Can You Take Mini Alcohol Bottles Through TSA?

Traveling can be stressful, especially for people with flying anxiety. For many, a little bottle of alcohol — a mini or "nip" — might seem like a convenient way to calm those jittery nerves and catch a buzz in one (or two) sips. These 50 ml liquor bottles are sold in alcohol, convenience, and duty-free stores at just the right size to fit in your carry-on. But if you're planning to bring them on your next flight, you might be wondering: Can you take mini alcohol bottles through TSA? The answer is yes, but there are some important regulations you need to know.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about carrying liquids through airport security, known collectively as the "3-1-1 rule." This TSA rule dictates how liquids must be packed in your carry-on baggage: The "3" refers to the maximum size of each liquid container (3.4 ounces or less), the "1" stands for the one quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag in which all liquid containers must be placed, and the final "1" refers to the limit of one such bag per passenger.

Since mini alcohol bottles are only 50 milliliters — well under the 3.4-ounce limit — they are allowed in your carry-on, provided they fit within your quart-sized bag along with any other liquids you're carrying. Whether it's a nip of whiskey, vodka, rum, or another spirit, as long as it adheres to the size limit and is properly packed, you can bring it through TSA security. Cheers! Wait — not so fast. 

Here's the kicker: You can't actually drink those nips aboard the plane. While TSA's regulations allow you to bring mini bottles of alcohol through security, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a different idea about what you can (or can't) do with them after they've passed security. According to an official FAA statement: "FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on board the aircraft unless it is served by the air carrier." To make it even more clear, even if it's a TSA-approved bottle, the only alcohol you're legally allowed to consume during your flight is one served by the airline staff. So what about those nips? Nope. This no-nips rule is there to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.

Consuming your own BYOB alcohol during a flight can lead to excessive drinking, impaired judgment, and potentially disruptive behavior. There have been instances of drunk passengers disrupting the cockpit and forcing emergency landings, getting into physical altercations, and vomiting on another passenger's bags. And among the most common incidents of unruly passengers were people drinking their own alcohol. Flight attendants are trained to monitor alcohol consumption and can cut off passengers who they believe have had too much to drink. So, the FAA and airlines are not trying to be party poopers, they're just trying to keep everybody safe. Just make sure not to order any of these drinks that flight attendants really wish passengers would stop ordering.

There are some other rules passengers traveling with alcohol should be aware of. You can pack alcohol in checked luggage, so consider packing your nips in your checked bag and enjoying them when you arrive. If you plan to buy alcohol at the duty-free after security, note that you can't stock up on more than five liters of alcohol that's 24% to 70% ABV, and any overproof alcohol over 70% (that's 140 proof!) is not permitted, whether carried or checked. Any alcohol with less than 24% ABV, like beer and wine, has no limitation on quantity inside a checked suitcase (surprisingly). For alcohol between 24% and 70%, the limit is no more than five liters. Ensure that the bottles are securely packed to prevent breaking and leakage. You can cushion them with clothing or bubble wrap inside a sealed bag. 

If you bought alcohol abroad, it must be inside a clear, secure, tamper-evident bag with the receipt intact. Any indication of tampering — even the tiniest hint of a swig — that bag of goodies will not fly. If a passenger appears inebriated from pre-drinking, they can be denied boarding. When traveling internationally, be mindful of the regulations both in the U.S. and at your destination. Some countries, particularly in the Middle East, have very strict laws — even bans — regarding alcohol, so check the customs and alcohol import rules before you travel to avoid any potential issues. Cheers — just wait until you land to celebrate!