How Many Bottles of Wine Can I Carry on a Plane? – Here’s Your Answer

Dreaming of jet-setting to a picturesque vineyard or longing to bring home a bottle of your favourite wine as a souvenir? If you’re wondering just how many bottles of wine can I carry on a plane, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing question and shed light on the guidelines, policies, and considerations surrounding this topic.

So, raise your glass and join us as we uncork the answers and set you on a path to enjoy your cherished bottles of wine wherever your travels may take you.

Cheers to a delightful and hassle-free wine experience at 30,000 feet!

How Many Bottles of Wine Can I Carry on A Plane?

You’re limited to 5 litres of alcohol between 24%-70% ABV or 48 – 140 proof, which means that you can bring a maximum of 2 bottles on the plane. 

But you need to check the airline rules you want to fly to have insightful information. Because Airline policies vary, and each airline may have its own guidelines for carrying wine.

Some airlines may allow one or two bottles of wine per passenger in their carry-on baggage, while others may have restrictions or prohibit carrying wine in the cabin altogether.

It is essential to check the policies of the airline you’re flying with to ensure compliance and avoid any issues at the airport.

If you wish to bring more than the allowed number of wine bottles, you will need to pack them securely in your checked luggage.

Ensure they are well-protected to prevent breakage during transit. Utilizing techniques like bubble wrap, specialized wine bottle protectors, or wine bottle sleeves can help safeguard the bottles.

When traveling internationally, it’s important to consider customs regulations and any limitations on alcohol importation in the destination country.

Research the specific guidelines and restrictions to ensure a smooth process through customs and avoid any potential fees or complications.

Policies Among Different Airlines

Here are some general rules and guidelines for popular airlines when customers fly with wine:

1. Delta Airline

According to the Delta Airlines Alcohol Transportation Guidelines, you may bring 2 bottles of alcohol in carry-on or checked luggage.

2. Western Airlines 

Passengers may bring up to 2 bottles of wine per person in checked luggage as long as it is properly wrapped and bears the original labels. 

3. Alaska Airlines

According to the Alaska Airlines Alcohol Rules, if the ABV is 24% or more, Alaska Airlines limits passengers to 2 bottles of wine; however, there is no limit on the amount of wine per person in checked luggage, provided it is wrapped securely. 

4. American Airlines 

It limits passengers to 2 bottles of wine with an ABV of above 24%; however, since wines have an ABV below 24%, there is no restriction.

The amount of wine that each traveler may bring on board in carry-on luggage or checked luggage is listed in the table below. Every airline forbids the carriage of liquids in carry-on bags that are more than 100ml, including wine. 

Airline	Carry-On	Checked Bag	ABV
Delta Airlines	Not Permitted	Unlimited	Up to 24%
Southwest Airlines	Not Permitted	Unlimited	Up to 24%
Alaska Airlines	Not Permitted	Unlimited	Up to 24%
American Airlines	Not Permitted	Unlimited	Up to 24%

Packing and Protecting Wine Bottles

1. Tips on securely packing wine bottles to prevent breakage during transit

When it comes to securely packing wine bottles to prevent breakage during transit, here are some tips that can help:

1. Wrap Each Bottle: Start by wrapping each wine bottle individually with bubble wrap. This provides a protective cushioning layer to absorb any impact.
2. Use Wine Bottle Protectors: Consider using specialized wine bottle protectors or inflatable wine sleeves. These provide additional padding and support to safeguard the bottles during transportation. Simply slide the bottle into the protector and secure it.
3. Reinforce with Cardboard Dividers: Place the wrapped wine bottles inside a sturdy cardboard box. To further protect them, insert cardboard dividers between the bottles to create individual compartments. This helps prevent bottles from knocking against each other.
4. Fill Empty Spaces: Fill any remaining gaps or empty spaces in the box with additional cushioning material, such as packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. This ensures that the bottles are snugly held in place and minimizes movement.
5. Seal and Label the Box: Once the box is packed, securely seal it with strong packing tape. Additionally, label the box as “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” to alert handlers to its delicate contents.
6. Consider Wine Shipping Services: If you frequently ship wine bottles or have a larger quantity to transport, consider using professional wine shipping services. These services specialize in packing and shipping wine bottles, ensuring they are well-protected throughout the journey.

Remember, it’s important to check with the specific carrier or shipping service provider for any additional guidelines or restrictions they may have regarding shipping alcoholic beverages.

