When purchasing liquor from duty-free, you are generally limited to bringing up to five liters of alcohol with an alcohol by volume (ABV) between 24% and 70% on a plane. The exact number of bottles will depend entirely on their individual sizes.
Understanding the 5-Liter Limit
The restriction on bringing liquor from duty-free stores is primarily based on volume, not a specific number of bottles. This means whether you can bring two large bottles or several smaller ones depends on their capacity, as long as the total volume does not exceed five liters.
- Volume, Not Bottle Count: The limit is a strict five liters for alcoholic beverages with an ABV between 24% and 70%.
- Alcohol Content: This limit specifically applies to spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and liqueurs. Beverages below 24% ABV (like most beers and wines) often have different, typically more lenient, limits, while those over 70% ABV (e.g., pure grain alcohol) are usually prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage due to flammability concerns.
How Many Bottles Can You Bring?
To determine the number of bottles you can bring, simply divide the five-liter limit by the volume of each bottle. Here’s a general guide for common bottle sizes:
Bottle Size (Approx.) | Liters | Bottles Per 5-Liter Limit |
---|---|---|
Standard (750 ml) | 0.75 | Up to 6 |
Liter (1000 ml) | 1.0 | Up to 5 |
Magnums (1.5 L) | 1.5 | Up to 3 |
Practical Examples:
- If you buy five standard 1-liter bottles, you meet the five-liter limit.
- If you purchase 750 ml bottles, you could potentially bring up to six bottles (6 x 0.75 L = 4.5 L), leaving some allowance for another smaller item if desired.
Key Considerations for Duty-Free Purchases
To ensure a smooth journey with your duty-free liquor, remember these essential guidelines:
- Sealed Bag: Duty-free liquor must be packed in a transparent, tamper-evident bag by the store at the time of purchase. Do not open this bag until you reach your final destination, especially if you have connecting flights, as security personnel may require it to remain sealed.
- Keep Your Receipt: Always retain the original receipt for your duty-free purchases. This serves as proof that the items were bought within the last 48 hours, which is a common requirement for carry-on liquids exceeding the standard TSA liquid limits.
- Potential Savings: Purchasing alcohol from duty-free stores can often lead to significant savings compared to buying liquor in regular retail outlets, as these goods are exempt from certain taxes and duties.