer:  For checked-in baggage, maximum 23kg/piece would be allowed

*Disclaimer:  In addition to the one piece of Hand Baggage permitted to be carried in accordance with the above,  IndiGo will permit a Customer to carry one additional personal article such as ladies’ purse or a small bag containing laptop not weighing more than 3 kgs.

#Please note that if the payment is to be made in any other currency than Indian Rupee, the fee(s) will be calculated as per the conversion rate prevalent at the time of payment.

Terms and Conditions for purchasing prepaid excess baggage for International Connecting Flights:

• Excess baggage should to be booked at least 6 hours before the scheduled departure.
• The domestic flight should be within 48 hours of your international flight or 48 hours after completion of institutional quarantine.
• Passengers should produce relevant international travel documents or institutional quarantine release certificate, respectively, at the time of check-in failing which IndiGo will charge excess baggage as per applicable airport rates.

Please note:

Hand Baggage can only be stored in the cabin subject to the availability of space in the overhead bin. In case of lack of availability of space, IndiGo provides you the option to leave your Hand Baggage at the side of the aircraft prior to departure and to reclaim it from the conveyor belts where Checked Baggage is normally received

Travel with us seamless even while you have excess baggage. Customers can book pre-paid excess Baggage allowance and pre-paid additional piece allowance (subject to a maximum of 2 pieces) up to one (1) hour prior to the scheduled departure of their flight, on the Website or through IndiGo’s call centre

Additonal Piece(s):

Domestic: Customer will also be required to pay per kg Excess Baggage Charges corresponding to the weight of the additional Checked-in Baggage.

International: Customer will also be required to pay per kg Excess Baggage Charges corresponding to the weight of the additional Checked-in Baggage.

Thanks. Please share your feedback

Please share your feedback

What if I exceed my free baggage weight allowance?

Customers carrying more than the allowed baggage limit will be charged the following excess baggage fees at the time of check-in:... Read More...

Customers carrying more than the allowed baggage limit will be charged the following excess baggage fees at the time of check-in:

Pre-Paid Excess Baggage: Passengers can book pre-paid excess baggage up to 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure of their domestic flight via our website or call centre.  Click here  to know more.

What items are not permitted on an IndiGo flight?

Prohibited in Checked and Cabin baggage:... Read More...

Prohibited in Checked and Cabin baggage:

• Compressed gases - deeply refrigerated, flammable, non-flammable and poisonous such as butane oxygen, liquid nitrogen, aqualung cylinders and compressed gas cylinders
• Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries and apparatus containing mercury
• Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares, ammunition including blank cartridges, handguns, fire works, pistol caps
• Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, lighters that need inverting before ignition, matches (these may be carried on the person), radioactive material, briefcases and attache case with installed alarm devices
• Oxidizing materials such as bleaching powder and peroxides
• Poisons and infectious substances such as insecticides, weed-killers and live virus materials
• Fish (including other sea food), animals, birds, insects in any form, whether alive and/or dead, and/or frozen and/or dried and/or cooked
• Anything that possesses and/or is capable of possessing and/or emitting a conspicuous and/or offensive odour
• Other dangerous articles such as magnetized materials, offensive or irritating materials

Prohibited items in Cabin Baggage:

• Dry cell batteries
• Knives, scissors, Swiss army knives and other sharp instruments
• Toy replicas  of fire arms and ammunition
• Weapons such as whips, nan-chakus, baton, or stun gun
• Electronic devices which cannot be switched off
• Aerosols and liquids*
• Any other items which are deemed security hazards by local law

*Passengers can  carry one clear transparent resealable litre sized plastic bag containing small quantities of liquid items / gels / pastes/aerosols or items of a similar consistency. Liquids / gels / aerosols include but are not limited to beverages, shampoos, suntan lotions, creams, toothpastes, hair gels and hair sprays. The contents will be subject to screening and security checks and must comply with IndiGo's security guidelines about permissible objects. Please note: IndiGo recommends that all medication, valuables, fragile items, perishable items and precious items (cameras, jewelry, money, electronics, etc.)  should be carried in Cabin Baggage and not in Checked Baggage. IndiGo shall not accept any responsibility for these items.

Are there any general advisories that I should keep in mind regarding my baggage?

Can I check-in for my onward flight at the point of departure and reclaim my checked-in baggage at the end of the entire journey, in case of connecting flight made by me in two different PNRs?

No. We do not offer a through check-in service on connections which were made by the passengers on two different PNRs. On arrival from the first fligh... Read More...

No. We do not offer a through check-in service on connections which were made by the passengers on two different PNRs. On arrival from the first flight, passengers must collect their luggage from the conveyer belt and check-in again for the connecting flight. However, in cases where the domestic connection is offered by IndiGo in a single PNR, then a through check-in facility can be availed by passengers at the departure airport. Please note: The option for through check-in is not available for international connecting flights even if the connection was made under a single PNR. On arrival from the first flight, passengers must collect their luggage from the conveyer belt and check-in again for the connecting flight.

Carriage of Alcoholic beverages?

Passengers may carry upto 5 Liters of alcoholic beverages as part of their checked-in baggage, provided the following conditions are met:... Read More...

Passengers may carry upto 5 Liters of alcoholic beverages as part of their checked-in baggage, provided the following conditions are met:

• The alcoholic beverage is in retail packaging and is packed appropriately (to prevent damage / leakage).
• Alcohol content in the beverage is not more than 70%.

If the alcoholic beverage contains 24% or less alcohol by volume the above limitation of 5 Liters does not apply.

