RESTRICTED — Allowed with Conditions to United States
Whiskey is a liquid and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Standard bottles must go in checked baggage.
Can you bring whiskey to United States?
Quick Answer
Whiskey is restricted when bringing it to United States. Agricultural imports and cash amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared. Whiskey is a liquid and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Standard bottles must go in checked baggage.
Also known as: bourbon, scotch, spirits
What is whiskey?
Whiskey is allowed in carry-on with restrictions. Whiskey is a liquid and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Standard bottles must go in checked baggage.
Restricted In Cabin
Whiskey is a liquid and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Standard bottles must go in checked baggage.
Allowed In Hold
Whiskey under 70% ABV (140 proof) is allowed in checked baggage. Limit of 5 liters per passenger for alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV.
Airline & country baggage checker
Pick your airline or destination to see the limits that apply to Whiskey.
United States Customs & Border Protection Policy
Authority: TSA
Agricultural imports and cash amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared. When flying internationally, you must comply not only with U.S. TSA regulations but also with the aviation security rules of your destination country and any transit hubs. For whiskey, policies can vary significantly in regions like the European Union (governed by EASA) or the United Kingdom (CAA). Some countries impose stricter volume limits on liquids, absolute bans on specific electronics, or rigorous customs declarations for items in the Liquids category. Always check the official customs and aviation authority website of your arrival country before packing this item.
Airport Security & Customs Screening Procedure
When passing through the TSA checkpoint with whiskey, place your travel-sized container (3.4 oz / 100 mL or less) inside a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. If standard 2D X-ray machines are operating at your lane, extract the quart bag and lay it flat in a screening bin. At airports equipped with modern 3D CT computed tomography scanners, you may leave your liquids inside your bag unless instructed otherwise by Transportation Security Officers. Medical liquids or baby nourishment exceeding 3.4 oz must be declared immediately prior to screening for manual inspection or explosive trace detection (ETD) testing.
Step-by-Step Packing Guide for United States Travel
Verify your container holds 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Larger bottles of whiskey must travel in checked luggage unless purchased airside at a duty-free outlet.
Seal the whiskey cap tightly to prevent leaks caused by cabin pressure changes, then place it inside a clear, resealable 1-quart plastic bag.
Pack the sealed bag in an outer pocket of your carry-on for fast, one-hand retrieval at the TSA liquids checkpoint.
At the security lane, remove the clear liquids bag from your carry-on and lay it flat in a screening tray on its own.
If travelling internationally, check the destination country's import limits on volumetric liquids or spirits before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified travel information
This document has been reviewed and verified by our travel reference editors. All statuses, notes and guidelines are checked against live security feeds from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection).