Hey everyone,
I flying away to visit a friend and I was hoping to take commercial/home brewed beers to him but I wasn't sure how to package the beer for the flight. My original plan was to check in a suitcase with a 6-8 bombers with bubble wrap and seperating the bottles with either crumpled up newspaper or cardboard.I was hoping i could get some advice/experience with transporting beer in a check bag. Cheers!
-Americo
Americo,
Uhaul should sell styro bottle shippers. Much safer with those crazy bagage handlers.
I roll up the bottles in my shirts or even pants.
The main thing (same with mailing/shipping) is to make sure 1) the bottle is completely covered, including the tops and bottoms and 2) when fully packed, everything should be tight, i.e., no loose space for things to jostle.
Bubble wrap would work. I also put beers into cheap food/bread bags just for an additional barrier in case something were to leak/break.
Oh, and weigh the suitcase at home as well if you're flying heavy. I once had to throw away/give away beer at Midway because I didn't want to pay the extra fee. Much shame.
Sure thing. It can go well or poorly. If TSA opens your bag, expect them to not put things back how they found them, and remember bags get lots of rough handling in transit.
I have a dedicated beer shipper, but for your suitcase I use the large bubble wrap tapped around the bottles. Then put the bottles in the center of the suitcase with clothes all around. If you're paranoid, but the bottles in gallon size freezer ziplocks to contain a spill.
I use these.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10032365&N=&Nao=60&Ntt=wine...
I have (6) of them and have been using them for over 4 years now. I usually roll the bottle in a tshirt or put a long knee-high sock over them then place them in these zip-locked padded absorbant bags. I haven't had a problem yet and I travel at least 6-10 times a year.
Each sleeve holds (1) bomer/wine bottle/750 easy or holds (2) 12 oz when one is upsidedown.
I used to pack my beer in my suitcase wrapped in laundry or bubble wrap. Had a couple of fallen soldiers. Once it was a bad stout and ruined my whole suitcase. I purchased a wine check about 2 years ago and it has paid its price already. Easy to carry a case of bottles. It has wheels and easy to pull.