Liquor Limits & Rules for Checked Baggage

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India’s liquor scene is exploding, from craft gins to local whiskeys. These make fantastic souvenirs, or nothing. But if you plan to fly domestic with a bottle (or five), you absolutely need to know the rules.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA have specific, mandatory limits, and failing to follow them could mean leaving your prized bottle behind. Let’s be real, you don’t want that.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you can carry, and where:

Also Read | 6 Indian Railways Night Rules: Silence, Berths, TTE Checks

Checked Baggage: The Safe Zone

This is where you should pack most of your purchases. The limits are generous but strict on alcohol content.

• Maximum Limit: You can carry a maximum of five litres of liquor in your checked baggage.

• Alcohol Content (ABV): The liquor must be between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume. This covers most standard spirits and wines.

• Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages over 70% ABV are strictly prohibited. The thing is, check the label; don’t guess.

• Packaging: Bottles must be in their original retail packaging and packed appropriately to prevent damage or leakage. Partially consumed or opened bottles are also banned.

Carry-On: The Messy Zone

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) advises against carrying alcohol in hand baggage, primarily because passengers are not allowed to consume their own liquor onboard. However, here’s the kicker: the rules vary by airline.

• Air India: Prohibits carrying alcohol in cabin bags entirely. Full stop.

• Other Airlines (IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet): They permit it, but with a massive condition: the bottle must have been purchased post-passenger screening or from the airport security hold area.

  • IndiGo & Akasa Air: They have a specific limit of one litre of alcohol allowed in the cabin bag.

  • SpiceJet: Requires the bottles to be packed in Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB) of specific dimensions.

You must check with your specific airline before you head to the airport, or nothing, to confirm their exact policy and packaging requirements. Don’t let airport security be the place where you find out the rules changed…..

Also Read | 6 Indian Railways Night Rules: Silence, Berths, TTE Checks

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Disclaimer: This information is based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA for carrying alcohol on domestic flights in India.

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