The alcoholic beverages is also permitted in carry-on baggage when purchased from the Airport Security Hold Area and should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding 1 Liter. The indicative size of the 1 Liter bag is: 20.5 cm x 20.5 cm or 25 cm x 15 cm or equivalent. The containers must fit comfortably within the bag, which should be fully closed.

The passengers must comply with other applicable state / national regulations, if any.

What items are considered as special baggage and how can I carry them?

The following items are considered as Special Baggage: Sports/Skiing equipment Golf bags Bicycles Surf boards LCD and LED TVs of size more than 9... Read More...

The following items are considered as Special Baggage: ŸSports/Skiing equipment ŸGolf bags ŸBicycles ŸSurf boards ŸLCD and LED TVs of size more than 99.06 cms (size up to 81.28 cm for ex-Riyadh flights) ŸOther large and/or odd-sized items, including cartons, whose dimensions (L+W+H) exceed 158 cms IndiGo will levy a fee of INR 1200 (or equivalent in foreign currency) for Domestic flights and INR 2500 (or equivalent in foreign currency) for International flights , for any Special Baggage  that is submitted as Checked Baggage. This fee will be applied over and above any Excess Baggage charges that might be applicable. Please note: Jewelry: IndiGo does not hold any liability on carrying cash or jewellery but it is subject to clearance by the airport regulatory authorities.

Musical Instruments: Carriage of musical instruments is allowed in our Domestic and International flights at no additional cost. Guitar, if packed in soft cases, can be carried in hand baggage, however other instruments like., Piano, Violin, Drum, Harmonium, Keyboard etc., have to be properly packed and can be carried in Check-in baggage only.

If you wish to carry an oversized item on board like., Cello, Sitar, Venna etc., which will fit safely in a seat, you must purchase an additional seat on that flight, subject to availability and applicable fares. However, IndiGo reserves the right to refuse carrying of any large item(s) which we feel may present a safety risk. 

What are the baggage allowances for Stretch customers?

Stretch customers are allowed up to 30 kg of check-in baggage in two pieces, while Stretch+ customers may bring up to 40 kg in two pieces. Both catego... Read More...

Stretch customers are allowed up to 30 kg of check-in baggage in two pieces, while Stretch+  customers may bring up to 40 kg in two pieces. Both categories permit one piece of hand baggage up to 12 kg.

What is the infant baggage allowance for Stretch Customers

Infant Baggage Allowance for Stretch customers is 7 Kgs cabin baggage. There is no Check-in baggage allowance for the infants... Read More...

Infant Baggage Allowance for Stretch customers is  7 Kgs cabin baggage.  There is no Check-in baggage allowance for the infants

Will there be any additional fees for excess baggage for Stretch?

Yes, there are nominal fees for excess checked-in baggage, applicable in the following cases:... Read More...

Yes, there are nominal fees for excess checked-in baggage, applicable in the following cases:

• If you are carrying a third piece of luggage
• If your permitted two pieces exceed the weight limit
• If the third piece of luggage exceeds the weight limit

Help us be your travel companion

Be the first to receive exclusive offers and the latest news on our product & services directly in your inbox.

We’re just a ring away.

Have a compliment or complaint?

Chat with us

Questions? We are here to help.

Help Center

Avoid long queues at the airport and travel hassle-free with Web Check-in. Passengers flying domestic sectors can Web Check-in at any time up to 48 ho... Read more

Customers carrying more than the allowed baggage limit will be charged the following excess baggage fees at the time of check-in:... Read more

Visit the View/Change bookings option on the homepage of our website which has a list of features that allow you to retrieve and re-print your itinera... Read more

Kiosk Check-in is a convenient way for passengers to check-in using IndiGo kiosks located at the airport. Passengers can select their preferred seat a... Read more

Currently, the tickets are non-transferable, hence, name changes on a confirmed reservation are not permissible. You will need to cancel your ticket a... Read more

• On domestic flights you can cancel/ refund till 3 hours prior to flight departure • On international flights you can cancel/ refund till 4 hours pri... Read more

Complete your profile

Your profile details are incomplete, please update your profile to help us serve you better.

Still there? Session has timed out

Select departure city, select arrival city, select passenger(s).

• Adult(s) (>12 years) Book extra seat(s) for less and travel with more space, comfort & 10 kg extra baggage allowance. Add Double/Triple Seat Add Double Seat 1 + 1 Seat Select 1 Double Seat 2 Double Seat 3 Double Seat 4 Double Seat Add Triple Seat 1 + 2 Seat Select 1 Triple seats 2 Triple seats 3 Triple seats
• Children (2 to 12 years) Add Double/Triple Seat Add Double Seat 1 + 1 Seat Select 1 Double Seat 2 Double Seat 3 Double Seat 4 Double Seat Add Triple Seat 1 + 2 Seat Select 1 Triple seats 2 Triple seats 3 Triple seats
• Infant(s) (3 days to 2 years)

Select travel dates

Select your nationality.

Citizens of Nepal and Maldives are eligible for tax exemption/reduction, as per applicable laws, on the airfare. In order to avail such tax exemption/reduction, passengers must declare their correct nationality at the time of booking. In case citizens of Nepal or Maldives intend to travel with any foreign nationals, such citizen (passenger) are requested to kindly book tickets for accompanying foreign national (passengers) in a separate PNR/ticket. Once selected, the nationality cannot be changed at any point during the booking process.

Select Departure Airport

Select destination airport.

