Southwest Alcohol in Checked Bag

[plutoislove]

I was just reading this:

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.

Do these two items mean that I can only bring alcohol in my checked bag if I have special packaging, or is it acceptable to wrap my own liquor with bubble wrap, towels, ziplock etc.?? Is there anyone who has recently travelled with Southwest that can confirm what I should do in this situation if I wanted to pack some plastic beer bottles, plastic liquor bottle, and/or wine?

 

[houseofduck]

I have traveled recently on Southwest with wine in my checked bag. I did not use "professional packaging" and did not purchase their special packaging. I did use a wine diaper (similar to this, but less expensive when I bought them - http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Reusable-Absorbent-Eco-Friendly-Accessory/dp/B00308FONW/?). I think you would be fine if you use something leak proof.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

If I remember I had bought some bottle bags at AAA store. Original bottles they could see the label.

 

[rwdavis2]

Bubble wrap is fine. As was said put it in something leak proof.

 

[CarolMN]

I'd be worried about theft, especially if it weren't a non-stop flight. Rather than tempt someone to rifle through my luggage, I'd spend a few more $$ and buy it upon arrival. I accept that I am a bit paranoid.

 

[rwdavis2]

I've flown with probably 20 cases of wine over the years and never had anything stolen. It might happen but it's pretty rare.

 

[bumbershoot]

Alcohol (wine and liquor) accepted as checked baggage must be contained within a corrugated box

They are saying that the rules are for wine accepted AS checked luggage. You're talking about wine IN checked luggage.

But I suggest getting something like "wine diapers". Padding plus inside absorbency just in case the outside padding doesn't work.

 

[plutoislove]

They are saying that the rules are for wine accepted AS checked luggage. You're talking about wine IN checked luggage. But I suggest getting something like "wine diapers". Padding plus inside absorbency just in case the outside padding doesn't work.

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.

But this is the part I'm questioning, specifically IN luggage. I think I'll invest in the "wine diaper" and then wrap it extra!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have put wine in checked bags many times and also in special wine suitcases. Never had anything break, even the time a suitcase was completely destroyed. The wine, wrapped in bubble wrap, was fine.

 

[Starshine]

I've packed beer as well- bubble wrap first, then ziplock bags. Never had a problem.

 

[clr055]

I am wondering if it wouldn't be more prudent to ship it by UPS...

 

[rwdavis2]

I am wondering if it wouldn't be more prudent to ship it by UPS...

It is generally illegal for individuals to ship alcohol. If UPS discovers it they may very well destroy it.

 

[DonnaL]

Unless UPS has changed their policy within the past few years they will NOT accept a package containing alcohol for shipment. About five years ago I tried to ship a few bottles of wine from a UPS store in the Disney area that I had purchased at the Food and Wine Festival......I had already wrapped it in bubble wrap very well and boxed/addressed it......I just wanted them to ship it....no go......the clerk heard the liquid and asked what was in the box.......specifically told me UPS will not ship alcohol.

 

[clr055]

Oh... well then.. I guess I got lucky in 2009 because I didn't know that when I shipped vodka and bourbon ahead of me to WDW. Thanks for the heads up!