Jet2, EasyJet and British Airways hit flight passengers with '70%' rule
Many holidaymakers focus on hand luggage liquid restrictions when packing, rather than this little-known airline rule.
Britons heading abroad this summer are being warned about a little-known airport rule that could see bottles of alcohol confiscated before they even board their flight. Many holidaymakers focus on hand luggage liquid restrictions when packing, but travellers flying with Jet2, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI should also be aware of strict rules covering alcohol strength.
Under UK aviation regulations, passengers are banned from carrying alcoholic drinks containing more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) in either hand luggage or checked baggage. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that alcoholic drinks containing more than 24 per cent but no more than 70 per cent ABV can be carried, up to a maximum of five litres per passenger in retail packaging.
Jet2
Anything stronger than 70 per cent ABV is prohibited. While most popular spirits fall below the limit, some high-strength products exceed it. These include certain overproof rums, grain alcohols such as Everclear, which can reach 95 per cent ABV in some markets, Spirytus Rektyfikowany at 96 per cent ABV and some absinthe varieties containing more than 70 per cent alcohol. Anyone buying local spirits while abroad is being urged to check the label carefully before travelling home.
Jet2 says safety is its "top priority" and requires customers to comply with regulations covering dangerous goods. Under those rules, alcoholic drinks stronger than 70 per cent ABV cannot be carried, while drinks between 24 per cent and 70 per cent ABV are generally limited to five litres per passenger.
British Airways
British Airways explicitly warns customers: "Drinks above 70 per cent alcohol volume are not permitted on board our aircraft in either checked baggage or hand baggage."
The airline permits up to five litres of alcohol containing between 24 per cent and 70 per cent ABV, provided packaging requirements are met.
easyJet
easyJet's dangerous goods policy allows "alcoholic beverages containing more than 24 per cent but not more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume" up to a total of five litres per passenger. Its baggage guidance also states: "Alcohol must be lower than 70 per cent ABV."
Ryanair
Ryanair lists "Alcohol stronger than 70 per cent ABV (140 proof)" among its prohibited substances. The airline also does not allow passengers to consume alcohol they have brought on board themselves.
TUI
TUI follows the same international dangerous goods regulations, meaning drinks containing more than 70 per cent ABV are prohibited, while lower-strength alcoholic beverages may be carried subject to quantity limits.
Why are drinks above 70 per cent ABV banned on flights?
The restriction is in place because high-strength alcohol is considered more flammable than standard spirits and therefore poses a greater safety risk during air travel.
As a result, aviation regulations prohibit passengers from carrying alcoholic drinks containing more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume, whether in hand luggage or checked baggage.
Holidaymakers planning to bring back spirits from abroad are advised to check the ABV on the label before travelling to avoid any issues at airport security or check-in.