By using bubble wrap, specialized wine bottle protectors, or wine bottle sleeves, you can help ensure that your wine bottles arrive at their destination intact and ready to be enjoyed.

2. Using bubble wrap, specialized wine bottle protectors, or wine bottle sleeves

When packing wine bottles for transit, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent breakage. Here are some options to consider for securely packing and protecting wine bottles:

1. Bubble Wrap: Wrap each wine bottle with several layers of bubble wrap. Start from the base of the bottle and work your way up, ensuring that the entire bottle is covered. Secure the bubble wrap with tape to keep it in place.
2. Specialized Wine Bottle Protectors: Invest in specialized wine bottle protectors, which are designed specifically for shipping wine bottles. These protectors provide a snug fit and have built-in padding to absorb shocks and impacts during transit. Simply slide the bottle into the protector and seal it.
3. Wine Bottle Sleeves: Wine bottle sleeves are another effective option for protecting wine bottles. These sleeves are made of durable materials like neoprene or fabric and feature cushioning inserts to safeguard the bottles. They provide an extra layer of insulation and protection.
4. Wine Shipping Boxes: Consider using wine shipping boxes, which are designed to securely hold multiple wine bottles. These boxes often come with built-in dividers or foam inserts to keep the bottles separate and prevent them from knocking into each other. Wine shipping boxes are sturdy and provide reliable protection during transit.
5. Styrofoam Wine Shippers: Styrofoam wine shippers are specifically designed to protect wine bottles during shipping. These containers have individual compartments that hold each bottle securely in place, surrounded by thick foam insulation. They offer excellent protection against impact and temperature fluctuations.

Remember to pack the wine bottles snugly in the shipping container to minimize movement. Fill any empty spaces with packing material, such as packing peanuts or crumpled paper, to provide additional cushioning.

By using bubble wrap, specialized wine bottle protectors, or wine bottle sleeves, you can significantly reduce the risk of breakage and ensure that your wine bottles arrive safely at their destination.

See More:

• Does Red Wine Get You Drunk Faster Than White Wine?
• Top 7+ White Wine That Is Not Sweet You Must Try Once in Your Life
• How To Dry A Wine Decanter? A Detailed Step by Step Instruction

Some Rules You Need to Know When Carrying on Plane

1. Packing Wine in Checked Luggage

As long as you adhere to the instructions below, you can pack wine bottles for your flight in a checked bag with confidence. The TSA will permit you to check a bottle of wine, but the conditions depend on how much alcohol is in the wine.

• On domestic flights within the United States, alcoholic beverages having a proof percentage of greater than 70% are not permitted.
• As long as it is in its original retail packaging and has an alcohol content (ABV) between 24 and 70%, there is no restriction on how much alcohol you can check. Any wine or alcoholic beverage with an ABV of less than 24 percent may be brought on board.
• The bulk of wine, which is categorized as light wine, has an ABV of between 11 and 14.
• Again, whether it’s in your carry-on or checked bag, you must be at least 21 years old to consume any alcoholic beverages on a flight.
• Since they might have extra requirements not listed by TSA, check with your airline first.

2. Transporting wine carrying-on luggage

Carry-on passengers must limit the amount of liquids in their bags and are subject to random testing at security checkpoints. The 3-1-1 policy applies to liquids in general, including wine. There is a volume limit of 3.4 oz (100 ml) for liquids. All of these travel-size bottles can fit in a quart-sized bag. Per passenger, there is a quart-sized luggage restriction.

Despite its conventional moniker, the toiletry bag is permitted to contain alcohol as long as its ABV is under 70%. As a result, you are allowed to bring wine in carry-on luggage in containers no bigger than 3.4 oz. However, it is against the law to serve your wine aboard an airline due to FAA regulations, and the consequent fines can be rather significant.

How Many Taxes You Must Pay When Carrying Wine on A Plane?

The amount of taxes you need to pay when carrying wine on a plane can vary depending on several factors, including the country you are departing from and the country you are arriving in. Here are some key points to consider:

• Duty-Free Allowances: Many countries have duty-free allowances for alcohol, which allow you to bring in a certain quantity without paying taxes or duties. If you stay within these limits, you may not have to pay any additional taxes.
• Exceeding Allowances: If you exceed the duty-free allowances or personal use limits, you may be required to pay taxes or customs duties on the excess wine bottles. The amount of taxes or duties can vary depending on the specific country’s regulations and the quantity of wine you are carrying.
• Calculation of Taxes: The calculation of taxes or duties can be based on various factors, such as the quantity or volume of wine, the alcohol content, and the value of the wine. Some countries may have a flat tax rate, while others may have a percentage-based tax.
• Declaring and Paying Taxes: It is essential to accurately declare the wine you are carrying and pay any applicable taxes or duties when going through customs. Failure to do so may result in penalties or confiscation of the wine bottles.

