Checking Alcohol on Southwest Airlines

Not had a problem with using checked luggage with SWA, but I put my beer in a flight case that I use for records which is carpeted inside. About perfect for about 12 beers. I also use bubble wrap and also sleeve them so the bottles don't come in contact with one another. No problems, yet.

 

Seems like I am with the general consensus here - no issues in the past. I flew from Pittsburgh to Denver back in January and checked a 12-bottle styro shipper without a problem. They told me that since it was a cardboard box they'd definitely have to inspect it which I said was fine and it made it safe and sound.

 

Just returned from San Diego two days ago with about 25 bottles and about a case of cans via southwest Airlines. I just zip locked them and wrapped them in clothes then put it in a tied garbage bags to keep it nice and snug. Worked for me for many years and that's the reason I love SWA for their baggage fees even if your over its still cheaper the an others. Cheers

 

SW last year brought a case & half of cans and about a case of bombers w/ no problems from new england to vegas

 

I fly southwest when i travel and always bring booze back with me. Just pack the booze smart in the middle of the suit case so nothing breaks.

 

I just bought a wine check, haven't used it yet but will be in a few weeks for a trip to Seattle. For those of you who have used it with styrofoam inserts before, do you put the inserts in a cardboard box & then inside the wine check? Or do you put the styrofoam in directly without a box around it? I'd like to do the later, but am concerned that the airlines may give me a hard time if I don't have them in a box inside the WC. I'm flying AA & Alaska.

 

I have the cardboard inserts, so there is just a cardboard box inside the bag. Not sure about the foam version.

 

Thanks, I have my own foam inserts from wine club orders I've received, didn't buy their special inserts.

 

I have done exactly what you are referring to, using that shipping box as one of my pieces of luggage when I travel to Oregon. You will be fine, especially if you wrap each bottle in bubble wrap as I did. I highly encourage you to pick up a carrying strap like this one. Left it on when I checked it. Makes it easier for you and the luggage guys to carry.

https://www.containerstore.com/s/mo...x-tape/strap-a-handles/12d?productId=10030978

 

I've used a wine check for about three years now. Went to nocal on SW in January, no issues just putting the wine/bombers in the styro, no additional protection. Usually tsa (or Covenant at sfo) takes a peek but never an issue. This time SW made me sign a waiver on the baggage tag which was a first but there's never been any damage or missing bottles. I do always use a cardboard box plus styro shippers in the wine check. Fyi if packing light on other airlines I'll keep it to six bottles and use the other half of the box for the rest of my checked luggage. Neither United or AA have batted an eye in the past year.

 

I'm thinking of pulling the plug and purchasing one of these Wine Check Bags. For the last 4-5 years now I've been using my Eagle Creek CarryOn bag. Nothing wrong with the carry on bag. Never had an issue > no broken bottles or opened cans or leaks. I can fit up to a case+ in cans or bottles. All wrapped and in zip locks. Plus clothes protecting them. Between 2 EC bags we brought home 12 Cantillon bottles from our Brussels trip. So my question to you.....Do I need a Wine Check bag? Why? I was thinking more room, more goodness to bring back. Maybe better protection? If I were to get one will I be able to take this carry on bag (folded) on the plane when going to my beer destination? I don't plan on getting the box and styrofoam insert. I was thinking of making my own protection for the insert. It holds 12 wine bottles with their insert, but I can fit a lot more cans/bottles without the styrofoam. It looks kinda bulky when folded and when your carrying it around.

 

I just traveled on Southwest with beer. I used bubble-wrap on the six pack and liter bottles. I then put them in a large sealing plastic bag. All made it without a problem.