A woman and two children go through airport security while an officer inspects their luggage.

5 Common Mistakes Everyone Makes When Packing Alcohol for a Flight—and How to Avoid Them

Packing for a trip always seems easy, right? Throw in your clothes, toiletries, and maybe a bottle or two of your favorite wine or whisky for the perfect vacation vibes. But when it comes to flying with alcohol, there’s more to think about than just finding room in your suitcase.

As someone who’s traveled extensively and helped many others navigate the ins and outs of packing for flights, I know that bringing alcohol on board can quickly go wrong if you’re not careful.

Let’s be real—no one wants to deal with broken bottles, confiscated booze, or customs issues when they’re just trying to relax.

Here are five common mistakes people make when packing alcohol for flights and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

Not Researching Country-Specific Laws and Regulations

We’ve all been there—you think you can just throw a bottle in your bag and head to any country. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Different countries have different laws when it comes to bringing in alcohol. Some places might be super strict, while others are more relaxed.

Pro Tip: Before you head out, take the time to look up the alcohol import laws of your destination. It’s worth it to avoid heavy fines, confiscation, or even legal trouble!

Daniel Ufland, a whisky expert and founder of The Whisky Masters, reminds us that the time spent researching “pales in comparison to the time spent at customs if you’re in violation.”

Overpacking Alcohol

It’s tempting to bring a whole case of your favorite wine or whisky with you. But overpacking alcohol can cause issues beyond just making your suitcase heavy. Most countries have strict limits on how much you can bring in, and going over those limits can lead to fines, confiscation, or worse.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to bring your entire bar with you. Instead, stick to what you know you’ll drink or pick something up at your destination. As Daniel suggests, it’s often best to leave extra bottles at home to avoid customs headaches.

Not Properly Securing the Bottles

Ever had a bottle break in your suitcase? If not, consider yourself lucky. Glass bottles are fragile, and the pressure changes during a flight can cause them to leak or even shatter.

Pro Tip: Wrap your bottles in bubble wrap and place them in the middle of your suitcase for extra protection. This will help cushion them from the bumps and jostles of travel. You don’t want to open your bag to find broken glass—or worse, a sticky mess all over your clothes!

Packing Alcohol in Carry-on Luggage

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Think it’s easier to throw a bottle of wine in your carry-on? Think again. TSA rules prohibit liquids over 100ml in carry-on bags, and alcohol is no exception.

Pro Tip: Always pack your alcohol in your checked luggage. Not only will this save you the hassle of getting it confiscated at security, but it’s also a safety issue. Alcohol is flammable, and there are strict rules for bringing it on planes. Play it safe, and let the airline handle it in the cargo hold.

Not Declaring Alcohol Purchases

It’s easy to forget that bottle of wine you bought at the airport or that whisky from a distillery tour. But failing to declare alcohol purchases can get you in trouble.

Pro Tip: Always declare any alcohol you’re bringing with you. Even if you think it’s under the limit, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Declaring your alcohol prevents potential fines, delays, or confiscation.

Source: The Whisky Masters

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