Since we are in the full swing of summer vacation season, I thought this may be a great time to review the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines regarding traveling with alcohol.

Carry On Rules

Surprisingly, and most folks are not aware of this, alcohol is allowed. But the limitations are 100 ml and one bag per passenger. But be aware-you cannot drink your own alcohol that you bring on a flight. Those who refuse to comply could face upward of a $40,000.00 fine. Drinks must be served by a flight attendant.  And don’t bother asking them to serve what you brought on.  They will not. And folks, let’s not make their job any harder than it already is. With airport bars, and over drinking during flight delays, some are boarding the aircraft a bit “pickled” as it already is. I travel a great deal.  I’ve seen it all and unruliness seems to be on the upswing. The FAA is as clear as a bottle of cheap tequila on this.  

Checked Baggage

On your trip you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to grab a destination bottle of whiskey from a distillery or a nice bottle of wine from a vineyard.  They make great souvenirs. But there’s more to traveling with these than just sticking them in your carry-on bag.  In fact, the FAA is very clear on their rules. Per the TSA, alcoholic beverages with less than 140% proof alcohol (70% alcohol by volume-ABV) are limited in checked baggage to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger.  They must be in unopened retail packaging.  So do not bring that half bottle of whiskey you have in your cabinet.  And that 151-proof rum you may have scored in Puerto Rico or Jamaica is not allowed and will be confiscated.  They consider this a hazmat level. Now, mini bottles are fine but must fit into a clear quart sized bag.

Shipping Bottles

Also, as an option, if you have multiple bottles and no luggage space, consider taking a risk and send your bottles back home via FedEx or UPS.  Now they are limited in only sending alcohol by licensed dealers but there is a way around this.  Just go to your local Wal Mart for a box, bubble wrap and packaging tape. Pack that box tight with no space in it.  I’ve used towels, blue jeans, T-Shirts, etc.…to pack it tight.  Seal the box yourself before you take it to the counter and tell them, if asked, it’s olive oil, maple syrup, or household goods. Most likely, they’ll take your money but you’re on your own if there is damage.  I’ve done this many times on the road and I’ve had a 100% success rate.  I even buy a box of Mike and Ike’s and throw it in there to camouflage the liquid sounds.  It works.  But there is NO guarantee.

Knowing the rules and planning ahead can save you a lot of time and grief.  No one wants to be sent back to the ticket counter after waiting your lengthy turn in the security line.

Have you ever grabbed a great bottle while on vacation?  I’d love to hear about it, especially if there’s an interesting back story attached to it.

Here’s hoping your vacation this year is a memorable one.

 Travel safe.