What are the rules for carrying alcohol on domestic Indian flights?

As air travel within India continues to grow, it's important for passengers to understand the rules and regulations surrounding the carriage of alcohol on domestic flights. While the policies may seem straightforward, there are a few nuances that travellers should be aware of to avoid any issues at the airport.

According to the current guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation in India, passengers are allowed to carry a limited quantity of alcohol on domestic flights. The specific rules are as follows:
Checked baggage: Passengers can carry up to 5 litres of alcoholic beverages in their checked baggage, provided the alcohol content does not exceed 70%. This limit applies per adult passenger and is not transferable to other travellers.

Carry-on baggage: The DGCA advises against carrying alcohol in hand baggage, as passengers cannot consume their own alcohol on flights. However, each airline has specific guidelines. While Air India prohibits alcohol in cabin bags entirely, airlines like SpiceJet, Vistara allow it if the bottle was purchased after passenger screening or from the airport security hold area and is in its original retail packaging. IndiGo and Akasa Air limit alcohol in cabin bags to one litre, whereas Vistara and SpiceJet require bottles to be packed in Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB). So,it’s essential that you check with your airline for specific requirements before travelling.

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Duty-free purchases: Travellers who have purchased alcohol from duty-free shops at the departing airport are allowed to carry these purchases on board, regardless of the quantity. However, the alcohol must be in its original, unopened packaging and be placed in the passenger's carry-on baggage.

It's important to note that the alcohol carried by passengers must be for personal consumption only. The DGCA prohibits the serving of any alcoholic beverages brought by travellers on board the aircraft, as this is the sole responsibility of the airline.

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In addition to the quantity restrictions, passengers must also be mindful of the overall weight and size limitations for both checked and carry-on luggage. Exceeding these limits could result in additional fees or the need to repack items.

Travellers should also be aware that the airline reserves the right to refuse the carriage of alcoholic beverages if they believe the passenger is intoxicated or if the alcohol could pose a safety risk. In such cases, the airline may confiscate the alcohol or deny boarding to the passenger.

It's crucial for passengers to familiarise themselves with the latest DGCA regulations before their flight, as these rules may be subject to change. Failing to comply with the alcohol carriage rules can lead to fines, delays, or even legal consequences, so it's best to plan ahead and pack accordingly.