Are you looking for the best way to pack wine in a suitcase?
Then you are in luck! In this article I will teach you everything you need to know about packing wine in your luggage and keeping the wine in your suitcase safe.
As my parents live in France, I have often flown with a few nice bottles of wine or champagne in my luggage. I have always been very careful when it came to wrapping and transporting these bottles of wine while travelling by plane. To help you ship your bottles, I have put together a complete guide.
In this guide I will go over how to pack wine in checked luggage on a plane, how to pack and wrap wine bottles, how tp make sure the wine bottles arrive unshattered, and what to do in case one of the bottles breaks anyway. Last but not least I will also provide you with some of the best pieces of wine luggage. These suitcases are especially designed to transport bottles of wine.
Can you pack wine in checked luggage
Yes, you can pack wine in your checked baggage. The key thing to remember is that the alcohol content should be less than 70%. Most wines usually have an alcohol content of about 11-14%, so they’re well within the limit.
Can you put wine in your carry on
The rules are a bit stricter for carry-on luggage. You can only bring wine in containers that are 100 ml or less, and they must fit into a see-through bag. This is part of the standard liquid rules for carry-on items. So, full-sized wine bottles are usually a no-go for carry-on.
However: some airports in the UK are now testing out new scanners which mean that you are not restricted anymore in the volume of liquids you can bring on board. Fingers crossed this will spread to other airports and countries!
Can I check a box of wine as luggage
Yes, you can check a box of wine as luggage. Make sure the box is well-packed, ideally in a corrugated box with sealing tape and a leak-proof bag. The last thing you want to see on the conveyer belt is a leaky, wet box.
Can you bring wine in your luggage on a cruise ship?
Most cruise lines do allow you to bring a limited amount of wine in your luggage. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the cruise line. It’s common for cruise lines to permit one or two bottles of wine per stateroom. Some might charge a corkage fee if you choose to drink your wine in the ship’s dining room or bars. It’s really important to check the specific policy of the cruise line you’re traveling with, as they can have different rules and restrictions.
Table on how much wine you can take on cruise liners
| Cruise Line | Wine Allowance per Person in Luggage |
|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | 1 bottle (750ml) |
| Royal Caribbean | 2 bottles (750ml each) |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 2 bottles (750ml each) |
| Princess Cruises | 1 bottle (750ml) |
| Celebrity Cruises | 2 bottles (750ml each) |
| Disney Cruise Line | 2 bottles (750ml each) |
| Holland America Line | 1 bottle (750ml) |
| MSC Cruises | Not allowed |
| Costa Cruises | Not allowed |
| P&O Cruises | 1 bottle (750ml) |
Can you bring wine in your luggage on Amtrak?
Yes, you can bring wine onto Amtrak trains, but there are some restrictions. You’re allowed to bring your own alcohol, including wine, in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, the key thing to remember is that you cannot consume your own alcohol in public areas of the train.
Best way to pack wine bottles in your luggage when you travel
You obviously don’t want your wine bottles to break in your suitcase. Here are the best ways to pack wine bottles in your luggage.
- Choose the Right Luggage: A hard-sided suitcase is best for protecting wine bottles. You can also opt for a wine suitcase.
- Wrap Each Bottle: Start by wrapping each wine bottle in bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with tape.
- Clothing as Additional Padding: Place the wrapped bottles in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items like clothes or towels. This provides extra cushioning.
- Positioning: Ensure the bottles are snug and can’t move around too much. If they’re rattling around, they’re more likely to break.
- Avoid Overpacking: Don’t cram too many bottles into one suitcase. Overpacking increases the pressure on each bottle, upping the chance of breakage.
How to wrap wine in your luggage
Looking to wrap wine bottles in your luggage? Here is how you can do this!
- Bubble Wrap: The best material for wrapping wine bottles is bubble wrap. It provides excellent cushioning.
- Secure Wrapping: After wrapping the bottle in bubble wrap, use tape to keep it in place.
- Secondary Layer: For extra safety, you can then wrap the bubble-wrapped bottle in a piece of clothing or a towel.
How to protect wine in your luggage
If you want your wine to survive your flight, here are some ways to protect your wine inyour luggage.
