You could catch a flight from Scotland and still take home a rare whiskey as a souvenir. Alternatively, you have visited wine country in France or South Africa and want to take home bottles of the best local wines for friends and family. However, there are several key points travelers should consider before boarding this flight.

What should travelers know when traveling with alcohol?

Everyone can make mistakes when traveling, but bringing alcohol in your carry-on or checked baggage can lead to problems. As everyone knows, traveling is not easy these days, with various rules and regulations regarding the contents of one’s luggage. It is essential to be aware of any prohibited items relating to the country of that airport.

Meanwhile, an expert reveals the key points needed to consider before heading to the airport. Daniel Ufland is a whiskey expert and the founder of The Whiskey Masters, a premier online whiskey retailer offering a curated selection of fine and rare whiskeys. He explains:

The time spent researching the specific rules and regulations of your airline and destination pales in comparison to the time spent in customs if you break local laws.

Ufland highlighted the most common mistakes travelers make when traveling with alcohol and how to avoid getting into trouble that could ruin your trip.

1. Not researching country-specific laws and regulations

Many travelers don’t think twice about what they can pack for their flight. There is so much excitement about the upcoming vacation that they pack their bags without knowing the restrictions of their destination country. Daniel notes that each destination has its own regulations on the importation and consumption of alcohol:

Without proper research, individuals risk facing heavy fines and even legal consequences for violating these laws. What may be perfectly legal and acceptable in one country may be completely prohibited in another.

To avoid any problems, travelers should always check the official alcohol rules and regulations on the official website of the country to be visited.

2. Overpackaging alcohol

Some countries have strict rules and regulations regarding the amount of alcohol that can be carried on the plane. Exceeding these limits may result in potential airport security issues. Not only does this add extra weight to carry-on or checked baggage, but carrying too many items can exceed the limits imposed by the host country.

Daniel advises: “If you’re not sure how much alcohol you can bring, it’s best to leave it at home and buy it at your destination. »

3. Not securing bottles properly

Unsecured cylinders can pose a major safety risk in flight, leading to cylinder damage and potential spillage.

Daniel warns: “Changes in pressure and temperature on the plane can cause bottles to leak or even break, which can cause damage and damage other items in your luggage. »

Broken glass from a broken bottle can potentially harm airport staff handling baggage. Daniel recommends:

Always wrap your bottles in bubble wrap and store them in the middle of your suitcase; this provides additional cushioning against the rigors of air travel.

4. Pack alcohol in carry-on luggage

It may seem convenient to pack alcohol in carry-on luggage, including this delicious Costa Rican coffee liqueur, but it’s a common mistake.

“According to the authorities, all liquids over 100 ml, including alcohol, must be packed in checked baggage,” explains Daniel. “It’s about respecting security regulations and avoiding confiscations at security checkpoints.”

Additionally, alcohol is flammable and can pose a safety risk on a flight, so it’s essential to follow guidelines and always pack bottles in checked baggage.

5. Not declaring your alcohol purchases

With the excitement of travel, travelers might ignore regulations regarding how much alcohol can be brought on board a flight. Alternatively, they could simply forget to declare their purchases. Daniel warns:

Failure to report alcohol purchases may result in fines or possible confiscation of the items. This can spoil the start or end of a trip and cause delays or other complications for the traveler.

Before heading to the airport, travelers should research the country’s rules and regulations regarding the amount of alcohol that can be carried. This information can be easily found on the airline’s website or by contacting the airport. Ufland says:

Traveling in the air with alcohol is not prohibited, but it comes with strict regulations that change depending on where you are coming from and where you are going.

Even when educated, the logistics of traveling with glass bottles of alcohol present their own set of challenges, often leading travelers to avoid the situation altogether.

“If you have a special drink that you just can’t live without, be sure to research and prepare well in advance. If your drink has sentimental value, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Wherever you travel, they will likely have their own local drinks to enjoy,” added Ufland.