9 Rules to Safely Bringing Back Alcohol From Aboard

Rarely do I buy souvenirs when traveling. I am a believer in buying experiences and not material things. Plus, when trying to live that minimal, always on the go type of life, it’s hard lugging a bunch of shot glasses from your trips.

HOWEVER….what I do like to buy when traveling is alcohol. It’s my way of teleporting myself back to a travel destination with each sip. Now, as a card-carrying member of team carry-on, it’s not always the easiest thing to bring back, but totally doable and worth it.

Disclaimer though, I’ve seen hella people lose their alcohol because they didn’t know the rules. Naively listening to someone on my first trip to Cuba, I physically felt the pain of watching security in Havana take my precious bottles away from me. Let me just tell you, it physically hurt because I couldn’t find what I purchased in the duty-free store.

That includes checking the rules for your state as each is slightly different. However, if you follow the general rules listed below, you should be good.

Traveling with Alcohol Rules

Checked Bag: 5 liters per person of unopened bottles with alcohol by volume over 24% to 70% (up to 140 proof)
Carry-on Purchased at Airport: 1 liter per person from the duty-free store in the airport after going through security without paying additional taxes
No alcohol by volume over 70% in checked bags or carry-ons
Homemade wine is allowed, don’t even bother trying to bring back absinthe
Always declare alcohol
If you have a connecting flight, you will need to check your alcohol after you pass through customs
Pack an empty duffle bag if you know you’re planning to buy extra stuff OR intentionally back lighter so you’ll have the extra room
Shipping is convenient, but you will pay for that convenience
Wrap your bottles in alcohol sleeves or roll your clothes around them and pack things around them to protect the bottles

Bonus Tip

Don’t go looking for huge deals in duty-free stores in the airport, you’ll most likely be heartbroken

My Tavel Favorites

You’ll notice a few of those are from Cuba, as I have become obsessed with Cuban rums. Speaking of Cuba, we still have a few spaces left for our Unplug Cuba trip in November. Click Here for details.