So You Want to Travel With Beer?
Beer is one of the best souvenirs to bring back when traveling. Bring it as a gift and it reminds loved ones that you were thinking of them while traveling. Buy it as a souvenir and the liquid can transport you back when you drink it and when you see the bottle or can if it’s displayed. Getting beer home when traveling is an artform, and one that is easily mastered with a few subtle concepts and some foreknowledge.
There is one overarching concept to keep in mind when packing beer for travel: the beer will do the best when it moves as little as possible. Movement carries the potential for breakage. However you decide to secure your beer, make sure the beer is going to move as little as possible and that it is padded well. Finally, make sure to consult the guidelines provided by TSA and the airlines for what they allow in checked and carry-on bags.
https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2019/06/21/tsa-travel-tip-traveling-alcohol
Bringing Beer Home: I’M GOING TO CHECK A BAG
Great! Excellent decision. Depending on willingness to pay for a checked bag, this is the option to bring back the most beer, but don’t get carried away. Going over the airline’s allotted weight limit carries an overage fee. Know the airline’s policy regarding checked baggage since some airlines vary in exactly what they allow and how much. Southwest allots two free checked bags per passenger, while most other airlines charge per checked bag except in cases of credit card status or in special situations.
Using a special suitcase just for beer? Don’t laugh. There are many options to transport beer, so check with the airline first to verify current TSA Policy, but TSA’s website says “Alcohol less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof, like most beers and wine… For checked bags, there is no limit! I wish this was true when I was in college.”
https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2019/06/21/tsa-travel-tip-traveling-alcohol
Method #1 – use a 12-bottle styro shipper from UHaul.com or another moving supply company. If you’re not worried about attracting attention carrying a large box that will likely squeak, then this is one possible way to go. (Sometimes, the large box comes out the Oversized Items Lane in the airport, especially if it’s full. If it doesn’t come out with the rest of the luggage from the flight, check there.)
Method #2 – use a Wine Check or some other carrying system for that styro shipper. Styro shippers are relatively inexpensive and available at moving supply stores. Some wine carrying systems are simply Styrofoam shippers with a small handcart arrangement. These are practical, but they can get beaten up after repeated use or tear the fabric cover.
Method #3 - use a specialized suitcase with foam inserts. Personally, this is my current and preferred method of bringing back beer for several reasons.
Personally, I use the VinGuard Valise. It was on a buy-one-get-one-free sale at CostCo, and the two of them have paid for themselves several times over. They come with several different foam insulation inserts for 12oz bottles and 750mL bottles. The outer case is hard plastic and wheels like a traditional suitcase. It is also about the size of a traditional carry-on bag, so oftentimes it can be checked for free.
Method #4 – I’m just going to wrap the beer in my clothes and hope for the best. This method works best if you have extra room in the suitcase’ duffle bag and can pad beer cans and bottles with clothing. Wrap and pad as much as possible then double-check when finished packing by lifting the bag up and down and feeling for movement. This can get awfully heavy, but it only needs to be carried to the bag-check counter.
Bringing Beer Home: I’M NOT GOING TO CHECK A BAG
If bringing beer home is a last-minute decision, then you have limited options, but let’s try your luck.
Does the airport sell beer beyond security checkpoints? If so, you can purchase some beer at the airport sanctioned kiosks (sometimes at food vendor coolers). These are a broad cross-section of popular breweries in the area, and as always, RULE #1 applies. (Always always always check dates.)
Is there a duty-free shop (when travelling internationally)? If there is a duty-free shop in the airport, then you’re in luck. The clerk in the duty-free shop will generally close the bag and staple it with the receipt so that you can take the beer through customs and carry it on to any connecting flights after customs.
It is perfectly legal to buy beer in duty free and then take it through security and carry it with you onto the plane. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR RECEIPT.
On second thought, can I just ship the beer home?
It depends.
Will the beer store ship purchases? If yes and they have a license, then this might take a few extra days, but will be waiting at home and will save possible airport hassle.
Is it possible to ship the beer home? Some UHaul stores will sell wine storage boxes lined with Styrofoam. (NOTE: CHECK AHEAD – it is VERY UNCOMMON for moving stores that sell these, but sometimes lady luck comes through.) If not, it is possible to order a shipping box through UHaul and have it sent ahead to a hotel or AirBnB. These boxes can be transformed into shippers that are relatively stable for shipping beer, if shipping beer was permissible through UPS or FedEx.
OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE
Glassware and Empty bottles. Carrying these onto the plane is not a problem and is permissible. It’s best to makes sure they are wrapped securely and braced for any incidental bumping or dropping. No need to ship glasses or empties home or take up valuable real estate that could carry beer.
IN CONCLUSION
Find the method of carrying beer that works best for the individual travel situation. Every situation is different, but the airlines are out to be safe and are generally helpful with bringing beer.