Can You Really Check a Can of Beer in Flight?
Weird news of a man checking a single can of beer on a flight has spread recently, and it got me thinking: can anyone do it? What are the exact rules for inspecting food and drinks?
I first called TSA and asked about bulk food and beverage inspection. They said that they would have no problem with this according to their current rules and regulations, but you will definitely need to check the item if it contains liquid. Also, the product may undergo additional security checks. So it is technically possible to check a can of beer in this case, but TSA also stated that this is highly dependent on each individual airline. This is where it gets interesting. I contacted six major airlines in the United States – United, Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue – and asked what their rules were for checking loose items.
JetBlue responded first, but just pointed me to their baggage rules listed on their website. It turns out that everything has its own rules. For example, you can test meat, fish, and seafood as long as they are in an airtight ice-packed container and their contents are clearly labeled. This item counts towards your checked baggage allowance. With production, things are a little more complicated . Before doing anything (for example, USDA ), you need to clarify the state or government requirements for entering and leaving the country . JetBlue even has rules for transporting holy water in cans , which is promising. If I can check a can of holy water, I can check a can of beer as well.
Finally, I came across their alcohol section . It explains that the alcohol content cannot exceed 70% (proof 140), but you can check in up to five liters of it as checked baggage if it is packed in an airtight bottle or flask . The crew probably wouldn’t be too happy about it, but a can of beer definitely fits the bill. The alcohol content of most beers is around 5-10%, the can is much less than five liters, and it is in a clearly labeled sealed can. So this is it! Case is closed! You can really check out a single can of beer, can’t you ?! Not so fast…
An American Airlines spokesman objected strongly when I told them about the beer can story:
We do not accept the item described in history. We do not accept items that could injure our team members and / or damage another client’s bag. Since knowingly accepting such an item is likely to damage the luggage strap, we will not accept it.
It makes sense. One can of beer jumping over the luggage compartment is sure to hit someone or something, or it will explode and sprinkle beer on all things. And yes, it could easily fall into the nooks and crannies of the luggage strap, causing serious damage. So what should a traveler do if you want to take one scattered food or drink with you?
Southwest Airlines spokesman Brian Parrish told me that it’s best to keep items in a bag or proper case for protection. But you don’t necessarily need a bag if you pack it correctly. For the beer example, it is best to use some kind of airtight bag and then place it in a corrugated box filled with packing material that can prevent breakage during transit. Once you tape the box off, label the contents clearly and you are ready to check it out (be sure to check your airline’s size and weight limits first). Parrish also noted that several airlines, including Southwest, offer packaging of spirits and wines at their ticket offices. So for about $ 5, you can ask someone to pack your booze properly.
In short, don’t try to test one beer yourself . The only reason this was possible in the original story was that a friend of the man was working at the Australian airport where the event took place . You can check loose food and drinks – even without a bag – but you must prepare them properly. When in doubt, talk to your airline first and find out how they can help you.