The TSA international alcohol rules have been relaxed as of January 31, 2014.
The agency said that passengers traveling internationally into the United States with a connecting flight can now carry liquids in excess of 100 mL in their carry-on baggage.
The alcohol or other liquids have to have been purchased in duty-free shops and placed in secure, tamper-evident bags (STEBs).
“Technological advances may allow passengers to keep these liquids in their carry-on baggage, provided they are presented in a STEB and are able to be screened and cleared by Transportation Security Officers at the checkpoint,” the agency said in the announcement.
Previously, a passenger who purchased wine internationally at a duty-free shop and flew into the United States, and then had a connecting flight, had a problem.
Once the traveler cleared U.S. Customs, the TSA required him or her to pack any liquids into checked luggage before getting on the connecting flights.
The agency added:
“Liquids that cannot be screened and cleared will not be allowed to remain in a passenger’s carry-on baggage. Passengers may elect to place these items into checked baggage, if available, or forfeit them prior to entering the secure area of the airport. This may include liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic bottles, or other containers that cannot be effectively scanned.”
