5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Packing Alcohol For A Flight

You could be on a flight from Scotland while taking some rare whisky home as a souvenir. Alternatively, you have visited the wine country of France or South Africa and want to take bottles of the best local wines for your friends and family. However, there are several key points travelers must take into account before boarding that flight.

What do travelers need to know when flying with alcohol?

Everyone can make mistakes when traveling but taking alcohol in their carry-on or hold baggage can lead to problems. As everyone knows, traveling isn’t easy these days, with various rules and regulations about the contents of their baggage. It is essential to be aware of any prohibited items relating to the country of that airport.

Meanwhile, an expert reveals the necessary key points to consider before heading to the airport. Daniel Ufland is a whisky expert and the founder of The Whisky Masters, a premier online whisky retailer offering a curated selection of fine and rare whiskies. He explains:

The time spent looking up specific rules and regulations of your airline and destination pale in comparison to the time spent at customs should you be in violation of any local laws.

Ufland pointed out the most common mistakes travelers make when traveling with alcohol and how to avoid having any problems that could ruin your trip.

1. Not researching country-specific laws and regulations

Many travelers don’t think twice about what they can pack for their flight. There is so much excitement about the upcoming vacation that they pack without finding out the restrictions of their destination country. Daniel notes that each destination has its own regulations on the importation and consumption of alcohol, saying:

Without proper research, individuals risk facing heavy fines or even legal consequences for violating these laws. What may be perfectly legal and acceptable in one country may be completely prohibited in another.

To avoid any problems, travelers should always check out the official alcohol rules and regulations on the official website of the country to be visited.

2. Over-packing alcohol

Some countries have strict rules and regulations on the amount of alcohol that can be taken onto the plane. Exceeding those limits can cause potential problems with airport security. Not only does it add extra weight to carry-on bags or baggage in the hold, but carrying too much of the item can exceed limits imposed by the host country.

Daniel advises, “If you’re unsure about the amount of alcohol you can bring, it’s best to leave it at home and purchase it at your destination instead.”

3. Not properly securing the bottles

Unsecure bottles can be a major safety hazard when flying, which can lead to damage of the bottles and potential spillage.

Daniel warns, “The pressure and temperature changes on the plane can cause the bottles to leak or even break, which can create a mess and ruin other items in your luggage.”

Broken glass from a shattered bottle can potentially harm airport staffs who handle the bags. Daniel recommends:

Always wrap your bottles in bubble wrap and stow them in the middle of your suitcase; this provides added cushioning against the rigors of air travel.

4. Packing alcohol in carry-on baggage

It might seem convenient to pack alcohol in carry-on baggage including that delicious coffee liqueur from Costa Rica, but this is a common mistake.

“According to officials, all liquids over 100ml, including alcohol, must be packed in checked luggage,” explains Daniel. “This is to comply with safety regulations and avoid confiscation at security checkpoints.”

Moreover, alcohol is flammable and could pose a safety hazard on a flight, making it essential to follow the guidelines and always pack the bottles in checked baggage.

5. Not declaring alcohol purchases

With the excitement of the journey, travelers could be unaware of the regulations relating to how much alcohol can be brought onto a flight. Alternatively, they could simply forget to declare their purchases. Daniel warns:

Failing to declare alcohol purchases can result in fines or potential confiscation of the items. This can ruin the start or end of a trip and cause delays or other complications for the traveler.

Before heading to the airport, travelers should research the country’s rules and regulations on how much alcohol can be carried. This information can easily be found on the airline’s website or by contacting the airport. Ufland says:

Traveling through the air with alcohol is not prohibited, but it comes with strict regulations that change depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going.

Even when educated, the logistics of traveling with glass alcohol bottles presents its own set of challenges, which results in travelers often just avoiding the situation altogether.

“If you have a special beverage that you simply cannot live without, be sure to do research and prepare well in advance. If your drink has sentimental value, leaving it at home is probably best. Wherever you travel, they will most likely have their own local beverages for you to sample,” Ufland added.