Whether you’re traveling to a destination that’s known for its wine you’re simply touring a new city, you could find yourself falling in love with a bottle of wine. And, maybe you’ll even want to bring a few of them home with you. But, wine can be difficult to transport. The bottles aren’t small, and they’re a bit heavy. To make matters worse, they’re breakable.

The worst-case scenario, of course, is a broken bottle of wine that absolutely drenches (and possibly ruins) everything in your luggage. The point is, it can be a bit of a hassle, but so, so worth it! With a little bit of knowledge and prep before your trip, you can enjoy your newest bottle of wine without breaking too much of a sweat (or having to break into the bottle a bit earlier than planned). First, check out some of our tips for how to travel with wine.

Research the Rules

Before you head to Napa or Tuscany, you first need to understand the TSA rules for flying with alcohol. No alcohol above 70% by volume (140 proof) is allowed, even in checked baggage. You can bring alcoholic beverages through security and on the plane with you, but only if they’re in unopened mini-bottles that can “comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag” and don’t exceed the amount of liquid allowed per passenger. Everything else has to go in your checked luggage.

​You can’t have more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger of any alcoholic beverages that are less than 70% alcohol by volume. They also have to be unopened and in “retail packaging.” But most wine is less than 24% alcohol by volume, which according to the TSA website is “not subject to limitations in checked bags.” So, if you’re flying back with any wine, be sure to know how much alcohol it contains and stick to the above rules.

Pack Correctly

If you want to fly with a regular bottle of wine, which is larger than the 3-1/2 ounce or 100-ml, TSA-allowable size, then you need to put that in your checked bag. If it’s not already packaged in a factory-sealed container, wrap it carefully with solid tape to avoid breakage and pack it in several layers of bubble wrap. There’s a limit of five liters per bottle in your checked bag, which is a little under seven bottles in an average case.

Use a Wine Bottle Travel Protector

Even if you’re packing your wine in your checked luggage, there are extra steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t break and spill all over your clothes. If you normally bring back a bottle or two when you travel, you might want to buy a travel protector, a bottle guard, or a wine tote bag to hold your wine even when it’s packed tight in your suitcase.

Invest in a Wine Suitcase

Flying with wine is nothing to be concerned about it’s just a couple of bottles, but if you’re a die-hard oenophile who flies with a lot of wine, then you should probably buy a wine suitcase. It’s a specialty piece of luggage designed to carry the maximum amount of wine bottles you can bring when you fly, with lots of padding and design features to keep it all secure and intact. It’s also a good idea to label the suitcase as “WINE” so that those who are loading and unloading it from the plane will know it’s fragile.

You May Also Enjoy: Don’t Sacrifice Space for Style! How to Pack Like a Traveling Fashionista

Remember That You Can Ship Wine

If you have too much luggage to squeeze in a bottle of wine, shipping is another option for you to consider. But, keep in mind that sometimes the cost to ship wine can actually be more expensive than the bottle itself. But if you’re buying a large quantity from a single winery, be sure to ask if they can ship it for you. They may have deals for a reduced rate. Plus, they’ll undoubtedly do a better job packing it.

FAQs:

Q: Will airport security inspect my packed wine bottles?
A: Checked luggage may be screened by security, but TSA agents are trained to handle fragile items. It’s still wise to pack wine securely in protective sleeves or bubble wrap to avoid damage.

Q: What happens if my wine bottle breaks during the flight?
A: If your wine breaks in a checked bag, it can damage your belongings. Always wrap bottles securely and place them in waterproof, padded containers to prevent leaks and breakage.

Q: Is there a duty or tax for bringing wine into the U.S. from abroad?
A: Yes, U.S. Customs allows one liter of alcohol duty-free per person. Additional amounts may be subject to duties and taxes depending on the quantity and the state you’re entering.

Q: Can I travel internationally with wine if I’m visiting multiple countries?
A: Yes, but every country has specific import limits and rules. Always check each country’s customs regulations before arriving, especially if you’re carrying several bottles.

Q: Can I pack wine in my luggage if I’m not checking a bag?
A: No, full-size wine bottles must be packed in checked luggage due to liquid restrictions. If you’re not checking a bag, you’ll need to purchase wine at duty-free shops after security or ship it home.

Q: Are there any airline-specific restrictions for flying with wine?
A: Some airlines may have different baggage policies concerning weight or fragile items. Check with your airline beforehand to ensure your packed wine complies with their regulations.

So, are you confident that you know how to travel with wine? Let us know in the comments below!