I am a serious wine collector and have travelled with wine extensively. Both pre and post "liqui-ban", so may have some domain knowledge that could help (couldn't resist, sorry).

The absolute safest way to travel with wine is to purchase what is called a "styro shipper". Essentially a high grade cardboard box with styrofoam inserts that have bottle sized cutouts. These are designed specifically to ship wine. Pack your bottles in the styro shipper - they make sizes up to a full case (12 750ml bottles), and are readily available in single, 3, and 6 bottle sizes. Check the box as luggage - really no other option due to liqui-ban. I've done this both domestically and internationally.

Couple of thoughts on this... it is most likely (quite probable) that your box will be opened and inspected by TSA in the US. I have had this 100% of the time I've checked wine as luggage in a styro shipper. No biggie at all - just a card saying the box had been opened. Also, if you are flying/travelling more than say 2-3 hours, the wine will probably suffer from something called "travel shock" which will affect it's drinkability upon arrival - the level of effect certainly varies to very slight to very extreme - completely dependent on the wine that is doing the travelling.

Styro shippers are readily available at most wine shops and at a chain called BevMo.

Just noticed your handle, so you may have an aversion to styrofoam. If so, I have heard of eco-friendly shipping boxes out there, but have not seen any for sale. I personally would not risk putting the bottles in my luggage.

Hope this helps.