Can You Carry Alcohol On Flights In India? A Traveller’s Complete Guide

Last Updated:September 30, 2025, 11:38 IST

Carrying alcohol on flights is possible, but only if you know the limits and pack with care. With the right preparation, your bottle will travel as smoothly as you do.

In India, carrying alcohol on flights is allowed with restrictions.

Few things stir more uncertainty at airports than travelling with alcohol. That carefully chosen bottle of wine, whisky, or local spirit often sparks last-minute anxiety: will it make it past security, or end up in a bin before boarding? The truth is, carrying alcohol on flights is allowed, but only within strict boundaries that differ between domestic and international journeys. With policies shaped by safety concerns, airline discretion, and duty-free exceptions, the rules can be tricky to decode.

Here’s a traveller’s guide to ensure your prized bottle arrives at your destination intact.

Domestic Flights in India: Checked vs Cabin Bags

For those flying within India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) allows passengers to carry up to 5 litres of alcohol in checked baggage. The only condition: the alcohol must fall between 24% and 70% ABV. Anything stronger is banned for safety reasons.

But cabin baggage is where confusion begins. Airlines follow DGCA’s broad rules differently:

• Air India: No alcohol in cabin baggage.
• IndiGo & Akasa Air: Up to 1 litre allowed if bought after security and in sealed packaging.
• SpiceJet: Accepts duty-free bottles in tamper-proof bags.

Regardless of the airline, consuming your own alcohol during the flight is not permitted.

International Flights: TSA and Beyond

On international routes, the rules are stricter. In carry-on luggage, only 100 ml bottles are permitted unless purchased duty-free in sealed bags. In checked baggage, up to 5 litres is allowed per passenger, again within the 24–70% ABV range. Bottles above 70% ABV are outright prohibited.

Like in India, the “no drinking your own liquor onboard” rule applies worldwide.

Packing Right: Avoid Spills and Surprises

The key to carrying alcohol safely isn’t just the rules. It’s packing smart:

• Wrap bottles in bubble wrap or soft clothes.
• Use sealed plastic bags for leak-proofing.
• Place bottles at the centre of your suitcase, cushioned by clothing.
• Keep receipts handy in case staff ask for proof of purchase.
• Avoid overpacking, which increases bottle pressure and breakage risk.

Duty-Free and Connecting Flights

If your journey includes a domestic leg in India after an international flight, your duty-free bottles must remain sealed in tamper-proof bags. Opening them before boarding could mean losing them at security.

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Author: News18