We individually evaluate all products and services we recommend. If you click on links on our website, we may earn a commission.

How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage – Ironclad Solutions

how to pack alcohol in checked luggage feature2

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage” while preparing for a trip, then you’ve landed on the right page. Traveling with alcohol can be a tricky business. From worrying about breakage to dealing with potential leakage, it can feel like you’re walking on eggshells.

I have to be honest; sometimes, on vacation at an all-inclusive, I want to bring some alcohol home with me. You know, when they stock the bar in your room with full bottles of alcohol, and you just can’t resist? Or you can’t pass up that fantastic bottle of wine as a gift for friends.

Needless to say, I researched how to pack alcohol in checked luggage and incorporated my vast knowledge of TSA regulations. I’ve come up with a solution and compiled all this knowledge into a handy step-by-step guide on how to pack alcohol in checked luggage.

So, please join me, and together, we’ll navigate how to pack alcohol in checked luggage.

How Do You Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage?

There are 3 different ways to pack alcohol in checked luggage. Use your clothing to pack it safely; buy bubble wrap and other supplies and have the company you bought it from pack it for you.

These steps are perfect for those who want to travel with alcohol, whether you’re bringing home a souvenir from a vineyard visit or transporting a special bottle for a celebration.

Can I Bring Alcohol In A Checked Bag When Flying?

Yes! Packing alcohol in your checked bags is perfectly legal, but there are a couple of regulations to follow.
1. You may take wine, beer cans or bottles, and spirits.
2. The alcohol content must be between 24%-70% ABV. 
3. No more than 5 liters of alcohol per bag per person.
4. The bottle must be in the original manufacturer’s retail packaging and sealed.

Quick Video On How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Bags

TSA And Airline Regulations 

With all of the information, I found the regulations vary according to each airline, each country, and TSA rules regarding how to pack alcohol in checked luggage. The guidelines I listed here are only that, a guide to follow on how to safely pack alcohol in luggage. However, if you plan to transport alcohol in your checked bags, read the rules for the airlines you will fly, whether domestic flights or international. If you are traveling on an international flight, check with the customs office of the country you are visiting. Not all countries allow alcohol to cross international borders.

OK, So These Answers Lead Us To How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage

Now that we have a fair idea of the guidelines to travel with alcohol and you have read TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations, let’s figure out how to pack alcohol in checked luggage. 

So you went on vacation and are bringing home some wine as gifts. You might find some bubble wrap or tape, but you have an entire suitcase of packing materials known as clothes. 

The only problem is you don’t want to ruin all of your clothes with red wine stains. The baggage handlers throw your luggage around from the baggage car to the baggage carousel a few times. The chances of breakage are pretty high if you don’t know how to pack alcohol in checked baggage.

We can help with some tips for packing alcohol in checked luggage without ruining your clothes. So, your bottles of alcohol must be secure and cushioned, and what is the best way to accomplish this task? Let’s get started.

How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage 3 Ways

These are 3 suggestions on the best way to pack alcohol in checked luggage to safely take it with you on vacation. 

Use What You Have

  • Get Your Bottles Of Alcohol Ready For Travel. Ensure your alcohol meets all the regulations and requirements for packing in checked luggage.
  • Pack Your Liquids Into Ziplock Bags
  • Check your bags and clothing for sharp objects or zippers. Use the softest clothing in your baggage to pack your bottles.
  • Pack each bottle that is in a zip lock bag into a shoe to stabilize it, then wrap that up in a few layers of clothing. 
  • The more full your case is, the better it will stabilize your bottles of alcohol. 
  • Put the bottles right smack dab in the middle of your suitcase with padding on every side, including the top and bottom. 

Purchased Supplies

  • Get Your Bottles Of Alcohol Ready For Travel. Ensure your alcohol meets all the regulations and requirements for packing in checked luggage.
  • Pack your bottles into ziplock bags.
  • Once they are in the sealed bag, wrap them up with bubble wrap and seal them with packing tape all the way around the bubble wrap, top to bottom and side to side. 
  • The more clothes in your case, the better it will stabilize your bottles when learning how to pack alcohol in luggage. 
  •  Put the bottles right smack dab in the middle of your suitcase with padding on every side, including the top and bottom. 

Assistance Of The Supplier

If you purchased your alcohol for a gift, you could ask the retailer if they can individually seal your bottles in leak-proof bags. In other words, do they have a way to ensure the alcohol does not get on your clothing if the bottle breaks?

A zip lock bag may leak or become punctured on a sharp piece of glass from a broken bottle, which would be a mess. So, the key to how to pack alcohol in checked luggage is not to prevent leaking but to prevent breakage. Because if it breaks, it will leak in a zip-lock baggie. 

If you are lucky enough that someone knows how to pack alcohol in checked luggage, they will seal it for you. Then follow the steps above under “packing with what you have” and complete your packing process. All of these suggestions are also great when you want to know how to pack liquor bottles in checked luggage.

how to pack alcohol in checked luggage 99 (1)

FAQs About How To Pack Alcohol In Checked Luggage

We have compiled a few questions about how to pack alcohol in checked luggage.

Can you put alcohol in your checked bags?

The short answer is yes. However, there are some rules to follow, such as it had to be under 140 proof, and you cannot exceed 5 liters.

Can I take whiskey in my baggage?

Yes, you can transport whiskey in your checked baggage only. But, it cannot exceed 70% alcohol, and you must stay under the limit of 1.5 gallons or 5 liters.

How to pack whiskey in checked luggage?

To pack whiskey in checked luggage, follow these guidelines: Secure the bottle in a leak-proof bag, wrap it with clothing for padding, and place it in the center of your suitcase. Please remember it cannot exceed 70% alcohol, and you must stay under the limit of 1.5 gallons or 5 liters.

Will wine bottles break in checked luggage?

More than likely, they won’t break if you pack them properly. But will wine bottles explode in the cargo hold? Again, chances are slim; one will explode because the plane’s undercarriage has a special climate and is pressurized.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on luggage, here are some additional posts about luggage:

Conclusion

First things first, read all guidelines and regulations to fly with alcohol to know better how to pack alcohol in checked luggage. 

Then, follow the steps above for how to pack alcohol in checked luggage to travel. The key is to wrap it with tape, then wrap some more, and finally tape it some more. Pack as tightly with as much padding as possible and place it directly in the middle of your luggage. Cushion, support, stabilize, and arrive home with an intact bottle of alcohol and clothes that are not affected by their temporary traveling alcohol companion. 

Know the maximum weight allowed per suitcase, and when you are all packed, weigh your luggage so you do not exceed the weight limits. 

Happy Travels, My Friends

Photo of author

Laura Fuller

Hello, I am a luggage and travel fanatic. With a vast knowledge of TSA regulations, I am here to assist you on your journey. Please join me, and together, we will navigate the world of travel. From TSA and air to cruising the high seas, we will explore the best accessories and tips for smooth travel.

Leave a Comment