How much liquor can you carry on domestic flights? Know these rules to avoid trouble!

Air travel, once accessible only to the wealthy, has become very popular today. A large number of people now depend on air travel even for domestic trips. However, many frequent flyers are unaware of the associated rules, leading to common misconceptions, especially concerning the transportation of liquor on flights.

There are specific regulations for carrying liquor on domestic flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, has issued guidelines in this regard. Ignorance of these rules can result in heavy fines, travel bans, and sometimes even legal action.

How much liquor can be carried?

Domestic passengers are allowed to transport a limited amount of liquor under certain conditions. Passengers can carry up to 5 litres of liquor in check-in baggage, provided the alcohol content does not exceed 70 percent. Most airlines prohibit carrying liquor in hand luggage or cabin bags.

Air India does not permit liquor in cabin bags, whereas airlines like Vistara and SpiceJet allow liquor purchased after security screening to be carried in cabin baggage. Indigo and Akasa Air permit up to one litre in this manner. These rules may vary depending on the airline, and airline officials may make changes as circumstances warrant.

Liquor purchased from duty-free shops at departure airports must be handled according to the same rules. It should remain sealed in its original packaging; breaking the seal or opening the bottle is prohibited. Domestic passengers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol on board. Airline authorities reserve the right to prevent passengers from carrying liquor if they believe it poses a safety risk due to intoxication. In such cases, passengers may be denied boarding or have their alcohol confiscated.