Navigating the World

Here’s how many bottles of liquor you can carry on India flights

Here’s how many bottles of alcohol you can carry on domestic and international flights

• 1 How much alcohol can I travel with internationally to India?
• 2 Carrying Liquor on International Flights
• 3 How many liquor bottles I can bring from the USA to India
• 4 Carrying Liquor on Indian Domestic Flights
• 5 Popular Alcohol Brands in India
• 6 Tips for Traveling with Alcohol
• 7 Safe Sips: Alcohol Packing Instructions for Flights

Traveling with alcohol , be it for gifting or personal use, is common for many flyers. However, when it comes to flights to and from India, there are specific regulations you need to be aware of. This article provides an overview of the dos and don’ts of carrying liquor on domestic and international flights to India, along with insights into India’s drinking culture and popular alcohol brands.

The rules for carrying liquor vary significantly between domestic and international flights. For domestic flights within India, passengers are generally allowed to carry alcohol in their checked baggage, but there are strict limitations on the quantity, which can vary by airline. It’s crucial to check with the specific airline for their allowances and restrictions.

On international flights, the rules are more lenient. Travelers can carry a higher quantity of alcohol, but it’s essential to be aware of the duty-free limits imposed by Indian customs . Exceeding these limits can result in hefty duties or confiscation of excess bottles.

How much alcohol can I travel with internationally to India?

How much liquor can i carry in international flight to india?

2 liter of Alcoholic Liquor or Wine.

Legally, you’re allowed to bring only 2 liters of alcohol (passengers who are 18 years or older), whether in checked baggage or as carry-on, based on your preference.

If you decide to place it in checked luggage , it implies you’ve purchased it before passing through duty-free and security areas. There’s no problem with this; however, carrying alcohol in your hand luggage is not permitted until you’ve passed security. After security, you can purchase up to 2 liters of alcohol from duty-free shops, which will be handed to you in a sealed plastic bag. This can be carried on board or placed in your cabin luggage.

Be cautious, though: some travelers try to bring two bottles in their checked luggage and purchase an additional two at duty-free, which is illegal and could lead to trouble if discovered. Avoid this practice.

Also, be aware of the risk with checked luggage: it’s handled roughly during loading, unloading, and can be jostled during turbulence. This rough handling increases the risk of bottles getting damaged and leaking, potentially ruining your valuables and clothing.

Carrying Liquor on International Flights

Bringing liquor bottles into India via checked-in luggage is governed by the customs and import policies of the country. These policies are subject to change and may include specific restrictions, so it’s crucial to stay informed by consulting with relevant authorities or checking the latest guidelines from the Indian customs department or your chosen airline.

Generally, Indian customs regulations permit the import of alcoholic beverages for personal consumption, but there are defined limits on the quantity allowed duty-free. These limits can differ based on the type of alcohol, the amount being brought in, and the length of your stay in India. Staying updated with these regulations is essential to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Legally, you’re allowed to bring a maximum of 2 liters of liquor , whether in checked luggage or as a carry-on, based on personal preference.

If you place liquor in your checked luggage, it implies you’ve purchased it before going through duty-free and security checks. It’s important to note that carrying liquor in cabin luggage or hand-held bags is not permitted unless it’s bought at the duty-free shops after security checks. At these shops, you can buy up to 2 liters, which are typically provided in a sealed plastic carry bag, suitable for hand carry or placing in cabin luggage.

However, be cautious. It’s against the law to carry two bottles in checked luggage and then buy an additional two at duty-free. If discovered, this could lead to legal troubles, so it’s best to avoid doing so.

Additionally, there’s a risk involved with placing bottles in checked luggage. Luggage is often handled roughly during loading, unloading, or even in flight turbulence, increasing the chances of bottles breaking and spilling. This could potentially ruin your valuable items and clothing, so it’s something to consider when deciding how to transport your liquor.

The Dos and Don’ts of Traveling With Alcohol

How many liquor bottles I can bring from the USA to India

The quantity of liquor you’re allowed to bring from the USA to India in checked-in luggage is determined by the guidelines set by both countries and the airline you’re traveling with.

As per Indian Customs, individuals aged 18 and over can import up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, including liquor or spirits, as part of their duty-free allowance. Exceeding this limit subjects the extra amount to customs duty and applicable taxes.

It’s crucial to remember that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) places restrictions on transporting liquids, including alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content above 24%, which must be placed in checked luggage due to hazardous material regulations.

Before flying, it’s advisable to consult with your airline for any specific luggage policies regarding alcohol transport from the USA to India. Additionally, checking with Indian Customs for the most current rules can ensure a hassle-free journey .

Carrying Liquor on Indian Domestic Flights

Yes, you are allowed to carry a maximum of 5 liters of alcohol in sealed condition, provided the alcohol content is between 24% and 70%.

This liquor must be placed in checked-in baggage, as it’s not permitted in hand luggage. It’s important to pack the bottles securely to prevent breakage during the transportation of your baggage. Be aware that these rules may differ if you’re flying to dry states such as Gujarat , Jammu & Kashmir, or others. It’s advisable to verify specific regulations with the airline before you travel to ensure compliance with local laws.

Liquids are generally not permitted in cabin baggage on domestic flights within India. However, an exception may be made for connecting flights where you don’t have the opportunity to collect your checked baggage. In such cases, the airline might allow liquids to be carried in the cabin.

Understanding India’s Drinking Culture India’s relationship with alcohol is complex, influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. While traditional liquors made from local ingredients remain popular for special events, the consumption of imported alcoholic brands has seen a significant rise.

