Checking beer on a plane flight/baggage

I have flown to San Francisco for Pliny the Elder, Chicago for Zombie Dust and Burlington, VT for Heady Topper multiple times. As a Delta Medallion member I am allowed three 70 pound suitcases. I carry a clean set a clothes(carry-on) and three very large empty suitcases (about 18 pounds each with wrap). Before leaving, I purchase from Walmart bubble wrap (small bubbles) in large rolls and tear the sheets to make two foot sheets (bomber or 12 oz) and lay them flat in the suitcases along with a couple of boxes of 2 to 2 1/2 gallon ziplock bags. I also carry a pair of digital scales that I carry-on on the return.

Once purchased and back at the hotel room or even airport parking lot sometimes, I take roll each bottle in two feet of bubble wrap. I then put the bottle in the large ziplock bag. A 2+ gallon ziplock will hold several 12 oz. and easily four bombers. I then line the entire suitcase with bubble wrap about two inches thick, but it feels like more. I lay the ziplocks flat all over the suitcase adding more wrap as needed and making sure wrap is on the top. A case of 12 oz bottles is about 32 pounds. Due to daily limits at breweries, I fill in the weight with a local brew or stay another day to purchase more.

Last February I flew from South Georgia into Vermont just to get some Heady and it was minus 12 degrees. I got a room by the Burlington airport. The next morning I drove to Warren Store for breakfast and to pick up a couple of bottles of Lawson Finest Liquids beer. I drove back up the road to The Alchemist and purchased my limit on Heady Topper. Then I drove to the Beverage Warehouse in Burlington to top off my suitcases. I got to the airport and Delta let me use a real scale to get my bottle and can count right in each suitcase. I was heavy! So I had to take three bombers out and then I checked the bags. It was three hours before the flight so I took the bottles to the bathroom where I struggled to open them with my keys and drink them. Then I went outside and smoked a cigar in zero degree weather.

I have NEVER had a bottle break. TSA always places a card in the middle of each suitcase. I have heard of bad experiences with AirTran and checking beer just in the last week. My refrigerators in my man cave (garage with chairs) stay stocked with the best beer in the country.

 

I apologize in advance if this has been covered already. But can someone tell me about flying into Cancun Mexico with beer? I'll be flying with united airlines and I know the only beer that will be available with be bland Lagers so I'd like to take a few with me. Is flying out of the country with beer ok? Sounds like most of the stories I have ready were all flying domestic (US State to US State).

 

As long as it is in the checked baggage, no problem. Only thing you need to check is the quantity limit, though I doubt you would be bringing that much beer.

 

The key is packing your checked baggage as tight as possible. I usually just wrap my beers in a shirt, or just a little but of bubble wrap and pad the surrounding areas in the suitcase.

 

Is this common, checking growlers? I assumed this wasn't TSA kosher. Is it perhaps only because you sealed the heck out of them?

 

Does TSA ask about it?

 

They may/may not ask. As long as it's checked, you're good. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/alcoholic-beverages

 

I've done this for trips to Chicago, Tampa, and Raleigh. A bomber will fit easily; 750's likely not. I used 2 ziplocs pre bomber to prevent any headaches if the bottle breaks. If you do that and roll them up in a heavy shirt or jeans it should work fine. I'm also finding new love for canned craft beer as two sixers from CCB packed easily in shoes or those little spaces of the luggage.

 

Cans are a traveling salesman's' best friend.

(That and free checked bags)

 

I got nailed once checking beer in a 12-bottle shipper with Frontier in Denver when the woman behind the counter asked if any of the packing was STYROFOAM!! Apparently styro is now a prohibited item, at least with Frontier, and I had to repack the bottles in my suitcase, with no breakage. And it was the ONLY time I have ever been asked.

 

Flying into Mexico with beer is no problem. Your personal limit is 3 lts. If you go over that, then you have to fill out a customs declarations form and declare it. You can bring in an additional 6 lts. of beer and pay taxes for that. Taxes are 90% of original retail price. Beermail me if you need more specific answers.

 

Just to update on this, I've been using 2-gallon freezer bags that are awesome. They fit bombers, 750s, cork+cage. Haven't had a problem with them yet.

 

I know a guy that once sent 12 bottles of specialty craft beers in a cardboard box via FedEx. When they arrived at the final destination, all caps had popped off and, thus, did not survive the (air) trip. Anyone remember the days when you could pay to have your luggage bubble/plastic wrapped? ORD comes to mind if I remember right.

 

Used this recently to bring 3x12oz and 1x22oz across country in a small wheel-on suitcase that I checked. Wrapped each in a jumbo ziploc and put a layer of corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap on the bottom of the suitcase nearest the beer. Winced a bit when I saw how they tossed it on the conveyor and was certain I'd find a wet mess full of broken glass, but every bottle came through perfectly. Worked great.

http://www.amazon.com/Wine-Skin-Win...d_sim_k_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1VK290VMRTP3P41ZCPCJ

 

They need to make these for 750s or 22s! I see this being better for shipping than drinking out of!
http://fancy.com/things/526345633653593932/Brewtis-BottleKeeper-Insulated-Beer-Holder

 

Not sure if they still do, but American requires that you pack alcohol in styrofoam.

 

Honestly, I've been traveling for work for the past 2 years (I fly every week within my 23 state territory) and I've just used Neoprene holders. I have two 6 pack holders (one is GLBC and one is for my Ravens) and a black double 750ml holder I bought at Total Wine. Knock on wood, I've never had anything burst yet at all, and ask my friends - I've brought A LOT home.

 

This is what I've used when travelling. Never had a breakage since. And if you did, the thing sort of absorbs the mess. Supposedly.

http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Padd...ie=UTF8&qid=1398351534&sr=8-1&keywords=jetbag

 

I did exactly what you are trying to do last year. The only thing that was an issue was just how damn heavy the beers are...it was tough lugging around that thing on trains and whatnot throughout Europe when it didn't have a roller. Remember most airlines have a 50 lb limit, they give you a bit of wiggle room sometimes (my bag was almost 60 lbs with 20 or so beers). I didn't have an issue with anything breaking or whatnot, I stuck all my beers in socks, bubble wrapped (remember top of bottle is weakest point), and stuffed some extra clothing in my bag so nothing was loose.

There shouldn't be an issue with the authorities, if you get flagged just explain you brought back beer that you purchased...and make sure to mark the purchase on the checklist they give you on the way back. I did get flagged for inspection at customs and the agent asked why I had so much beer and that's what I told him. He didn't ask any further questions.

 

I just flew home from NorCal with a few bombers. I had them each wrapped in a full-size paper grocery bag and a large black trash bag, all of them packed tightly amongst clothes in a hard-shell suitcase. The Southwest gate agent – who was probably genuinely looking out for me — asked to take a look at their packaging. She undid all of it and said it wasn't going to be safe. So I had to purchase these fancy inflatable bottle bags (ostensibly made for wine bottles, so they fit everything) for $5 each. I wasn't happy with spending and extra $15, but those things are pretty sweet, and they're reusable.