WN · United States · updated 2026-06-01

Southwest Airlines duty-free liquid rules

Sealed duty-free liquids bought airside can travel in the Southwest Airlines 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 international duty-free liquids in the STEB with receipt are allowed on connections.
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.

Southwest Airlines cabin bag at a glance

Personal item: 45 × 35 × 20 cm

Overhead bag: 60 × 40 × 25 cm

Full Southwest Airlines hand luggage rules

Frequently asked

Can I take duty-free alcohol on board Southwest Airlines?

Yes, if it stays sealed in the STEB with the receipt. Southwest Airlines 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 Southwest Airlines?

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

Southwest carry-on bags — checked 2026-06-01