Detailed Guidelines for Carrying Alcohol on Domestic Flights in India

If you are travelling with a bottle of liquor to/from on a flight, make sure you understand some rules and regulations to enjoy your trip without any unwanted hiccups through this write-up.

Updated On: October 09, 2024
8 min, Read

Trips are those special occasions when you want to enjoy your drink, get high and indulge in some fun. But when you are boarding a domestic flight, there are some rules and regulations that you must follow if you want to travel with your bottle of alcohol, no matter how confusing they look to you. Make sure you understand these rules and regulations to enjoy your trip without any unwanted hiccups. Let us know these guidelines in detail for better clarity.

Understanding airline and airport policies

Throughout the country, most airlines follow the regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, you need to be mindful of the airports and airlines as they can have some extra guidelines on their liquor policy.

Airline restrictions

Almost all airlines in India permit passengers to carry alcohol with them, along with a few caveats in the form of specific guidelines charted out clearly. For example, some airlines allow their passengers to carry a small quantity of alcohol in their carry-on luggage. It is therefore wise to check with your airline about the regulations regarding the quantity and type permitted on the flight.

Airport security

The authorities at the Airport are quite strict about the rules to travel with liquids specifically alcohol, and make a traveller pass through stringent checks by The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to ensure what should and should not be carried on the flights in the checked and carry-on luggage of a traveller.

General rules for carrying alcohol

Checked baggage

Limit: You can carry not more than 5 litres of liquor in your checked baggage. Remember, this limit is calculated per passenger and the bottle must be for personal use. Also, the liquor must be carefully sealed and packed so that there is no scope for breakage. The packaging should also be leakproof with sufficient cushioning so that it is not broken in transit.
Alcohol Content: Your liquor should not have more than 70% alcohol content. It should be between 24% to 70% alcohol by volume. Worry not, as almost all alcohol available for sale in stores generally falls under this category. However, we recommend you check your liquor to be doubly sure if there is confusion. Also, you cannot carry an opened or partially consumed bottle is also not allowed.

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Carry-on baggage

Most airlines advise against carrying alcohol with carry-on baggage. However certain flights like IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, and Spice Jet allow sealed bottles in their carry-on baggage only if the bottle is not opened or consumed during the journey. Some airlines like Akasa Air and IndiGo allow 1-litre bottles to be carried in their handbags on the flight.

The bottles should be packed carefully in transparent Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB). The receipt of the bag should be there and remain visible, as this is checked during the screening.

State regulations: India has specific state laws regarding alcohol sales and transportation. Be sure to be mindful of these rules while travelling to these states as you can land in trouble with your alcohol.
Some states in the country like Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep have strict laws against alcohol sales and transportation. You can end up with serious legal consequences in case you are found travelling with liquor into these states. Here are some points that you can keep in mind in cases like these.
Carry permits: Avoid carrying liquor in the states where it is publicly banned. In some states, you can carry permits so you can travel with your alcohol. Just show the document to the authorities at the airport while screening so that you are not caught in any unnecessary scuffle with the staff.

Helpful tips for traveling with alcohol

Package it appropriately: Ensure that your bottle is nicely packed in a leak-proof, see-through bag which is required as a necessary step while you are travelling. If required, extra packaging in its original bottle can also prevent it from spilling or breaking.
Check airline policies: It is wise to adhere to the guidelines of your airlines while travelling to avoid any unwarranted trouble. For example, Air India prohibits liquor in your carry-on luggage, make sure you put your bottle in the checked baggage while travelling.
Be mindful of security regulations: Do not forget to keep all the purchase receipts of your liquor if you have bought it from the Duty Free store for a smoother screening process. Show these proof of purchases when asked by the authorities.

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Avoid being under the influence: The airlines often refuse to board any passenger who looks intoxicated or under the influence of liquor. Plus, any additional liquor bottle with you can compound your troubles. Also, consuming liquor on domestic flights is strictly not allowed even if it is a part of your checked-in baggage. Make sure you comply with all the rules and regulations of the airlines.

What happens if you don’t follow the rules?

If you do not adhere to the rules of carrying alcohol, you can be caught in a lot of unpleasant circumstances like these-

Confiscation: If you don’t want your precious bottle of single malt whisky to be confiscated, you should not travel with more than 5 litres of liquor in your check-in baggage. The confiscated liquor can be disposed of or can be stored by the authorities if you plan to come back after some days.
Fines and Legal Action: Avoid any legal trouble or fines by not taking liquors to places where they are not allowed by the state. It is advisable to check local laws and carrying permits before travelling to any dry state.

These guidelines for carrying alcohol on domestic flights in India look complicated at the outset, but if you have the right information, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at the airport. Whether you're a casual traveller or a frequent flyer, being aware of these rules helps you avoid unnecessary stress and ensures that your journey remains pleasant from start to finish. So next time you fly domestically in India, travel smart, stay informed, and sip savvy!

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