Popular Alcohol Brands in India

India has a diverse preference when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Some of the most popular imported brands include:

• Whisky: Chivas Regal, Black Dog, Jack Daniels, The Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich are among the favorites.
• Wine: Jacobs Creek and Moet & Chandon lead in wine imports, followed by brands like Sauvignon and Dom Perignon.
• Scotch: Scottish Leader is noted for being one of the most imported scotch brands.
• Vodka: Absolut and Grey Goose are top choices for vodka enthusiasts.
• Brandy: Hennessey, Remy Martin, and Saint Remy are among the preferred brandy brands.
• Tequila: Popular brands include Sauza, Patron, Camino, and Jose Cuervo.
• Gin: Bombay Sapphire is a leading choice for gin.
• Rum: Bacardi, French Grape spirit, Captain Morgan, and Pot Still are favored rum brands.

Tips for Traveling with Alcohol

Check Airline Policies: Before packing , verify the alcohol carriage policy of the airline you are flying with.

• Understand Duty-Free Allowances: Familiarize yourself with the duty-free alcohol limits for India to avoid extra charges.
• Pack Carefully: Ensure that the alcohol is securely packed to prevent breakage.
• Declare if Necessary: If you’re carrying more than the duty-free allowance, declare it at customs.

Safe Sips: Alcohol Packing Instructions for Flights

When flying with your favorite spirits, the key to a spill-free journey lies in meticulous packing. Start by sealing your alcohol bottle in leak-proof plastic. Embrace it with bubble wrap for robust protection or nestle it inside a towel for snug cushioning. This DIY armor shields against turbulence and rough handling. For an added layer of safety, house the wrapped bottle in the center of your suitcase, cushioned by clothes. Don’t forget to inform the airline staff about the fragile nature of your luggage. Requesting a “Fragile” sticker on your bag signals handlers to treat your treasures with extra care, ensuring your drinks arrive as intended – ready to toast to your travels!

Traveling with alcohol to India requires a good understanding of the rules and regulations . Whether you’re bringing back exotic whiskeys or local wines, it’s essential to adhere to the guidelines set by airlines and customs. With the growing popularity of various international brands in India, travelers have a wide range of options to choose from. Remember to stay informed about the latest regulations and enjoy your journey with your favorite spirits.

Air India Baggage Rules

Justin, a renowned travel writer, captivates with tales from his global adventures. Armed with a knack for journalism, he's renowned for revealing hidden treasures and sharing useful travel advice. His dedication to sustainable travel motivates readers to explore the world with mindfulness.

You might also like

Choosing Your Travel Companion: Hard or Soft Luggage?

Duty Free Liquor: Bargain or Rip-off?

Is It legal to Bring a Kirpan on an Airplane?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Liquids Rule

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

• Medications
• Infant and child nourishments

Inbound International Flights

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:

• The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
• The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
• The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

The items inside the secure, tamper-evident bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

How Hawkins won giant $800m new Auckland Airport domestic terminal contract

Signing the $800 million contract for one of New Zealand’s largest builders to construct Auckland Airport ’s new domestic jet terminal was no grand ceremonial event, with key people gathered in one room.

Murray Robertson , transport and infrastructure chief operating officer for Australia and New Zealand for Downer, which owns Hawkins, told how he went online to sign the deal last week.

“I did it digitally,” the Kiwi said of Friday’s signing.

He described the project as New Zealand’s biggest private infrastructure project and a huge boost to the sector.

Yesterday, Australian-headquartered Downer EDI said its wholly-owned subsidiary Hawkins had been awarded a contract valued at about $800m to do the new domestic jet terminal building works.

Separately, the airport company told the NZX: “Auckland Airport enters into contract with Hawkins to manage the construction and delivery of a new domestic jet terminal building, the major structure in Auckland’s terminal integration programme.”

That integration programme would be an “economic engine”, creating 2500 jobs at peak and supporting many thousands more, particularly in South Auckland.

Chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the building would be beside the airfield, integrated baggage systems and associated facilities that comprise the planned $2.2 billion domestic jet terminal project.

That would provide the essential resilience and capacity needed to support the economy and future of travel, she said.

“Auckland Airport has a long-standing relationship with Hawkins – one of New Zealand’s largest construction companies. We know they have the track record and expertise to successfully deliver such an important aviation asset for New Zealand,” Hurihanganui said.

The airport company also announced a $1.4b capital raise to fund its $6.6b multi-year development plan, including that $2.2b domestic terminal upgrade.

Robertson is based partly at Hawkins’ new offices at 1 O’Rorke Rd, Penrose after it left Parnell.

He told of more than two years of prior engagement with the airport, the two parties nutting out precisely how the 78,000sq m structure would be built.

Downer’s notice to the ASX and NZX yesterday explained that.

“Hawkins has been working collaboratively with Auckland Airport in an early contractor involvement [ECI] phase since February 2022 and is also currently on site delivering an enabling work package for the domestic jet terminal under a separate contract,” that said.

Robertson said today: “That phase helped formulate how the contract would be completed. That helped the airport best position and frame up how they want to deliver it, getting input from us. The value of the ECI is it allows the client to take input in terms of constructability and the practical way of delivering things so they get best bang for buck.”

But it wasn’t just the past two years that were key to the deal.

“We’ve been working with the airport for around 40 years and have a long-standing relationship. This has been a project that is pivotal to the airport and is a turning point for all of Auckland, connecting the domestic and international terminals.”

Craig Trellor, Hawkins’ executive general manager and Terry Buchan, Hawkins’ northern general manager, had also worked closely on the $800m airport contract, Robertson said.

In 2016, Hawkins built Pier B, one of the piers that the planes pull into at the international terminal gateway to the far or Manukau Heads end.

