How Much Alcohol Can I Bring into the United Kingdom? 2026 Duty-Free Limit

How much alcohol can I bring into the United Kingdom duty-free?

42 L beer, plus 18 L still wine, plus 4 L spirits >22% (or 9 L drinks ≤22%). The allowance applies from age 17. Anything over the allowance must be declared, and duty and tax may apply.

Source: gov.uk, checked 5 Nov 2026

Can I carry alcohol on the plane to the United Kingdom?

Alcohol up to 24% ABV (beer, wine): carry-on yes, but carry-on liquids limit of the departure airport applies; checked bag yes; No aviation limit; destination customs allowance applies. Source: faa.gov, checked 5 Nov 2026

Alcohol 24-70% ABV (spirits): carry-on yes, but carry-on liquids limit applies; checked bag yes; Max 5 L per container and 5 L per passenger, unopened retail packaging. Source: faa.gov, checked 5 Nov 2026

Alcohol over 70% ABV (e.g. 151-proof rum, grain alcohol): carry-on no; checked bag no; Forbidden. Source: faa.gov, checked 5 Nov 2026

Drinks in your carry-on also count toward the airport's liquids limit unless bought after security.

Airline alcohol rules for flights from the United Kingdom

Jet2: Up to 24%: no DG limit; 24-70%: max 5 L per person in retail packaging; over 70% forbidden; only alcohol bought on board may be consumed; airport security liquid rules apply. Source: jet2.com, checked 6 Nov 2026

Loganair: Up to 5 L per person; consuming own alcohol on board not permitted. Source: loganair.co.uk, checked 6 Nov 2026

Virgin Atlantic: 24-70% ABV in retail packaging, receptacles <=5 L, max 5 L per person (cabin, checked or on person); alcohol prohibited/confiscated in Maldives. Source: virginatlantic.com, checked 6 Nov 2026