Can you take alcohol over 70% abv in hand luggage?

Short answer

Alcohol over 70% ABV is generally not allowed in cabin or checked baggage. Lower-strength alcohol may be subject to quantity and customs limits.

General IATA / aviation authority guidance

Rule basis: Classified as high-proof spirits — dangerous good above 70% ABV. Based on general IATA dangerous-goods, airline, and aviation-authority guidance — confirm with the official source for your carrier.

What to do: Do not pack this item. Check official airline or aviation authority guidance before travelling.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

Triple-check

Security · Airline · Border

Security

Will alcohol over 70% abv pass the checkpoint?

Limited

Alcohol over 70% ABV usually counts as a liquid, gel or paste — must fit the 100ml hand-luggage rule.

Source: DfT UK security guidance

Airline

Can alcohol over 70% abv travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Fine in cabin baggage within the 100ml rule, and fine in checked baggage if sealed.

Source: IATA passenger guidance

Border

Can you bring alcohol over 70% abv into the destination country?

Usually OK

Personal-use quantities are rarely a customs problem on most routes.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

In cabin baggage

Spirits above 70% ABV (e.g. 151-proof rum, some cask-strength whisky, some absinthe) are banned from cabin baggage under IATA rules.

In checked luggage

Also banned from checked baggage above 70% ABV. Between 24% and 70% ABV, IATA permits up to 5 litres per passenger in retail packaging in the hold. Below 24% ABV, no IATA quantity limit applies (airlines may set their own).

Customs caveat: Customs allowances on arrival vary by country and are unrelated to the airline rules above. Declare anything over your destination's allowance.

Separate customs, airline, or import rules may apply. Check official guidance.

Examples

•75.5% ABV (151-proof rum): never pack
•70% ABV exactly: allowed in checked baggage up to 5L per IATA
•40% ABV whisky: allowed in checked baggage up to 5L per IATA

FAQs

Is the 70% ABV limit the airline's rule or a security rule?

It is an IATA dangerous-goods rule applied by airlines worldwide. Some airlines apply stricter limits — check before flying.

Always check official airline, airport, aviation authority (e.g. CAA, FAA, EASA), customs, and government guidance before travelling with this item. Rules differ by carrier and country and can change without notice. Liquid Limits is a travel planning aggregator, not an official aviation source.

Liquid Limits focuses on airport security and liquid-like travel items. Separate customs, import, airline, or destination laws may apply. For non-liquid items like plants, meat, weapons, cash, electronics, or luxury goods, check official customs guidance. What this site covers and doesn't cover.

Liquid Limits helps with airport security rules. Border and customs rules vary by destination, so always check official destination guidance before travelling internationally.

Check your airport liquid rule