Hawkins announced when it won that project: “The $25.5m Pier B project is the first airport pier that has been specifically designed to accommodate the new generation of giant passenger aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. The building, including links to other parts of the main terminal building, covers roughly 5500sq m and is 145m long, 18m wide.”

Downer said yesterday work on the new $800m project would start this month and was scheduled to be completed by 2029.

Robertson said: “Hundreds of Hawkins staff will work on this. But with subcontractors and suppliers, you’re looking at upwards of 1000 people.”

He is confident subcontractors and staff will be readily available, not because of the economic downturn and less work being available “but because it’s a priority project and an important one for New Zealand subcontractors and our team. People really want to work at the airport so it will attract good people”.

Asked what winning the $800m contract meant for Hawkins, he said: “It’s a pivotal project but we’ve had some very strong projects in the Auckland region. This supports our regional delivery, with the likes of schools and civic buildings nationally. That focus won’t drop but we do recognise a project of this scale provides a real opportunity to put our commitment to leadership and governance. This has to be delivered very well, in collaboration with the New Zealand subcontractors.”

Hawkins and the airport work with the Ara Education Charitable Trust in South Auckland.

Robertson said others engaged to work on the new terminal included consultants Mott McDonald and architects Jasmax and Grimshaw.

The really positive story was that the project would be built by New Zealand contractors, he said.

Asked about Hawkins being owned by listed Australian business Downer, he said: “Hawkins started in Hamilton. It’s run by a Kiwi. I’m a Kiwi. All our subbies are New Zealand-based.”

Downer bought Hawkins for $60.6m from Auckland’s McConnell family in 2017. David McConnell has not worked there since but his sister Nancy McConnell has been a strategic adviser “and remains closely connected to our people”.

Many New Zealand-made materials would be used in the airport’s new building.

“One of the structural steel packages has been let to a New Zealand fabricator but more will be let over time,” Robertson said.

Working in a live environment would be a challenge “but work will be delivered in a cordoned-off area. There will be a big focus on safety and management of materials and people coming in and out of the site. We do recognise how important the site is. The ongoing operations of the airport have to come first and foremost”.

Downer New Zealand’s annual report to June 30, 2023 showed it generated revenue via Hawkins and others subsidiaries here of $2.3b, up on the $1.8b the previous year.

But expenses rose from $1.8b to $2.3b – one of the reasons its profit dropped from $37.5m to $18.6m.

Auckland Airport shares are in a trading halt till tomorrow, due to the capital raise.

They were trading around $7.54, giving a market cap of $11.1b.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald ’s property editor for 24 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.

Latest from Business

Bezos plots gps rival as putin menaces satellite systems, former heartland bank employee accused of insider trading, mortgage battle continues as kiwibank cuts home loan rates, tackling nz’s food waste problem.

Telegraph: Tech giant's Project Kuiper will compete against Elon Musk's Starlink, too.

TikTok warns of ‘staggering’ consequences from US divest-or-ban law

Persistent scammers use rapport to bait Kiwi businesses

• South Africa
• Nagorno Karabakh
• Cook Island
• Easter Island
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• Northern Macedonia
• Transnistria
• Privacy policy

North Ossetia – Birthplace of Mystical Alania

Snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, popular shrines of traditional Ossetian religion, ancient watch tower, Dargvas, the city of dead and the most pleasant capital Vladikavkaz. Yes, rattling off all of North Ossetia’s wonders leaves you breathless, like the natural beauty of this Russian Republic. The place breathes history . Starting with the Alans, ancient warriors of the Caucasus region to World War II, when the Germany attempt to grab the oilfields of the Caucasus region was stopped right there.

Ossetian countryside with an ancient watchtower, so typical for the Caucasus region

Vladikavkaz- Ruler of the Caucasus North Ossetia

It took me a while to pronounce the name of North Ossetia’s lovely capital Vladikavkaz  without difficulty. Only when a local explained its meaning „Ruler of the Caucasus “ , it rolled from my lips like honey . Founded in 1784 as a Russian fortress, it control led the only road linking Russia and Georgia at that time . I am not ashamed to admit that I had not heard of this town before I decided to do this trip. This city is only a two hours flight from Moscow and served as my jumping board for all onward travel.

Approaching Vladikavkaz by plane

The Saint Petersburg of the Cauacus

Vladikavkaz rightly prides itself of this title. T he streets of the Old City are lined with late grand 19th and early 20th century houses built for Russian army officers and merchants. I spent the hot parts of the days in Kosta Khetagurov Park

and strolled the banks of   River Terek in the evening , I visited picturesque churches and the most beautiful Mukhtarov Mosque .

Mukhtarov Mosque on the Banks of the River Terek

It sits right on the river and I first thought it was a church, since I had never before seen a mosque made of brick stones. I was invited inside by the caretaker , only when I saw the carpet after entering, I realized where I was . Arriving so totally unprepared without a headscarf and short sleeves irritated some men and I spent less time there than I would have liked.

Prospekt Mira (Peace Avenue) with ist 19th century houses

When I got tired of walking Vladikavkaz I hoped on a tram and enjoyed the quiet pace of provincial life from this perspective. Another highlight was watching families in the amusement park overlooking the river . Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. I watched life go by sitting on a tree-covered bench on car-free Prospekt Mira (Avenue of Peace), visited museums or hang out in cafes. Night life was not always, but sometimes is was great. Unforgettable a bar packed with young people, a small band was playing and a local celebrity grabbed the mike. A group of young ladies took me under their wings, and I left with cherished memories.

