Flying with wine

Steve_Saxon · October 30, 2009, 9:33pm

I’ll be heading out to NYC for Berserkerfest next week and I can’t decide whether to put the wine in a styro box and check it in at the airport or ship it Fedex/UPS.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Joe_Dulworth · October 30, 2009, 9:41pm

Lately with checked bag fees I usually put a six pack styro shipper sideways in my checked suitcase and use the other half for clothes. One bag fee that way. Pretty cheap and I usually fill the box for the return trip home.

Darryl_Priest · October 30, 2009, 9:48pm

The recycled paper shippers work great inside of bags with clothes, etc. Just remember the obvious, wine is heavy and some, if not most, airlines charge for overweight bags, unless you fly first class.
-D

Jeff_Cassetta · October 30, 2009, 9:57pm

I always just check a styro shipper…but I don’t have to pay for bags (2 per person for everyone traveling with me) since I have gold status.

CFu · October 30, 2009, 10:00pm

I plus 1 what Serge said.

Paul_Jaouen · October 30, 2009, 10:15pm

I do both. I’ll usually ship if it is a small amount and I have nothing else to check as luggage.

MikeL · October 30, 2009, 11:49pm

Just check it. It’s cheap enough and safe. Not rocket science.

Andrew_Gray · October 31, 2009, 12:32am

I always just check a styro shipper.

Best,

Andrew

Rob_MacKay · October 31, 2009, 5:56am

This is exactly what I just did when I went up to Seattle. No problems at all but that’s also a much shorter flight.

Jeff_Twersky · October 31, 2009, 3:41pm

I took 4 bottles back East a few weeks ago. They would have filled my luggage, so I went carried the bag with my clothes on board and checked a styro box of wine. Worked fine. I have also wrapped a bottle in bubble wrap and put it in my luggage, and that also worked fine. It depends on how many bottles you are taking.

ToddFrench · October 31, 2009, 3:46pm

I’ve recently flown with 6 in styro - took up most of the bag, but that is fine. I am not sure how many I’ll be bringing to Berserkerfest 1.5, but I do have one bottle already there, in the dirty hands of Jorge.

I’m flying JetBlue so I can check bags for free! Amazing how that is a benefit nowadays - with so few airlines offering it for no extra charge. As such, I might check a box, not expecting to bring any of it back.

Terence_T-Bone_Livingston · October 31, 2009, 5:10pm

Direct flight – take with you in styro.

Multi-leg – ship before.

…and don’t forget to pack those 187ml top-shelf liquor bottles in your quart bag instead of shampoo! Woodford Reserve available, Father Saxon!

ToddFrench · October 31, 2009, 5:12pm

I never even thought of that! Can you really bring those mini bottles on the plane?

Steve_Saxon · October 31, 2009, 5:17pm

I figured you would have all the answers Bone…and a great idea regarding the Woodfords, I can drink good on the plane.

Terence_T-Bone_Livingston · October 31, 2009, 5:19pm

Yes, TSA doesn’t check what’s in your quart bag. Never had an issue. Just don’t let the Flight Attendant see you. Ask for (whatever) with ice, drink that down, make your own refreshing beverage! Save you $6 / drink, plus the swill they offer up there at 35K feet.

ToddFrench · October 31, 2009, 5:47pm

Well, where do you get these mini bottles?? Any liquor store?

M_A_T_T_H_A_R_T_L_E_Y · October 31, 2009, 5:50pm

I always check as baggage in styro shipper…

GregUrsino · October 31, 2009, 5:55pm

+2 on what Serge said

T Bone has a pretty coo idea. 187/30=6.2 oz., But are you saying as long as it fits in your quart bag nobody cares?

Terence_T-Bone_Livingston · October 31, 2009, 5:58pm

http://www.hitimewine.net/istar.asp?a=3&dept=01&class=05&sortby=&numperpage=30

and most liquor stores should have a pretty good selection.

ToddFrench · October 31, 2009, 6:05pm

Hey Veronica - looks like I should take a trip to Hi-Time! I’ve got a couple bottles of rum to pick up, too, and while there, I can pick up some ‘travel aids’…