The short answer
Yes, with limits. In your carry-on, alcohol must be in bottles of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less inside your liquids bag. In checked bags, drinks up to 24% ABV have no FAA limit; drinks of 24–70% ABV are limited to 5 liters per person in unopened retail packaging; anything over 70% ABV (140 proof) is banned.
Carry-on vs checked bag
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bottles (3.4 oz / 100 ml or less) | AllowedIn liquids bag | Allowed |
| Beer, wine, under 24% ABV | Limits3.4 oz or less | AllowedNo FAA quantity limit |
| Spirits 24–70% ABV | Limits3.4 oz or less | Limits5 L per person, unopened retail packaging |
| Over 70% ABV (140+ proof) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Duty-free alcohol | AllowedSealed bag with receipt | Allowed |
Drinking your own alcohol on the plane
FAA rules prohibit drinking alcohol on board unless the airline serves it to you. Your mini bottles can travel in your carry-on, but you can’t open them in flight.
Packing bottles in a checked bag
Wrap each bottle in a plastic bag, pad it with clothes and keep it in the center of a hard-sided suitcase. Remember that wine and spirits are heavy: six bottles of wine add about 18 lb (8 kg), which can push a bag over the 50 lb limit. A luggage scale saves an overweight fee.