How To Fly With Wine (…and Other Alcohol) On A Plane
Everything You Need To Know About Legally Flying Alcohol Internationally; Quantities, Costs and Regulations - And How To Fly An Entire Case Of Wine Without Breakage!
You’re sitting drinking the most amazing wine in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, or any one of Europe’s beautiful wine regions, when you start wondering, “How could I get some of this stuff back home?” Your head starts spinning with questions (or, perhaps it’ those heady aromas)…
- If I didn’t get it Duty Free, can I still take wine or spirits on the plane?
- How much can I bring back to my country?
- Are there duties or taxes I have to pay, and how much?
- How do I protect my bottles from breakage?
- Do I put them in my normal luggage?
- Is shipping easier?
If you’ve heard confusing stories about international carrying of alcohol you’re not alone! But thanks to our friends at the TSA and EU Commission, we’ve curated this factual, up-to-date guide answering all your questions.
And you’ll be pleased to know it’s not hard at all!
There are three types of regulation you must follow:
- International Transportation Security Regulations
- Airline Regulations
- Individual Country, State and Province Import Laws
1. International Transport Rules
This includes security bodies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the USA, the European Commission, and other national governments. Their rules cover alcohol in cabin and hold baggage.
Taking Wine and Alcohol in Carry-On (Cabin) Baggage
- Liquids larger than 100ml are not allowed in carry-on luggage
- Rule Exception (As at January 2014): Wine or spirits greater than 100ml purchased in a duty-free store and placed in a secure, tamper evident bag (STEB), for passengers travelling into the USA, Canada and Europe are permitted in cabin baggage.
Taking Wine and Alcohol In Checked (Hold) Baggage
Typically, the quantity is unlimited but please see each country for how much you can bring into your destination country, and the fees to pay.
- Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol – no quantity restrictions
- Alcoholic beverages with alcohol content between 24% and 70% - 5 Litres per person internationally and 10 Litres within the EU
- Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol – prohibited
So, if you’re travelling home to the USA, Australia, or Europe with a selection of 12 or more wines from your favorite vineyards, your best option is hold luggage. In fact, it’s the only option.
2. Airline Regulations
Airlines adhere to the regulations outlined by the international security bodies. But each airline has its own rules about carrying alcohol too.
- Must be packed to avoid breakage and damage to others’ items
- Many airlines require you to use Styrofoam wine protectors
- Must adhere to checked baggage allowances, or
- Must adhere to fees for extra checked baggage (if applicable)
Most airlines include 23kg (50lbs) of checked baggage (32kg for Business Class). Simply pay for an extra bag and get your wine on the flight too! A typical bottle of wine weighs 1.4kg (3lbs), and a purpose-built wine suitcase like the Lazenne Wine Suitcase is only 4.8kg. So you can bring 12 bottles home in one purpose-built bag without it breaking the 23kg limit.
Remember to check your free baggage allowance and pay any extra baggage fees spelled out by your airline (typically $50 - $100 per extra bag).
[LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAZENNE WINE SUITCASE]
Airlines that DO NOT Allow Wine in Hold Luggage:
To our knowledge (as at 23/07/2018) there is only one airline, please contact us immediately if you have information about others.
- The Italian Airline, Alitalia prohibits “bottles of liquids even if perfectly packaged, such as oil, wine and vinegar”:
3. Allowed Limits by Country
When it comes to bringing alcohol into a country, many people confuse duty-free limits with overall limits. They are not the same thing. You have two alcohol allowances: duty-free (no fees) AND total limit (taxes and duties are paid on units above the duty free limit). Duty Free gives you 1-5L, while total limits are usually unlimited on wine, sparkling and beer. You must be of legal drinking age in the country you are bringing alcohol into.
Duties/Taxes by Country
| Country | Alcohol Type | Duty-Free Limit | Duty & Tax Above Duty-Free Limit | Total Limit |
| USA | Wine | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $0.35-$2 / bottle | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $1-$3 / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $0.35-$1 / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $2-$3 / bottle | 5 Liters | |
| Canada | ||||
| Alberta | Wine | 1.5 Litres | $2.50 / bottle | 45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | $3.75 / bottle |
45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
|
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.34 / Litre | 45.45 Litres | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | $5.00 / Litre | 5 Litres | |
| BC | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle | 45 Litre (60x750ml bottles) | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | 55% min $1.13 / Litre | 45 Litres (any type) | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 150% min $13.19/Litre max $40/Litre | 5 Litres | |
| Ontario | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 39.6% of pre-VAT value | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 39.6% of pre-VAT value | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.676 / Litre | 45 Litres (any type) | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 59.9% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Quebec | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 66% of pre-VAT value | 10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 72% of pre-VAT value | 10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.40 / Litre | 17.5 Litres without going through SAQ | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 124% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres without going through SAQ | |
| Australia | Wine | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Brazil | Wine | 12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 12 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value) | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 5 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value) | 50% of excess value above $500USD | 5 Litres | |
| China | Wine | 1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol | 50% of pre-VAT value after duty-free limit | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol | 50% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | unlimited, if below 12% alcohol | none; part of your overall duty-free import limit | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1.5 Litres (if above 12% alcohol) | 50% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Hong Kong | Wine | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre (if above 30% alcohol) | 23 HKD / litre | 5 Litres | |
| Japan | Wine | 2.25L (3x750ml bottles) | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2.25L (3x750ml bottles) | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2.25L | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 2.25L | 225-450yen per bottle (750ml) | 5 Litres | |
| New Zealand | Wine | 4.5L | $2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 4.5L | $2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 4.5L | $1.4 NZD per litre | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 3 bottles, each up to 1.125 Litres | $51.8 NZD per litre of % alcohol | 5 Litres | |
| Norway | Wine | up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods | NOK 45 / bottle | 27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration |
| Sparkling | up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods | NOK 45 / bottle | 27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration | |
| Beer | up to 5 Litres (if not combined with other excise goods) | NOK 20 / litre | 27 Litres (for simplified customs declaration) | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | NOK 115-325 / litre | 4 Litres (for simplified customs declaration) | |
| Mexico | Wine | 6 Litres (8x750ml bottles) | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 6 Litres (8x750ml bottles) | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 6 Litres | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 3 Litres | 90% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Singapore | Wine | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2 Litres | S$76 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | 5 Litres | |
| South Africa | Wine | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) |
| Sparkling | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Beer | 2 Litres | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | 20% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres / 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Switzerland | Wine | 5 Litres (7x750ml bottles) | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 5 Litres (7x750ml bottles) | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 5 Litres | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | 15 CHF / Litre | 5 Litres | |
| Within EU | Wine | 90 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 90 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 110 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 10 Litres | tax varies by EU country | 10 Litres |
Flying with Wine Checklist
Using the information in this article, and table provided you have all the knowledge you need to bring wine back from your favorite region. Follow this checklist each time you travel.