Note: An overview of the alcohol restrictions and related tariffs and taxes for each country can be seen below:

Country	Alcohol Type	Duty-Free Limit	Duty & Tax Above Duty-Free Limit	Total Limit
USA	Wine	1 Liter (34 o.z)	$0.35-$2 / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	1 Liter (34 o.z)	$1-$3 / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	1 Liter (34 o.z)	$0.35-$1 / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	1 Liter (34 o.z)	$2-$3 / bottle	5 Liters
Canada
Alberta	Wine	1.5 Litres	$2.50 / bottle	45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles)
	Sparkling	1.5 Litres	$3.75 / bottle	45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles)
	Beer	8.5 Litres	$0.34 / Litre	45.45 Litres
	Spirits	1.14 Litres	$5.00 / Litre	5 Litres
BC	Wine	1.5 Litres	85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle	45 Litres (60x750ml bottles)
	Sparkling	1.5 Litres	85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle	45 Litre (60x750ml bottles)
	Beer	8.5 Litres	55% min $1.13 / Litre	45 Litres (any type)
	Spirits	1.14 Litres	150% min $13.19/Litre max $40/Litre	5 Litres
Ontario	Wine	1.5 Litres	39.6% of pre-VAT value	45 Litres (60x750ml bottles)
	Sparkling	1.5 Litres	39.6% of pre-VAT value	45 Litres (60x750ml bottles)
	Beer	8.5 Litres	$0.676 / Litre	45 Litres (any type)
	Spirits	1.14 Litres	59.9% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres
Quebec	Wine	1.5 Litres	66% of pre-VAT value	10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ
	Sparkling	1.5 Litres	72% of pre-VAT value	10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ
	Beer	8.5 Litres	$0.40 / Litre	17.5 Litres without going through SAQ
	Spirits	1.14 Litres	124% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres without going through SAQ
Australia	Wine	2.25 Litres	49% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	2.25 Litres	49% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	2.25 Litres	49% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	2.25 Litres	49% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres
Brazil	Wine	12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value	50% of excess value above $500USD	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value	50% of excess value above $500USD	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	12 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value)	50% of excess value above $500USD	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	5 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value)	50% of excess value above $500USD	5 Litres
China	Wine	1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol	50% of pre-VAT value after duty-free limit	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol	50% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	unlimited, if below 12% alcohol	none; part of your overall duty-free import limit	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	1.5 Litres (if above 12% alcohol)	50% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres
Hong Kong	Wine	unlimited	unlimited	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	unlimited	unlimited	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	unlimited	unlimited	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	1 Litre (if above 30% alcohol)	23 HKD / litre	5 Litres
Japan	Wine	2.25L (3x750ml bottles)	150yen per bottle (750ml)	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	2.25L (3x750ml bottles)	150yen per bottle (750ml)	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	2.25L	150yen per bottle (750ml)	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	2.25L	225-450yen per bottle (750ml)	5 Litres
New Zealand	Wine	4.5L	$2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml)	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	4.5L	$2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml)	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	4.5L	$1.4 NZD per litre	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	3 bottles, each up to 1.125 Litres	$51.8 NZD per litre of % alcohol	5 Litres
Norway	Wine	up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods	NOK 45 / bottle	27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration
	Sparkling	up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods	NOK 45 / bottle	27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration
	Beer	up to 5 Litres (if not combined with other excise goods)	NOK 20 / litre	27 Litres (for simplified customs declaration)
	Spirits	1 Litre	NOK 115-325 / litre	4 Litres (for simplified customs declaration)
Mexico	Wine	6 Litres (8x750ml bottles)	90% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	6 Litres (8x750ml bottles)	90% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	6 Litres	90% of pre-VAT value	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	3 Litres	90% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres
Singapore	Wine	2 Litres (3x750ml bottles)	S$88 per litre of % alcohol	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	2 Litres (3x750ml bottles)	S$88 per litre of % alcohol	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	2 Litres	S$76 per litre of % alcohol	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	1 Litre	S$88 per litre of % alcohol	5 Litres
South Africa	Wine	2 Litres (3x750ml bottles)	20% of pre-VAT value	20000 ZAR (1800€)
	Sparkling	2 Litres (3x750ml bottles)	20% of pre-VAT value	20000 ZAR (1800€)
	Beer	2 Litres	20% of pre-VAT value	20000 ZAR (1800€)
	Spirits	1 Litre	20% of pre-VAT value	5 Litres / 20000 ZAR (1800€)
Switzerland	Wine	5 Litres (7x750ml bottles)	2 CHF / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	5 Litres (7x750ml bottles)	2 CHF / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	5 Litres	2 CHF / bottle	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	1 Litre	15 CHF / Litre	5 Litres
Within EU	Wine	90 Litres	tax varies by EU country	none as long as for personal use
	Sparkling	90 Litres	tax varies by EU country	none as long as for personal use
	Beer	110 Litres	tax varies by EU country	none as long as for personal use
	Spirits	10 Litres	tax varies by EU country	10 Litres

 

When travelling, can wine freeze?

No, unless you’re travelling somewhere that gets very cold. The wine’s alcohol content prevents it from freezing quickly, even at temperatures of 15 or 20 degrees F.

FAQs about How many bottles of wine can I carry on a plane

1. Can I bring two wine bottles on an air plane?

5 liters (1.3 gallons) of alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but no more than 70% alcohol are allowed in checked bags per person and must be in unopened retail packaging. There are no restrictions on alcoholic beverages in checked luggage that contain 24% alcohol or less.

2. Can you bring wine bottles in your carry-on luggage?

Each traveler is only allowed one piece of quart-sized luggage. Despite its widespread name, the toiletry bag is allowed to hold alcohol that doesn’t violate airline laws and has an ABV below 70%. You are therefore allowed to bring wine in carry-on luggage in containers that are no bigger than 3.4 oz.

3. How many wine bottles am I allowed to drink?

Although there is technically no statutory restriction on the amount of alcohol that can be imported for personal consumption, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will probably stop you if you have more than a case (12 bottles of wine, for example) in your luggage.

4. How many bottles of wine may you bring on an international flight?

You are only permitted to consume 5 liters of alcohol with an ABV of 24–70%, or 48–140 proof. Alcohol is permitted in your carry-on bag if you bought it abroad and have a connecting trip to the US, provided that the store packaged the bottles in a clear, secure, tamper-evident bag.

5. How should open alcohol be packaged for checked baggage?

It’s a good idea to pad the bottles themselves if you’re packing beer, wine, or liquor in your checked luggage. Wrapping them in newspaper, bubble wrap, or even clothes like jeans or sweaters will help you achieve this. The bottles will be better protected from impact and accidents during transportation if they are cushioned.

6. Will wine bottles crack when travelling in checked luggage?

The most significant point to make is that, due to carry-on luggage liquid restrictions, alcohol must be packed in checked baggage. But since the glass container is fragile and prone to breaking while in the air, this can be challenging. Wine and clothing in your suitcase may both be ruined as a result.

7. What’s the weight of a bottle of wine?

A typical 750ml bottle of wine weighs about 1.2kg (or 2.65 Ibs) when it is fully filled.

8. Can I bring a glass bottle that has been sealed on a plane?

Glass is permitted on airplanes. The TSA states that glass, glass vases, and glass picture frames are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. Alcohol with a BAR of less than 24% is allowed in hand luggage in quantities up to 5 litres, but alcohol with a BAR of between 24 and 70% must go in the hold if fewer than 100ml of glass is brought on board.

9. Why can’t I take a water bottle through airport security?

Water is not let past airport security because various hazardous chemical liquids, like nitroglycerine, can be mistaken for water when inspected.

10. How many grams are there in 750ml of wine?

Demi or Half: It weighs about 599 grams and can hold half a typical wine bottle. Standard: A 750 ml bottle is approximately 1.2 kg in weight. Litre: It weighs around 1.6 kg and can carry a litre of wine. Magnum bottles weigh about 2.1 kg and have a volume that is double that of a 750 ml bottle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the intriguing question of how many bottles of wine can I carry on a plane. Through an exploration of TSA guidelines, airline policies, and packing tips, we have gained valuable insights into navigating the world of wine transportation during air travel.

Cheers to enjoying your beloved wines, wherever your journey takes you, and may each sip be a delightful reminder of the memorable moments shared during your travels. Safe travels and bon voyage!