May be a dumb question, but I couldn't find a decent answer through searching... Planning a trip (plane), and want to pack a few bottles back with me in my checked bag. How best to pack the bottles and/or cans? I assume tape the caps, sealed ziplocks, and wrap with bubble wrap. Any other thoughts? Any concerns with low pressure or extreme cold in the baggage hold? Any concerns with baggage being inspected? If so, how best to address these things?
There have been plenty of threads on this very topic but you've hit the highlights: sealed ziplocks and bubble wrap. There are endless debates on the taping thing; I'm generally of the view it's not necessary except as extra insurance for corked-and-caged bottles. Baggage holds are pressurized and may not be as warm as the cabin but are generally kept above freezing. Your bottles are more at risk when your bag's getting tossed around by the baggage-handlers than when they're in the belly of a plane. As for inspections ... TSA isn't concerned about beer. I have taken to including a note in my bag that says something along the lines of, "This is beer. I understand you have a job to do but if you'll put it back the way you found it, I would appreciate that very much. Thank you."
I used to include something similar, but have discontinued the practice. In the many years I've packed beer/wine in a suitcase, I've only had two occasions where there was breakage due to TSA involvement. On both occasions, it occurred because the agent was apparently in a hurry (or was just lazy and/or incompetent), and didn't repack the beer/wine the way it was originally packed in my suitcase. Personally, I'm of the opinion that packing a note in a suitcase does not one whit of good, as more than likely the TSA employee doesn't even look at it. That being said, I think you're completely correct about TSA's attitude, but can think of no way to avoid the sort of situation I referenced above. (I should add that the last time I had any problems with breakage, TSA did reimburse me for the value of the zinfandel they broke, just not for the suitcase that was ruined and had to be thrown away by the breakage). Good luck.
I had cans in ziplocks and wrapped in bubble wrap and clothes in my suit case. Going from Denver to Chicago, and no issues with pressure I also had a note on my bag when I got home from the TSA that said they searched it and it was “all clear”. No problems traveling with alchohal