1. Check Your Home Country Rules, and Airline Rules
- How many litres can you bring back to your country?
- What is your checked baggage limit?
- Do you need to purchase an extra 23kg?
- Does your wine luggage meet airline safety rules?
2. Calculate Your Costs
Carrying wine in your hold luggage is not only the easiest method to getting wine home, but also the cheapest. The only costs you need to cover are:
- Purpose-Built Wine Suitcase
- Extra baggage fees if going over your allowed limit
- Duties/taxes per bottle/litre ABOVE your country’s duty free limit
3. Bring It Home!
- Now you’re all organized - you can start selecting your wine!
- Pack it in your airport approved wine suitcase
- At the departure airport check in as normal, and pay any excess bag fees
- On arrival, declare your alcohol at customs and pay any duties asked for
- Get your friends together and treat them to an incredible drop!
FAQ
Why can’t I just ship a case of wine home instead of taking it with me?
Most countries won’t allow you ship alcohol unless you apply for extra permits related to tobacco and alcohol importation. The restrictions are much greater and can become a hassle. Shipping is also a costly method, and may not be easily available from wineries that are well off the beaten track.
Can I just buy a cheap second suitcase and pack wine with bubble wrap?
You must check with your airline first, as some have strict rules around how bottles must be packed for hold luggage. It’s heartbreaking to arrive at the airport only to be told the packing is not suitable. Not only that, bulky bubble wrap limits your space. Keep it hassle free, a purpose-built wine suitcase is already airline approved, and able to fit up to 12 bottles!
Is it actually legal to take 12, or even 24 bottles of wine back to my home country? What about 5 litres of Tequila from Mexico?
Yes! So long as you adhere to your destination country’s allowed quantity, pay your duties and baggage fees, and package your wine (or tequila) securely to meet airline regulations, you are within the law.
References
- https://lazenne.com/pages/baggage-fees
- https://www.alitalia.com/en_ca/fly-alitalia/baggage/items-prohibited-on-board.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewbender/2014/02/05/tsa-again-allows-large-bottles-of-liquids-on-planes-with-one-catch/#a1dda1e44782
- https://traveltips.usatoday.com/air-travel-wine-bottles-11206.html
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/alcoholic-beverages
- https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/liquids-non-solid-food-personal-items#Alcohol
- https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/alcohol-tobacco-cash/index_en.htm
- https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/190/~/bringing-alcohol-(including-homemade-wine)-to-the-u.s.-for-personal-use
- http://traveltips.usatoday.com/packing-alcohol-luggage-customs-108926.html
- https://www.dutyfree.ca/how-duty-free-works
- http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-3-6-eng.pdf
- https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Tariffclassificationofgoods/Documents/ht22aw.pdf#search=Chapter%2022%20-%20Beverages,%20spirits%20and%20vinegar
- http://hom.receita.fazenda.gov.br/Aduana/Viajantes/DicaViajantes.htm
- http://english.customs.gov.cn/Statics/88707c1e-aa4e-40ca-a968-bdbdbb565e4f.html
- https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/dutiable/types/index.html#liquor\
- http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm
- http://cometorockypoint.com/declarations-entering-mexico/
- https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/duty-free-shopping/
- https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/travelling-to-nz/
- https://www.toll.no/en/goods/alcohol-and-tobacco/simplified-customs-declaration/
- http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/Travellers/Pages/Arrival-in-SA.aspx
- https://en.comparis.ch/preisvergleich/recht-gesetz/information/freigrenzen-zoll-einfuhr-schweiz
- https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/individuals/travelling/within-eu_en
- https://www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/going-through-customs/arrival/duty-free-concession-and-gst-relief
Disclaimer: All information provided is to the best of our knowledge, and updated regularly. Airlines make changes frequently and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of this information. It is a guide only. Check with your airline and government's customs office for the latest regulations. Please feel free to email us if you spot any factual mistakes in the above guide or have some tips to share with other travelers.