Vladikavkaz’s nightlife, great music and lovely people

The other must visit is a Retro USSR bar which has been operating for 100 years . People squash into small cubicles holding large mugs of beer that have to be picked up at the counter. Our little group was such a novelty that the regulars keep buying us so many drinks that we could not possible down them all.

Retro USSR bar, locals bought us so much beer we had to pass it on  

Hotel Vladikavkaz- great for people watching

The best place to view the snow-covered mountain peaks surrounding Vladikavkaz was from the Old Bridge or my room at Hotel Vladikavkaz , which was also overlooking Terek R iver and the amusement park . My most exciting moments on my balcony were the arrivals of weeding parties , which was quite a commotion.

Wedding Party arriving a Hotel Vladikavkaz

The convoy of expensive cars could be heard long before they pulled into the parking lots. The honking was deafening once they arrived, young beautiful women and middle aged men were then ushered into the hotel by friends and family clapping and singing. Once I sneaked into one of the posh parties, the noise of the music was earsplitting, and I was not sure if it was that much fun for most of the guests.

The location of the hotel is awesome and its veranda a place to linger forever (great WIFI) and do some serious people watching.

View from my hotel window, amusement park near River Terek

Caucasus wrestlers

Wrestling has a long tradition in the Caucasian Republics of Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Each has its own statistics that make it the number 1! By pure accident I learned that Vladikavkaz has a famous state-of-the-art wrestling academy. Nothing would have stopped me from visiting. I enjoyed an English-speaking tour through the premises, gyms, top equipment, sauna, pool. The academy hosts teams from all over the world also the USA, the fee is € 50 a day and kids a young as 9 years old start their training here. 

Wrestling Academy Vladikavkaz

Unfortunately, there was no training session while I visited, only a kind of rugby baske t ball match . Life in the region comes to a stand-still, when two champions fight each other in a tournament, especially if it one of them is American.

Wrestling Academy in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz and the Caucasus in World War II  

On the outskirts of Vladikavkaz a memorial reminds of the Russian soldiers fallen in the battle of Vladikavkaz. Right beside the memorial is a huge mass grave, it was exactly here where the Germany army was stopped in the Caucaus . Hitler’s focus was on the rich oilfields of the Caucasus, which ironically supplied the German tanks and plane with fuel between 1939 and 1941. Before Hitler’s invasion of the USSR, Germany received 910.000 tons of oil from Stalin’s USSR, which made the quick advance of the German army and the use of its plane possible.

Words War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz, the front line was right there, this is how far the Germany army advanced

World War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz

Dargavs – The City of the Dead

A grassy hill dotted with little white huts was my first view of Dargavs. The two-hour drive from Vladikavkaz (US30 for the taxi) took me through stunning scenery, snow—capped mountains, greens meadows. Of course, I had prepared myself for this excursion, but I was still overwhelmed by this necropolis. A total of 95 stone crypts rise up the hillside in a very organized manner.  At the back of the complex is a watch tower whose top part has been destroyed. It is said that the tower was placed there to watch over the resting souls.

City of Dead, Dargavs 35 little crypts perched on a h ill

The tombs themselves are shaped like huts with curved roofs going inwards in steps and pointed peaks at the top, typical of Nakh architecture. If there is no pointed peak that means the family had no more surviving sun. The crypts tell even more about a family, the higher they were, the higher was their social status. The really big ones held up to 100 corpses.

City of Dead- Dargavs

The bodies were put in what looked little small canoes and shoved into the tiny opening. In some of the crypts you could peak through tiny openings and see the bones, some even wrapped in fabrics. I was told that until not too long ago the corpses wore rings and necklaces. Unbelievable, but recently visitors lost the respect for the dead and stole these precious bits, so the remaining jewelry was taken to a nearby museum. Actually, the site was closed down two months before my arrival, since visitors took photos of themselves with skulls. Only recently had it reopened.

Body were shoved into the structure in small wooden canoe-like coffins

The drive back to Vladikavkaz was equally spectacular, first through a small gorge following a river and then up an unpaved road with stunning vista of snowcapped mountains.

Ossetia’s countryside

Here in Dargavs I learned there were different types towers: Signal towers were high up in mountain and narrow. Towers served also as fortresses when under attack, they were wider and had up to three floors, since people found shelter there. Also amazing the time span they were being built, starting in the 5th century BC till 18th Century

Modern Monaster ies, Medieval R ock- F ortress and Pagan Saints

Not too far from Vladikavkaz is Fiagdon Monastery, an all-male monastery, which was only completed 2002. The monks collect herbs for making tea and produce cheese and honey. It looks way to modern but since I passed by I stopped to take a look.

our little gang that went to South and North Ossetia together

Much more interesting was the Medieval rock-fortress in the village of Dzivgis , which I would not have recognized as such, since it blends perfectly into the high cliff it was built in. In case of an attack the population of the whole gorge could find protection there.

Medival fortress

The Uastyrdzhi monument  catches the unknow traveler by surprise. In Ossetian folklore Uastyrdzhi   is the name of Saint George. He is the patron of the male sex and travellers. It is forbidden for women to pronounce his name, instead they must call him  “the saint of men”. When following the Ossetian Military Road along the River Ardon, it suddenly pops out of the rock. The horse’s hoof is 120 cm, and the palm of George can fit a man. But that is not all. Another place where he is worshipped looks like a church, especially since two small bells hung from a pole right next to it. The story goes that the people kept the bell but also their ancient belief. Since the end of the USSR the cult of Uastyrdzhi has enjoyed renewed popularity.

