Bourbon on Airplanes?

[robbyvirus]

Does anyone here know if it's legal to bring bottles of bourbon on airplanes? And if so, is there a limit to the amount? I'm flying to the midwest and I want to stock up, but I'd hate to have some Homeland Security folks make me dump it all at the gate!

[brian12069]

I never had a problem except once and it was because the bottle was opened. I guess because you could pour something in it besides booze. If its sealed you should be ok.

[boone]

Rob,

This thread HAZ-MAT answers your question. There is a limit to the amout of bourbon you can take on airplanes. The bourbon taken from him was not destroyed. A few bottles "magically disappeared" but the others were left at the airport office, for him to pick up at another time.

Bettye Jo

[Barrel_Proof]

By federal regulation, you are allowed to take 5 liters of unopened, labeled liquor under 140 proof as carry-on or checked baggage aboard a domestic flight. In practice, TSA considers this to be a 6 bottle limit. TSA workers are known to keep for themselves bottles that exceed the limit.

A word of advice, based on experience: If you are traveling with companions, pack no more than 6 bottles in any one box to increase the chances that your bourbon will actually arrive with you.

[Vision]

FYI, I once took a pint of vodka on an international flight for my own consumption. Don't know if you would still get away with that.

[OneCubeOnly]

FYI, I once took a pint of vodka on an international flight for my own consumption. Don't know if you would still get away with that.

Have you ever watched that A&E series "Airline"??? Based on how they treat passengers in the airport who have been drinking, I doubt that'd be tolerated nowadays.

[OneCubeOnly]

Does anyone here know if it's legal to bring bottles of bourbon on airplanes? And if so, is there a limit to the amount?

Cliff was absolutely correct in his reply to you. I did a little research of my own and found this newsgroup post which was very informative. It even has a link to the specific regulation(s) if you need a copy to show the TSA brain trust. Have a great trip!

[Gillman]

As we are getting closer to Gazebos upcoming, I'd like to bump this helpful post from Cliff. I've occasionally on flights had both the proof level and number of bottles carried checked so it is good to know the rules for those who will be flying. My Port Ellen aged 24 years Cask Strength is 57.3% vol, so in U.S. proof terms this is under 140 and I'll be okay. I'll have also my Gazebo Blend of straight whiskeys and a Canadian Club 20 year old. My Hirsch 16 is going to Bettye Jo's party. My Screech is to trade with Randy of Texas.

My Gazebo arrival times will be later than in the past because Thursday night is the HH tour and I've signed up also for Boots & Bourbon at Jideco, but I'll get there circa 11:00 p.m. and ditto next night (I think!) after Bettye Jo's party. Saturday night I always go to the Gala and that too tends to go late but I'll try to get to the GN for a last Gazebo there.

So that's how things are shaping up for me, I'm looking forward to seeing all including Dane, Randy, Cliff, Bobby and Amelia, Jeff and Leslie, Ed and Patty, Chuck, the Doganos, Brenda, Van Winkles, the Beams, and not least -Mr. Jim Butler! Also Ken and other newer members of the board including the West Coasters like Doug and Roger. And my friend Tim Sousley to be sure, Tim, don't forget to bring those antique minis.

Gary

P.S. I know there are scribes who do various most helpful tasks around here and I wonder if someone is preparing a final list of the straightbourbonites who will be attending Gazebos. If it could show peoples' real names (where known) that would help too.

[Nevill]

I have a little first hand knowlege I can share. I left Louisville via American Airlines on the 24th with the following in my checked bag -

1.75L Buffalo Trace

.750 Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

.750 Elijah Craig 12 year old

.750 Old Forrester b-day (fall '95)

.750 Four Roses Single Barrel

50ml Four Roses

50ml Buffalo Trace

And in my laptop case...

.375 Maker's Mark

.375 Jack Daniel's green label

No problems at check in, but I have to admit I would have had a hell of a time deciding which one to leave behind had someone done the math...