- Is it safe to bring wine along with you on a plane?
- Are you taking the risk of flying your favorite bottle of vino with you in your checked luggage?
- Does wine even stand a chance when faced with the extreme pressure and temperatures of an airplane ride?
These are all pertinent questions to consider when it comes to transporting wine while flying.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some key factors that can affect one’s decision to bring their favorite bottle of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon along on their flight.
We’ll also explore the potential hazards that could come with packing a bottle of wine in checked luggage, such as an unexpected explosion due to shifting air pressure or changing temperatures.
So, before you decide whether to bring along your favorite Chianti for that next flight, read on for information about what could go wrong.
When deciding whether or not to bring wine on an airplane in checked luggage, there are several important considerations one should take into account.
- Air Pressure: The biggest risk with flying with wine is the change in air pressure during flight. If the bottle is left unchecked, the pressure change can cause the cork to come out of the bottle and lead to a mess in your suitcase. To avoid this, make sure your bottle of wine is put into a secure container prior to packing it into checked baggage.
- Temperature: Like air pressure, temperature fluctuations can also pose risks when bringing along a bottle of wine on your trip. Depending on where you are traveling, the cargo hold can often get quite warm which expands the liquid inside the bottle and loosens the cork isolation cork. To help protect against potential damage from drastic changes in temperature, try keeping your bottles in insulated containers.
- Security Regulations: Depending on where you’re traveling to and from, there may be specific regulations for transporting alcohol through airport security that you should be aware of before heading to check-in.
Make sure to do research beforehand so as not to encounter any issues at check-in or even worse – having your prized purchase confiscated!
Considerations Pros Cons
Air Pressure Can ensure cork stays secure Risk of cork popping out
Temperature Insulated containers can help Potential for expansion
Security Rules Know ahead of time what regulations exist for transport through security Confiscation risk
To ensure the successful transport of your wine on a plane, here is a list of recommended items to bring along in order to protect your precious cargo:
Equipment Purpose
Secure Container Keeps the cork secure
Insulated Containers Protects against temperature fluctuations
Research Ensure security regulations are understood and followed
Types of wrapping to protect your non-exploding bottle of wine
We’ve determined that the bottle of wine won’t explode on a plane and how to best package the wine so that it doesn’t get damaged during travel. But what exactly can you use to package it?
Wine Bottle Travel Protector Bags
You can now buy gadgets for wine to ensure its safety when traveling. Here, I’ll cover some of the options that you could buy if you want to ensure that your bottle is secure for the entire duration of your trip.
Bottles Rollup
This padded, insulated sleeve will help keep your bottle safe from impacts and leaks.
Wine Diaper
Yep. If you want to diaper your wine, seal it with a zipper that absorbs up to a maximum of 1,000 ml in the worst case of complete breakage – a two-in-one safety feature. It’s also safe for other liquids, including oil, vinegar, and other kinds of alcohol.
Bubble Wrap
Using bubble wrap is an inexpensive way to protect my bottles of wine. It’s also one of my favorites. You can now buy bubble wrap in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s pretty easy to find at dollar stores or convenience stores these days.
You can choose from various types of bubble wrap that allow you to roll them as many times as you need to get the shape you want.
Here is a step-by-step guide for bringing your wine on an airplane:
- Research the security regulations of where you’re traveling to and from – make sure you understand what regulations exist for transporting alcohol through airport security.
- Purchase a secure container for the bottle of wine, such as a waxed cardboard box or corked wine carrier designed specifically for travel.
- Place the securely sealed bottle in an insulated bag or container to help protect against changes in temperature.
- Pack the container into your checked luggage and include it in your luggage weight allowance.
- Bring along any paperwork required by local authorities that may pertain to your purchase of alcohol, such as receipts or tax stamps.
- Present all necessary documents at check-in as evidence of legality.
- Enjoy your vacation!
Flying with Wine Bottles Internationally
You can bring wine on international flights if you’re at least 21 years old.
But be sure to double-check with your airline and the country’s laws you plan to visit.
In the US, there is a 3% tax on any imported wine from another country. However, if you come from a Caribbean country or US Virgin Islands, you can bring more than 10kg.
If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to check with the country’s customs department before bringing any items into the country. You should declare that you brought wine if you reach the Global Entry kiosk, or you may note it in your customs form yourself. Specify how much alcohol you’re carrying.
If it is below the exception, you’ll be able to pass through it. If it is above the exception, you will have to pay an extra fee, usually 4% above the wine’s original price. Make sure that your wine bottle is labeled correctly.
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