When packing alcohol for airline travel, you must meet certain rules and regulations or your items will be confiscated. As of June 2011, the TSA states that passengers may take alcoholic beverages with a maximum of 70 percent alcohol content or 140 proof in checked baggage. You cannot take beverages exceeding 95 percent grain alcohol or more than 150 proof rum. Up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content of 24 to 70 percent per individual is allowed. The alcohol must be packaged in a sealed bottle or flask.
Alcoholic beverages of up to one liter may pass through customs if you are at least 21 years old and if the alcohol is intended for personal use or as a gift, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. State laws also apply, so check with the regulations of the state in which you will arrive. If you want to bring more than one liter of alcohol, you will be charged with duty and Internal Revenue Service tax.
If you purchase alcohol or liquor products at the airport after passing through the security checkpoint, you may check it in or bring it in carry-on baggage if it adheres to your airline guidelines. Delta Airlines allows up to five liters of alcohol per passenger if the alcohol content is between 48 and 140 proof. Alcohol under 48 proof is permitted because it is not considered high-risk.
The alcohol must be sealed and contained in its original packaging to pass through inspection. Alcohol in opened containers or in replacement containers may be rejected. The airport makes packaging materials available such as bubble wrap and packaging tape, or you can wrap the bottles with old newspapers to protect the glass from shattering. Place the bottles in the middle of your luggage and wrap the cushioned bottles in plastic bags for added enclosure and extra protection against leaks. Declare the alcohol in your luggage and place in separate inspection bins on the conveyor belt to avoid delays. Refer to your airline policy in case of specific packaging requirements.
