If you are planning on flying soon, it’s good to familiarise yourself with TSA rules, especially those that require deliberation. One such example is “nips” i.e. mini alcohol bottles. We understand that there is some uncertainty and doubt regarding this subject, the airport’s policy, and TSA rules.
For those of you who’d like to carry your own small bottles of alcohol during the flight, this comprehensive guide has laid out all the details. Keep reading to learn all the essentials and come across a hassle-free travel and airport experience.
What are TSA’s Regulations About Carrying Nips on a Plane
The Transportation Security Administration, most commonly known as the TSA, is a United States government agency responsible for screening luggage and protecting the transportation system. In those efforts, the TSA imposes restrictions on the fluid ounces an individual can carry on a plane.
You can carry nips in either a checked bag or carry-on, depending on your personal preference and the quantity you want to carry. Since carry-ons are subject to higher restrictions and lower thresholds, you may want to pack large amounts in the checked bag.
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons
The TSA has limited the quantity of fluid ounces (including alcohol) you can carry on a plane. This generally applies to liquids, aerosols, and gel packs of all sorts. The 3-1-1 rule efficiency sums up the requirements and following it can help you pack nips accordingly.
The fluid limit rule for carry-on states that an individual can only carry 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid, gels, and aerosols per container. This quantity is under the international rule of carrying 100 milliliters. Breaking down the “3-1-1” part, the 3 stands for 3.4 ounces. Furthermore, the first 1 indicates that all 3.4-ounce containers must be placed in a clear ONE-quart bag (an average bag should be “7” by “8” to avoid problems with TSA). The last 1 specifies that each passenger is allowed ONE zip-top bag in total. Other than that, containers exceeding the 3.4-ounce limitation must be in a checked bag.
By these standards, nips (mini liquor bottles) are also considered liquid and you can carry them in 3.4-ounce containers. Furthermore, you can bring as many as you can fit comfortably in one quart-sized bag.
Regulations on checked bags
As for the checked bags, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that an individual can carry up to 5 liters of alcohol. However, the alcohol content matters a lot. The volume of said alcohol should be between 24 and 70% while the bottles should be in unopened retail packaging. You should pack properly and decrease the risk of leakage in any case.
Personal Alcohol Consumption
While TSA allows you to “carry” nips on a plane (In both carry-ons and checked bags), you are not allowed to consume your own alcoholic beverages during the flight. It is true that you can drink from your mini liquor bottles before and at the final destination. However, as per federal law, passengers are only allowed to drink alcohol served by the cabin crew and flight attendants while they are on board.
Airline policies and international travel
Understandably so, each airline has its own specific sets of rules just like different countries have their particular regulations on alcohol. Keeping that in mind, you should always double-check your chosen airline’s requirements and destination country’s restrictions.
Airline policies
It is important to check your airline’s policies to ensure safe and worry-free boarding. You can do so by checking their official website or contacting an agent beforehand. In addition to TSA’s rules and FAA regulations, some airlines may impose their own policies so make sure to comply with them if you want to avoid unpleasant encounters with TSA officers.
International flights
As mentioned above, your destination country may have specific requirements/restrictions on carrying nips and alcohol in general. It is important to be well-informed and well-prepared in all instances.
While some countries may forbid the entry of alcohol entirely, others may limit the amount you can carry. In the latter’s case, it is a good idea to purchase nips from duty-free liquor stores at the airport. It is a great way of navigating through customs and adhering to duty regulations and general customs rules.
A little research will take you a long way and guarantee a hassle-free journey through airport security.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- While it’s a great idea to buy nips from duty-free stores, make sure to remember the rules. Your mini bottles of alcohol must be packed in a tamper-evident bag, as provided by the store, and remember to keep the receipt with you. If you have layovers, keep in mind that duty-free alcohol is only accepted at security checkpoints for a limited time of 48 hours.
- If you are accessing multiple airlines or your travel itinerary includes connecting flights, remember to comply with all the rules. Research properly each country’s and each airline’s policies to experience a smooth transfer. Remember that your luggage will be screened and the same rules will be replied to every time.
- It is always recommended to choose the nips properly. This means that you should purchase mini bottles that have leak-proof material. It is better to carry plastic bottles as they are more sturdy than glass ones and less prone to breakage. You can carry whiskey, vodka, rum, or whatever you prefer but consider taking something that won’t spoil along the duration of your journey.
- The presentation at the security checkpoint is also very important. Upon reaching the machines, take your quart-sized bag out of the carry-on and submit it for x-ray screening. Stay honest with the TSA agents and answer any questions that they might have as this will ensure a smoother process.
- Adhere to the quantity requirements of 3-1-1 in carry-ons and 5 liters in checked baggage. Other than that, consider adding a layer of bubble wrap or padding to the bottles to prevent leakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nips are there in a bottle?
Generally speaking, a “nip” is a mini liquor bottle, equal to one shot, that has 50 milliliters while an average bottle has 750 milliliters. According to these estimations, there are around 16 nips in one bottle of alcohol. In other words, 16 shots of an ounce and a half in one bottle.
How to pack liquor bottles in checked luggage?
In order to prevent leakage, breakage, and any damage, you are recommended to pack the bottles with layers of bubble wrap. You can also wrap them in your clothing or sound cushioning.
Can I bring a drink on a plane?
Yes, you can certainly bring a drink on a plane in your carry-on luggage as long as it complies with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. However, you are not permitted by federal law to consume your own alcohol.
What other liquids are prohibited on an airplane?
Other than alcoholic Beverages over 70% ABV, the TSA regulations don’t allow the following items in either carry-on bags or checked bags due to their dangerous nature.
- Fertilizer
- Insecticide
- Aerosols that are not toiletries
- Flammable liquids
- Toxic liquids
- Bleach
Final thoughts
The TSA checkpoints allow passengers to carry their own nips on a plane. While you are not allowed to consume them during your flight, you are free to drink them before and afterwards. In this article, we discussed various aspects that concern this subject to clear any doubts regarding the carriage of nips on an airplane.
In conclusion, we can only remind travelers to learn about specific airline’s and country’s regulations to avoid any problems. We hope this ultimate guide helped you with your doubts and answered your questions. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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