The average level of alcohol in a growler of beer is 5%, and according to TSA, “Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.” This means that any alcohol below 24% is free to travel without restrictions in your checked baggage.
They also mention that only “mini bottles of alcohol [are allowed in] carry-on.” Due to the size of most growlers (32 and 64 ounces), they will be too large of an amount to be allowed in a carry-on.
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Can You Travel with Alcohol in Checked Baggage?
Liquids with an alcohol content up until 70% are allowed in checked luggage. If it is above 70% it isn’t allowed in checked luggage or carry-on.
How Much Alcohol Can you Carry in a Checked Bag?
You are allowed as many bottles as you like if the alcohol content is below 24% and packed in your checked luggage. For alcohol content above 24%, it is limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) in your checked luggage and must be in untampered retail packaging.
The TSA Requires that Alcohol Over 24% is in its Original Retail Packaging.
How Do You Pack a Growler for a Flight?
Use a hard shell luggage case and pack your growler in the middle with cushioning (such as clothes) on all sides, wrapping it in bubble wrap or a shirt, and then sealing it in a plastic bag just in case of a leak.
As your luggage can sometimes be thrown or handled roughly while it travels, soft or fabric suitcases do not offer the same protection as hardshell cases.
Related Article: How to Protect Your Luggage and Fly Safely
Will my Growler’s Brew Stay Safe While in the Plane’s Cargo?
As long as it’s packed securely, it will remain safe while in the plane’s pressurized cargo hold. As the temperature can drop a few degrees in this section of the plane, it may even remain cold for the duration of your flight.
Can I Buy a Full Growler at one of the Airport Stores?
Growlers are allowed at a max of 5 liters in your carry-on if the bottles are in a tamper-evident bag. According to the TSA, “If the bag looks opened or tampered with, then it won’t be allowed to fly in your carry-on bag.” Also, make sure you keep the receipt handy to show that it has been purchased within 48 hours.
