FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Is wine allowed to be in checked baggage?
Old May 27, 2012, 7:48 am
  #3  
InkUnderNails
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
Originally Posted by robbert
It's all under Luggage:

Alcoholic Beverages

Southwest allows alcohol to be carried in checked luggage under the following conditions.
Alcohol (wine and liquor) must be in the original unopened container with the manufacturer's label when transported in or as checked baggage.
The maximum quantity of liquor that may be transported in or as checked baggage on Southwest Airlines is five liters per Customer. Wine is not subject to the five-liter per Customer limitation.
Alcohol content may not exceed 70% by volume (140 proof).
Alcohol (wine and liquor) in checked baggage must be securely packaged in a leak-proof bag with adequate professional packaging designed to fit the proportions of the bottle to prevent breakage.
Alcohol (wine and liquor) accepted as checked baggage must be contained within a corrugated box secured with sealing tape. The contents must be packaged in a leak-proof bag with professional packaging designed to fit the proportions of the bottle to prevent breakage.
Liquor and wine packaging is available for sale at Southwest Airlines ticket counters for $5.00 per unit.

Southwest Airlines does not accept liability for breakage of liquids or fragile items in checked luggage even if transported in special packaging purchased from Southwest Airlines.
Packaging purchased at Southwest Airlines ticket counters is intended for liquor or wine placed inside checked baggage only.
Professional packaging by alcohol and wine suppliers (e.g., cruise lines, wineries, duty-free shops) is acceptable as long as the contents have adequate cushioning and the packaging prevents leakage.
All alcohol (wine and liquor) is subject to TSA screening.

Hugely good advice!

In addition, see my bold above. $5 a bottle is cheap insurance. I would even suggest going to your local Spirits Store and having them professionally pack it. A UPS Store or FedEx can do the same. Explain to both that it is for checked luggage and not to be shipped. (Shipping alcohol to some states is illegal and the checked baggage route is the best.

Once packed, and double boxed, put it inside a large suitcase surrounded by soft clothes and check it as its own bag. Include a small roll of shipping tape so that if the TSA opens it they might out of the goodness of their heart reseal it. You have the option of asking the TSA to screen it in your presence and resealing it before it enters the luggage stream.

If it is very valuable, borrow or rent a Pelican or similar case.

If it is cheap wine, drink it yourself and buy more at your destination.
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