Bringing back a bottle of local spirits is a beloved tradition for many travelers during their holidays. However, some passengers may face an unpleasant surprise at the airport if they overlook a crucial detail on the label.
The issue revolves around the alcohol content of the beverages. While most alcoholic drinks can be carried in hand luggage or checked baggage, airlines and aviation authorities prohibit passengers from flying with beverages that have more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV).
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) specifies that drinks with over 24% but less than 70% ABV are allowed, up to a maximum of five liters per passenger in retail packaging. Any drink exceeding 70% ABV is not permitted.
Although the majority of common spirits fall below this limit, certain high-strength products can exceed it. Examples include specific overproof rums, grain alcohols like Everclear (up to 95% ABV), Spirytus Rektyfikowany (96% ABV), and some absinthe varieties with more than 70% ABV.
Travelers purchasing local spirits abroad are advised to confirm the alcohol strength before packing for their flight. It is essential to know which UK airlines prohibit high-strength alcohol and understand their regulations. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
– Jet2 enforces dangerous goods regulations, banning alcoholic drinks stronger than 70% ABV and restricting those between 24% and 70% ABV to five liters per passenger.
– British Airways explicitly states that drinks above 70% ABV are not allowed in either checked or hand baggage, permitting up to five liters of alcohol with 24% to 70% ABV in compliant packaging.
– easyJet allows alcoholic beverages with 24% to 70% ABV, up to five liters per passenger, as long as the alcohol content is below 70% ABV.
– Ryanair prohibits alcohol stronger than 70% ABV and does not permit passengers to consume their own alcohol on board.
– TUI follows international dangerous goods regulations, banning drinks over 70% ABV and potentially allowing lower-strength alcohol within quantity limits.
The restriction on high-strength alcohol is rooted in aviation safety regulations due to its increased flammability compared to standard spirits. Checking the ABV before heading to the airport can prevent any surprises during check-in or security for travelers bringing back a bottle from their holiday.