Packing an Extra Suitcase for Food and Beverage?

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

We will usually take a trip off site when we arrive to buy some water and some adult beverages. We do not buy food items and already pack snacks such as breakfast bars, candy, crackers, etc. in our carry-on and suitcases. Traveling off site has never been an issue, but it does take time and cost money.

So, we were thinking that this time we would attempt to pack a separate small suitcase (carry-on size but check it) with our food and drink items. Besides the obvious concern of weight, I am concerned about packaging the liquid items for travel. I am looking for feedback from anyone who has checked water or plastic alcohol bottles such as ideas for packaging, issues with checking the items, trouble with TSA, etc.?

Also, I know that airlines have certain restrictions and limits for checking alcohol and I have looked into that. We are traveling Southwest, so if anyone has personal experience with checking alcohol with them, feedback would be appreciated.

 

[MasterGracey84]

Have you considered shipping some items directly to the resort via UPS, FedEx, etc.? You will have to pay for shipping, but the fee should be far less than airline fees for extra luggage. Regrettably, I do not know the guidelines for the shipment of alcoholic beverages. Just something to consider

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Can't help you with the alcohol, but as far as water I'd order it and have it shipped. Last year we did a case of water from Staples. It was $5.99 for 24 bottles, free shipping. Just have to have the rewards card--sign up free on their site. Ordered it a few days before arrival and it was waiting for us at the baggage counter at the resort.

I'm thinking for smaller alcohol bottles, I'd think about putting individual bottles in Ziplocs and wrapping up inside some of the clothes instead of a separate case just for that. I would think it would be better cushioned/protected that way. But have never done this, so not sure!

 

[peg110]

Per http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/01/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-traveling-with.html

Checked Baggage

• Any amount of alcohol greater than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked baggage.
• Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, cannot be packed in checked luggage.
• Travelers may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask.
• Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol content are not subject to hazardous materials regulations.

 

[peg110]

Another place to look for "Shipping" it is https://support.shippingeasy.com/hc...hip-Alcohol-USPS-UPS-FedEx-Rules-Restrictions.

I agree it's probably cheaper to "Ship" grocery items to your resort (at least non-perishible). Last time I flew, I think an "Extra" bag as like $50.00. You can ship a lot of groceries for $50.00.

Also Don't ship water. Even if you buy bottled water in the resorts "Stores" (at an increased price) it's still cheaper then shipping it. Personally, if it came down to it, I would get a few re-usable bottles and a portable water filter (if tap water bothers you). As someone who hikes I have one like this one http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews/MSR-SweetWater-Microfilter but there are other types too. Here is a good alternative too. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GN6QV4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER It's a brita sport water filter bottle.

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

Per http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/01/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-traveling-with.html

Checked Baggage

• Any amount of alcohol greater than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked baggage.
• Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, cannot be packed in checked luggage.
• Travelers may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask.
• Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol content are not subject to hazardous materials regulations.

Another place to look for "Shipping" it is https://support.shippingeasy.com/hc...hip-Alcohol-USPS-UPS-FedEx-Rules-Restrictions.

I agree it's probably cheaper to "Ship" grocery items to your resort (at least non-perishible). Last time I flew, I think an "Extra" bag as like $50.00. You can ship a lot of groceries for $50.00.

Also Don't ship water. Even if you buy bottled water in the resorts "Stores" (at an increased price) it's still cheaper then shipping it. Personally, if it came down to it, I would get a few re-usable bottles and a portable water filter (if tap water bothers you). As someone who hikes I have one like this one http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews/MSR-SweetWater-Microfilter but there are other types too. Here is a good alternative too. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GN6QV4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER It's a brita sport water filter bottle.

Thank you for the responses. I looked into the guidelines for Southwest Airlines and found the restrictions. Also, since we are flying SW, we have two "free" checked bags per person. We normally only check one per person, so the "extra" bag would not cost us additional fees unless it is overweight (>50lbs).

I know that there are services for shipping groceries to the resort, but in order to include alcohol purchases, it seems that there is a minimum grocery order required.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Just pack you adult beverages in your second checked bag along with some of your clothes for cushioning. We always pack at least one bottle of wine in our bag and have never had a problem. Just don't exceed the 50 lb. limit and follow the TSA guidelines and you'll be fine. For everything else I would use a service to deliver snacks and bottled water to your resort. Bottled water by the case is available at some resort gift shops. Check out some of the grocery delivery services and compare their prices with shipping directly from a store (Staples, etc.). Have a great trip! Cheers!!!

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Sorry. Double post.

 

[Accident]

I can recommend gardengrocer.com if you find you can't fit it all or go overweight and leave something behind. We get some cases of beverages and breakfast items from them lately, especially when we're there a longer period of time as we couldn't possibly travel with enough for a long trip.

Some resorts your room might be impossibly far from the baggage services where your things will be waiting for you but time it with enjoying a lunch at the resort or take in that section of the resort for their time window and everything works out.

 

[clr055]

Actually I am planning to do this for our January trip. We also will fly southwest and don't have need for that second bag and so I am packing it full of bagels (in a hard case), a toaster for our room, plastic bowls/spoons, oatmeal packets and pop tarts. I will use an insulated lunch bag with a frozen insert to bring cream cheese for the bagels and cheesesticks. I will be buying liquor either in plastic bottles or I may buy a plastic container to put it in. How in the world is the TSA going to decide the proof of my booze that way! And I will be buying the black box wine... its very good wine and since it is in the cardboard box with the interior liner made of plastic its not going to shatter or explode. I am an amazon prime member and will have chips, salsa, two cases of water and some diet pepsi delivered to the hotel with prime pantry. I would just order or ship the groceries but with an extra bag I figure what is the point.

 

[Accident]

Last year I ran into a family that went home with a full suitcase of turkey legs. Apparently you can convert meals leftover on the meal plans to snacks and similar.

 

[spartankid34]

Could someone please assist with understanding Southwest's alcohol rule for checked baggage. I've read somewhere about it being wrapped and boxed, but what if I were to buy a plastic bottle of liquor or wine, could I wrap it on my own or does it have to be professionally done? How about plastic beer bottles?

 

[siskaren]

Could someone please assist with understanding Southwest's alcohol rule for checked baggage. I've read somewhere about it being wrapped and boxed, but what if I were to buy a plastic bottle of liquor or wine, could I wrap it on my own or does it have to be professionally done? How about plastic beer bottles?

There's a thread about this over in the Transportation board:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/southwest-alcohol-in-checked-bag.3423352/#post-53934986

 

[bianca]

We do this all the time. I ship our booze (Blackbox of wine and a fifth of Jack Daniels). I have this fancy ziplock bag lined with batting made specifically for flying wines or liquor. I ship frozen foods/meats, snacks and whatever else we want at the time. I cover all of this with 2 chaise lounge towels that we usually bring (the kind that hook over the back and don't slip down) for extra cushioning. At the end of the trip, we have lots of room for souvenirs, etc. takes the stress out of packing. We've never had a problem. Our stuff always arrives cold and ready for the refrigerator.