Best way to pack these 6 bottles? If I bring them to the airport, will UA wrap them in something? Should I just wrap them myself in sweaters and put them in my suitcase?

I have a box that the wine came in, but it's in awful condition - I could use that as my second carry on, will UA accept it and will they handle it with care?

TIA

Sorry if there is already a thread on here which discusses this, i tried searching.

^^^^

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.

Thanks, and i really appreciate your help.

I'm in a pretty rural part of the world unfrotuantely, and I can't seem to find anything even close to what you are talking about, can't even find bubble wrap.

Also, any advice on how to limit travel shock or wines that shouldn't be transported via air?

As far as travel shock is concerned, not much you can do to avoid it if you are travelling. It just happens. I have some wines that are shipped to me with a notice from the wine maker asking that wait 4-6 weeks before drinking so that the bottles settle down after shipping. Probably more extreme than needed, but most of this stuff is to age anyway so I've never opened one right away.

My experience has been Old World wines with some age on them (20+ years) suffer travel shock more than others. Particularly Burgundy. But I think it affects all wines to one degree or another.

I Googled "styrofoam wine shipper" and got a ton of results. Here is a good one:

http://store.uhaul.com/master_produc...il.aspx?id=169

I keep several 3 and 6 bottle ones at home, these are actually quite common.

Again, your advice is much appreciated.

I don't have access to the styrofoam wine shipper, since i'm in a very remote area. I need more of a macgyver version of the wine shipper.

I surprised that they can't ship these to you. I've had them shipped to me in the past and it's been no issue. These boxes are generally good for at least 2-3 uses, sometimes more. UPS/Fedex doesn't service your area?

If you really can't find anything. Get a HIGH QUALITY cardboard box, wrap your bottles in a towel - one towel per bottle and fit them tightly in the box. This is safer than putting the bottles in your bag, but NOT NEARLY AS SAFE as a styro shipper. I really would not recommend this method and would really try to find some styro shippers.

Where are you located? Are these all from one winery, or wines you've collected over time? Have you considered asking a winery to send them for you? It might be worthwhile to do that.

I'd also suggest the towel idea if there is no other option. If you were in a small town I'd suggest trying to find some packing peanuts or bubble wrap, but it sounds like you're pretty far from civilization, yet close enough to buy wine.

Tried finding bubble wrap. I think the closest thing I can get to bubble wrap is a 6 hour drive.

I was able to scrounge up some individual boxes that can fit one bottle of wine each - no padding, just cardboard. If I place each bottle in one of these and then take it to someone who crumples up paper and puts it all in a large box, thoughts of this being a safer option?

Lots of folks on FT have reported success checking a few bottles of wine wrapped in clothing inside a suitcase. I've done it a few times for those extra few bottles, but I've always been a bit concerned about their treatment. Additionally, its technically against UA's policy:

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52062,00.html

Alcoholic beverages placed in checked baggage must adhere to the following size restrictions and package guidelines.

For all alcoholic beverages:

When placed in checked baggage, glass bottles must be in a Styrofoam-type insert that is molded to the shape of the bottle and completely encloses the bottle"

I own two 12 bottle styrofoam insert shipping boxes and they work great. I've never had any problem with them and they're re-usable.

As a side note, since the OP's question referred to UA and the policy is specifically UA's should this thread be moved back to the UA forum where it was originally posted?

The things we take for granted...

use existing bag if correct shape. best is a hardsided old samsonite or equal. they are available cheap from second hand stores like salvation army.

get the mache(dividers) out of burgundy/champagne boxes.

fill the suitcase with towels(they got towels wherever you live?)

throw some tape around the whole case.

it will probably be opened by TSa, but they will retape.

do NOT tell UA gate agents what are in the suitcase. many do not know the rules, and think that alcohol cannot be shipped at all.

A hard sided gun case with foam inserts works well.

This is a bad idea and can easily cause breakage. Crumpled paper is NOT a good way to cushion bottles of wine. Even when in a single bottle "interior" box. I would not recommend.

Seriously, if UPS or Fedex, or for that matter USPS services your area you should be able to get wine shippers sent to you with no issue. Are you that far from a Post Office? 6 hours is like 300 to 350 miles (minimum - likely more)... geez, how far do you have to drive to get to an airport?