Uastyrdzhi Memorial = the name of Saint George.

Every year in fall lots of people gather for a big festival to celebrate Uastyrdzhi. The worshipping involved toasts made by an elderly from a wooden mug, who is assisted by two young men. Inside the small museum was a big painting of the very man with a long white beard riding a white horse, the mug and a chain hanging from the ceiling, so typcial for Ossetia.

Inside little museum where Uastyrdzhi is being worshipped

Three Days of September 2004 – The Siege of Beslan School Nr 1

Beslan is a small quiet town in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus . Its streets are lined with brick-stone houses shaded by chestnut-trees, well-tended flower gardens adorn the front and vegetable gardens the back. Beslan could serve as a cliché-like model for a pastoral painting, if there had not been those 3 days in September 2004. On September 1st, t he gym of Beslan ’ s School Nr 1 became the epicenter of the hostage taking that resulted in the death of 335 mostly women and children three days later .

The former gym of Beslan School Nr 1, now a memorial to remind the 335 victims that were kept there for three days with water and food

In Beslan neighbors, family and friends sit outside their houses, chat and a random car or person go by. Children play in the street and a stranger like me walking by causes attention. When I took photos of the flower gardens, some locals were so touched, they took me inside to show me the gardens behind, I was offered food, teach and sweets. 

Beslan: beautiful flower gardens in front of the houses

Local family invited me for lunch and showed off their garden

I stayed with a family who fed me during my three day stay since I could not detect any eatery. The woman had learned some basic English and with google translator we managed to communicate.

Natascha cooking in the super hot little kitchen

Tiny tables, require creativity, stool goes sideways

On September 1 st , 2004, n eatly dressed children with balloons and flowers arrived for the traditional first day-of-school ceremony accompanied by parents and relative s . This moment of joy and happiness suddenly turned into a unparallel ed drama that lasted for three day:  more than 1100 children, parents and teachers were taken hostage by a terrorist group demanding independence for Chechnya.

Water bottled remind of the relentless thirst the children and adults suffered from

Forced into the gym where temperatures reached 40 degrees, the hostages were denied water and food, while the over 30 terrorists planted bombs all over the building. On the third day in an abysmal chaos of explosions, fire and gunshots 335 people were killed. In the video „The Children of Beslan“ children who survived remember those three days, the best documentary in my eyes. Unfiltered, the children talk about what seems unspeakable.

The former gym of Beslan school Nr 1.

In the few sequences of the video that show the end of the siege, even the most uninformed viewer immediately realizes the absolute chaos that dominated the event. To this day, countless questions of the parents have remained unanswered.

Photos of the victims on the wall of the Former gym, most of them children, give the horrid numbers a face

The victims were buried in a new cemetery a bit outside of Beslan, all the tomb stone are made of the same stone, symbolizing the same tragic fate. I passed one grave with five tomb stones, all members of the same family. It is impossible to comprehend the grief and pain that still haunts Beslan.

Another tragic story of is the one of Vitaly Kaloyev , an architect and native of Vladikavkaz. He lost lost his wife and two small children when  two planes collided mid-air over Germany on June 1, 2002. Kaloyev held Peter Nielsen, the sole air traffic controller in Switzerland who was handling traffic the night of the collision, responsible. In 2004, Kaloyev travelled to the Swiss  town of Knoten where he killed Nielsen, who had since retired from air traffic work.

Later, after his release from prison, Kaloyev was appointed deputy minister of construction of North Ossetia-Alania . In 2016, upon retirement from the local Ossetian government, Kaloyev was awarded the highest regional medal by that government, the medal “To the Glory of Ossetia”. The medal is awarded for the highest achievements, improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the region, for educating the younger generation and maintaining law and order.

Vital Kaloyev touching the grave of his wife and two children

Share with:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Beslan , Dargavs , Fiagdon Monastery , Mukhtarov Mosque; Vladikavkaz , Uastyrdzhi , Vladikavkaz , Wrestling Academy

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz travel guide.

• 2. Architecture
• 3. Museums and Theaters
• 4. Outdoor Attractions
• 5. Souvenirs

Hospitable and sunny Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, captures the heart with its colorful mountain landscapes, historic architecture, kind residents and vibrant local culture.

The city is located on the banks of the Terek River and is almost completely surrounded by mountains which, along with unique Northern Caucasian architecture, make this urban landscape rather irresistible. Upon arrival, luxurious mansions, unusual architecture, parks, museums, theaters, retro trams and cozy eateries serving famous Ossetian meat pies all clamber for visitors’ attention, often pulling them back for further visits.

As the largest city in Russia’s southern Caucasus, Vladikavkaz is the start and ending point for many regional tourist routes, so after enjoying the city sites be sure to continue onward to the surrounding natural attractions .

History of Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz Fortress was built in 1784 to provide protection for the Russian Empire along its southern border with Georgia. The name Vladikavkaz means “I own the Caucasus” and was chosen by Catherine the Great after the Russian Empire extended its power into the region. The fort served a vital protective role for many years even as wealthy merchants and retirees began investing in the region’s development, and in 1860 Vladikavkaz attained the status of city. Later in the 19th century, newly laid rail lines in the region led to an economic boom and to an influx of ethnic minorities whose diverse houses of worship and unique architecture can still be seen in the city today.

Vladikavkaz was awarded the title of City of Military Glory after successfully fighting off invading Nazis in World War II. Today it remains an ethnically diverse city with hundreds of Art Noveau and historic buildings. Although no longer a military outpost, Vladikavkaz remains a soulful city with a rich cultural life . Read more...

