Can you take wine in hand luggage?

Short answer

Bottled wine is over the cabin liquid limit. Pack it in the hold, or buy duty-free in a sealed STEB bag after security.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a alcoholic liquid at airport security. Based on general aviation security guidance — rules can vary between airports.

What to do: Default to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag. Anything larger goes in checked luggage.

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

Check destination rules

This item may be restricted when crossing borders. Airport security rules and destination import rules are separate.

Triple-check

Security · Airline · Border

Security

Will wine pass the checkpoint?

Limited

Wine usually counts as a liquid, gel or paste — must fit the 100ml hand-luggage rule.

Source: DfT UK security guidance

Airline

Can wine 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 wine 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

Standard 750ml bottles are way over the 100ml rule. Mini 187ml bottles are still over.

In checked luggage

Allowed — wine is under 24% ABV so there's no IATA quantity limit, though airlines may set their own. Wrap each bottle in a wine sleeve or clothes.

Duty-free

Duty-free wine sealed in a STEB with the receipt is allowed in the cabin. Transfer rules vary at connections — check before flying.

Customs caveat: Customs allowances on arrival vary widely (e.g. UK: 18L wine from EU; US: 1L duty-free). Anything more may be taxed.

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

Examples

•750ml bottle: hold luggage or duty-free STEB
•Case of wine: hold luggage, with sleeves

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

Packing checklist for wine

A short checklist for this trip — pack what you need to stay within the rules above.

Packing checklist

Packing cubes

Keep food and gifts protected in your bag.

Packing checklist

Checked luggage

Bigger jars are safer in the hold.

Liquid Limits app — ad-free, saved trips, offline.

Wine on specific routes

Border and customs rules change by country. Pick the closest match to your trip.

See all route-specific questions