BA · United Kingdom · updated 2026-06-01

British Airways duty-free liquid rules

Sealed duty-free liquids bought airside can travel in the British Airways cabin above 100 ml, as long as they stay inside the tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt visible. Open the bag before your final destination — or connect through an airport that re-screens — and the bottle can be confiscated.

Send these rules to whoever you're travelling with.

What to know before you pack

Sealed duty-free in the STEB is allowed in the cabin.
On connecting flights via non-UK/EU hubs, the STEB may be re-screened at transfer security.
Alcohol over 70% ABV cannot fly at all. Between 24% and 70% ABV you may carry up to 5 litres per person, in checked baggage.
Duty-free purchases still have to fit within your cabin bag allowance on space and weight.

British Airways cabin bag at a glance

Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm · 23 kg

Overhead bag: 56 × 45 × 25 cm · 23 kg

Full British Airways hand luggage rules

Frequently asked

Can I take duty-free alcohol on board British Airways?

Yes, if it stays sealed in the STEB with the receipt. British Airways does not allow you to drink your own alcohol on board — cabin crew serve any drinks during the flight.

Does duty-free survive a connection on British Airways?

Within the UK/EU a sealed STEB is normally accepted through transfer security. On connections via non-EU airports the bag may be re-screened or refused, so consider checking the bottle into hold luggage instead.

Sources

BA hand baggage allowance — checked 2026-06-01