Vladikavkaz Architecture

The city of Vladikavkaz is famous for its architecture, and for good reason. The city grew rapidly between the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century due to the influx of high-ranking retired military personnel who built mansions and summer houses with their hefty pensions. It is believed that the presence of around 75 such individuals led to Vladikavkaz’s historic nickname "City of retired generals".

Today the historic city center is a chain of cozy avenues lined with many of these elegant mansions.

Prospekt Mira

Prospekt Mira (Mira Avenue) in Vladikavkaz is a kilometer-long boulevard which serves as the main pedestrian thoroughfare for the historic city center. It promises a pleasant walk amid slender two- and three-story merchants’ mansions, inviting coffee shops and other convenient photo opps.

Mukhtarov Mosque

Mukhtarov Mosque , also called Sunni Mosque, is an unmistakable landmark of Vladikavkaz. This delicately carved structure appears to have been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale and is often likened to Cairo mosques of the 10th-12th centuries. Built in the early 20th century, it remains an active mosque to this day.

Imperial Hotel

The main hotel in Vladikavkaz, Imperial Hotel on Mira Avenue has long been a city symbol. The fashionable accommodation was built in 1896, and although there were already 16 hotels in Vladikavkaz at the time, it quickly rose to prominence as the hotel of choice for the city’s most honored guests.

Other famous buildings in central Vladikavkaz include:

• Oganov Mansion (12 Mira Avenue)
• Mansion of the Lawyer Boehme (Pavlovsky Lane)
• Yastremsky Mansion (33 Sovetov Street)
• Khudyakovs’ Mansion (11 Mira Avenue)
• English Consulate Building (31 Lenin Street)

As you walk through the center of Vladikavkaz, you cannot miss these unique Northern Caucasian structures which preserve the memory of a bygone era .

Museums and Theaters

Many travelers who come to North Ossetia either visit Vladikavkaz in transit or skip it altogether in their rush to reach the Caucasus Mountains. However, it is here that life can be experienced in full swing and many options for leisurely activities can be found. Museums, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, parks and family entertainment venue all await you in Vladikavkaz.

At Opera and Ballet Theater , one of the largest musical theaters in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, you can enjoy quality opera and ballet performances by professional dancers, singers and musicians.

Vakhtangov Theater is another large public theater that offers performances for both adult audiences and young viewers. The theater opened in 1871 to host performances produced by outstanding Russian playwrights, including an early performance of "Masquerade" by Mikhail Lermontov. Mikhail Bulgakov staged his earliest plays at Vakhtangov Theater, which regularly hosts renowned Russian actors and theatrical figures to this day.

Narty Horse Theater offers highly unusual performances which combine elements of choreography and circus art subtly interwoven with a dramatic plot. This performance will definitely appeal to family members of all ages!

At the North Ossetian Philharmonic , exemplary performances by an all-male choir are held regularly.

National Museum of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is a museum, research center and exhibition complex with several branches, the main one of which is located in the city center at 11 Mira Avenue. Come get acquainted with a variety of historical findings which date back centuries. In total, the museum complex houses more than 4,000 exhibits which shed light on the history of the region and the peculiarities of the local culture.

M. S. Tuganov Art Museum , located at 12 Mira Avenue next to National Museum of the Republic, has amassed a large collection of works of fine art, including pieces by Levitan, Aivazovsky, Repin, Bryullov, Vereshchagin, Shishkin, Korovin and other acclaimed artists.

21st-Century Entertainment

As in any other major city in Russia, Vladikavkaz is home to a whole host of modern entertainment venues, including quests, laser clubs, time cafes and more .

Outdoor Vladikavkaz Attractions

While there are plenty of manmade attractions to see in Vladikavkaz, outdoor adventures also await travelers, both beyond city limits and even before you depart the mountain metropolis.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain , which at 3000 meters is the highest ridge in the Caucasus, rises above Vladikavkaz as an unmistakable feature of its natural landscape. Table Mountain is depicted on the coat of arms of both the Republic of Ingushetia and Vladikavkaz, for it is located on the border between the two entities. Due in part to the 4th-8th century ruins located on Table Mountain, North Caucasus residents have long viewed it as symbolic of Olympus.

Kosta Khetagurov Park

Kosta Khetagurov Park , the oldest park in the entire North Caucasus, consists of upper and lower terraces along the Terek River, shady pathways which provide welcome relief in the summer heat and a calming lake populated with swans. Cafes, boat rides and other entertainment options combine to create a fun and restful atmosphere .

Vladikavkaz Souvenirs

Like the rest of the Caucasus, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania offers guests an exquisite array of gifts so you can carry the memory of a Vladikavkaz vacation home with you.

Among the most popular gifts are wine vessels in the shape of a horn, which often include an engraving on a metal border and may be either decorative or unpainted. Dishes, coasters, potholders, fragrant spices and delicious local pies are also popular souvenir choices from Vladikavkaz.

Specialty gifts for men include leather belts, wallets and decorative metal plates, all of which are made with embossed patterns, ornamentation or symbols of the republic such as horfreses, leopards, deer or double-headed eagles.

Women can be presented with openwork earrings, bracelets, pendants, combs and hair clips made of wood, as well as textiles or wool shawls in colorful oriental patterns. Ceramic products suitable for everyday use include coffee cups, small teapots, serving bowls and elegant jugs adorned with national motifs.

National costumes for both genders reflect the vibrancy of the North Caucasian culture of Vladikavkaz and can make an excellent souvenir for relatives and friends.

Attractions

Miscellaneous.