UA · United States · updated 2026-06-01
United Airlines duty-free liquid rules
Sealed duty-free liquids bought airside can travel in the United 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.
What to know before you pack
- International duty-free liquids in the sealed STEB with receipt are allowed on connecting United flights.
- 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.
United Airlines cabin bag at a glance
Personal item: 43 × 25 × 22 cm
Overhead bag: 56 × 35 × 22 cm · paid on some fares
Frequently asked
Can I take duty-free alcohol on board United Airlines?
Yes, if it stays sealed in the STEB with the receipt. United 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 United 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.
More United Airlines liquid topics
Sources
- United carry-on baggage — checked 2026-06-01