Taking beer on a plane as a checked bag

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by KingHenry, May 22, 2012.

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  1. teraflx

    teraflx Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2013 Arizona

    and ALWAYS pack a little extra in your belly before take off!
     
  2. tommyguz

    tommyguz Initiate (0) May 14, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Trader

    Did the same thing. Both of my suitcases were 49 lbs and my friend checked one that was like 37 (with what I couldn't fit in mine). Just bubble wrap, clothing, garbage bags. I did have a 6 bottle shipper that fit in a large suitcase (stackable 3 on bottom, 3 on top) All came back safe and sound.

    On a side note, I did take 4 small sample bottles of liquor through security with me (2 Beam's, a vodka and a gin) Just put them in my plastic baggie with my shampoo and small liquids.
     
  3. Skunkdrool

    Skunkdrool Savant (1,124) Jul 31, 2010 California
    Trader

    When I travel I bring a hard shell case with only packing materials. I can stack 4 FedEx 14X10 boxes perfectly in the case, with a touch of filler on the sides to make it snug. Typically I can plan on getting 12-15 bombers back home safely.
    Empty hard shell case, bubble wrap, boxes, tape, ziplocks.
     
  4. bram325

    bram325 Initiate (0) Oct 23, 2013 Texas

  5. lowbit

    lowbit Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2013 Wisconsin

    I used to use those WineSkins, but the problem is they're not resealable, so you either throw them away after one use, or run the risk of things leaking all over your clothes if you use them again (which happened to me).

    I switched to these bags last year, which are both resealable and are lined with absorbent material to provide a second layer of protection in case of leaks.
     
  6. cincysig

    cincysig Zealot (701) Sep 15, 2010 Connecticut

    I've used WineSkins over and over again. Cut the bottom and retape. I've used those a ton and really like them!
     
  7. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,206) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I always keep 10-15 ziplock freezer bags in my luggage just in case I find bottles to bring home. I just put each bottle in a bag (to protect my clothes just in case) and try to pad things up as much as I can. Men's shoes are great for holding 12oz bottles.
    I've probably flown with 100 or more bottles over the years, typically 7-8 at a time, with no issues to date.
    The bigger issue is staying under the 50-55lb. limit and not having to dump bottles or clothes at the last minute. I've got it down to a science after having to leave a Brooklyn BCS and a Weyerbacher Heresy in the Tampa airport restroom.
     
  8. El_Jefe

    El_Jefe Initiate (0) Nov 24, 2012 Georgia

    I will be out there Feb as well...been out there the same time the last four years. I'm platinum on Delta so me and my gf check two empty styro wine boxes each on the way out there (free). We load them up and also cram extras in our luggage (wrap in between clothes...just be smart about it). Doing this we usually get about 75 bottles home to GA and so far, no breakage/leakage.

    Good luck.
     
  9. lowbit

    lowbit Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2013 Wisconsin

    That was exactly what I was doing when I had a bottle leak all over the contents of my suitcase. (Red wine, unfortunately, though a high gravity coffee stout would probably have ruined just as many items. :stuck_out_tongue:) Unless you use half a roll of tape, it just isn't as secure as a sealed bag.
     
  10. BubalooBrewMaster

    BubalooBrewMaster Savant (1,122) Feb 24, 2013 Kentucky
    Trader

    Trying to find Mexican crafts is like looking for a needle in a haystack..trust me I've tried :rage:
     
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  11. kdb150

    kdb150 Initiate (0) Mar 8, 2012 Pennsylvania

    Don't ovethink it. If you can pad the bottles a bit and immobilize the contents of the case, you should be fine. I have some foam sleeves that fit around bottles and are nice and light, and work nice in conjunction with clothing in protecting bottles. I've also used just my clothes for bringing beer back, and both work just fine.

    Just remember - pad and immobilize.
     
  12. kaseydad

    kaseydad Pooh-Bah (1,900) Nov 23, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Brought a four pack of ten fidy individually double wrapped in baggies and a bomber in a double wrapped storage sized baggie to Vegas with no problem yesterday Agreed on the place it between clothes to impact any rough handling. Have done the same thing to San Diego, Texas and Florida with no issues. And Florida was even a transfer.
     
  13. azorie

    azorie Pooh-Bah (2,409) Mar 18, 2006 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    9/11 is all I will say. ruined allot of things. like bringing wine back as a carry on.

    you can pack and check anything even guns, lol
     
  14. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    UPS pad pak envelopes work awesome for wrapping fragile items. They have bubble wrap interior and a plastic exterior with a glue seal edge.double up on those and you can drop bottles on a floor and they will bounce..Very handy...best part is they are free if you have a UPS acct. if not you can prob swipe from a UPS store.
     
  15. IAmJacksHopTongue

    IAmJacksHopTongue Initiate (0) Jan 19, 2013 Indiana

    Depends on the airline. Flying Southwest (free checked bags) or already planning to pay for a checked bag; then it is cheaper to bring in your bags. But paying $45+ to check a bag just for beer is probably more expensive than shipping unless you would also have to pay for packaging materials in California.

    Can't remember the last time I flew anywhere and didn't bring beer home. I've used the inserts from Spirited Shippers (cardboard folding boxes with selective tabs for different bottle sizes) that online wine/beer sellers often use for shipping. I also end up wrapping a few bottles in whatever clothes are also in the bag.

    I tend not to worry about leakage. Somebody said it already: be sure the bottles are padded and immovable within the bag and you really don't have much to worry about. I would guess that 99% of broken bottles via airlines or shipping happen because two bottles are touching; if you avoid that, you're golden.
     
  16. alexanf

    alexanf Initiate (0) Jun 22, 2012 Mississippi

    I'm from MI and now live in CO. With Founders and Shorts being in MI, I do this every time I fly. Never in large amounts though. Just make sure they are bubble wrapped and placed in a ziplock. You should be OK.
     
  17. aschwab

    aschwab Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2009 Texas

    Unless you are in Mexico City. there are some good beer bars there.
     
  18. aschwab

    aschwab Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2009 Texas

    I am flying to Portland this weekend with beer. Taking 2 - 12 bomber styro shippers filled with Jester King and some randoms for bottle trades.

    I get 2 free checked bags since my wife is coming and flying AA (I get one free bag per person).

    On the way back, both styro shippers will be full of beer, along with both our suitcases (with 12 bombers a piece).

    Also, rumor has it that there is a bottle shop in the PDX airport. I think I can probably squeeze another 15 into my wifes/my carry ons (I plan for it to be empty). I am aiming for a solid 63 beers back to TX. I believe I win.
     
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  19. shnsajax

    shnsajax Initiate (0) Jul 2, 2013 Idaho

    You might smell a little funky due to the lack of clothes, but yes you do win.
     
  20. aschwab

    aschwab Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2009 Texas

    Only a 3 day trip. I am ok with the consequences. My wife may disagree, but she knows what is about to happen and knows she has no say in this matter (I will pay for the consequences later).
     
    ncstateplaya likes this.
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