- Wine Skins or Specialty Wine Bags: These are bags designed specifically for transporting wine. They’re padded and often have a seal to contain any leaks.
- Leak-Proof Bags: If you don’t have wine skins, place the bubble-wrapped bottles inside a leak-proof bag. This helps contain any potential spills.
- Middle of the Suitcase: Always pack the wine in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items. This location is the safest from impacts.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try to keep your luggage away from extreme heat or cold, as this can affect the wine.
How to pack wine glasses in your luggage
If you are taking wine glasses on your international flight, you might want to look into how to pack them in your suitcase.
- Bubble Wrap Individual Glasses: Wrap each glass thoroughly in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the stem and base.
- Use Small Boxes: If possible, place each bubble-wrapped glass in a small box. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Fill Gaps: Use clothing or other soft items to fill any gaps in the boxes to prevent the glasses from moving.
- Central Positioning: Like with wine bottles, place the boxes containing the glasses in the middle of your suitcase, cushioned by soft items.
How many bottles of wine can you put in your luggage when you fly
When it comes to packing wine in your luggage, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It mostly comes down to how heavy your suitcase ends up being and the rules of the airline. But, another important thing to keep in mind is the local laws of where you’re heading. Different places have different rules on how much alcohol you can bring in. Here is a handy list with some popular destinations.
| Country/Place | Litres of Wine Allowed |
|---|---|
| United States | Up to 1 litre duty-free; more subject to duty and taxes |
| United Kingdom | Up to 4 litres duty-free |
| European Union | Up to 4 litres duty-free for personal use |
| Thailand | Up to 1 litre duty-free |
| Dubai (UAE) | Up to 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml each) |
| Australia | Up to 2.25 litres duty-free |
| Canada | Up to 1.5 litres duty-free if staying more than 48 hours; none if less |
| Mexico | Up to 3 litres duty-free |
| China | Up to 1.5 litres with an alcohol content of less than 12% duty-free |
| Belize | Typically up to 1 litre duty-free |
| Bali (Indonesia) | Up to 1 litre duty-free |
| Fiji | Up to 2 litres duty-free |
How much wine can you buy in the airport
One way to take wine in your carry-on luggage is by buying wine in the duty-free area of the airport. How much wine you can buy in the airport will depend on the country you are travelling to.
Can you bring homemade wine in checked luggage bag
Yes, you can pop your homemade wine in your checked luggage. Just pack it carefully and keep an eye on the weight. If you’re flying to another country, though, it’s a good shout to check their rules on bringing in homemade drinks. Australia, for instance, will not accept anything homemade.
Can you bring a wine opener in checked luggage
It is totally fine to bring a wine opener in your checked luggage. It is important to note, however, that you cannot bring a wine opener in your carry-on as it is sharp and they often have a little blade attached.
Lots of airlines have information about what you can and can’t bring in checked luggage on their website or available at check-in.
Can you take canned wine in your checked luggage
You can definately take canned wine in your checked luggage. In fact, if you find any canned wine you like, it might be a better choice than bottles since cans won’t break in your luggage!
Can you put a bottle of opened wine in your checked luggage on the airline
You can technically put an opened bottle in your checked luggage, but it’s risky business. Even if you seal it back up tight, there’s a chance it might leak. If you decide to go for it, wrap it up super well and maybe use a leak-proof bag just in case.
Can you carry box wine in checked luggage
Yes, you can carry box wine in your checked luggage. Just like bottled wine, it needs to be packed securely to avoid any leaks or damage. The box should ideally be placed in a sturdy, leak-proof bag and cushioned with clothes or other soft materials in your suitcase. Just keep an eye on the weight, as checked luggage has a weight limit.
Can I take wine glasses in hand luggage
Taking wine glasses in your hand luggage can be a bit tricky. While there’s no specific rule against it, wine glasses are fragile and could be considered a risk if they break. If you do decide to carry them in hand luggage, make sure they are wrapped securely in bubble wrap and placed in a sturdy, hard-sided container to protect them from getting crushed or causing injury. However, it’s generally safer and more convenient to pack them in your checked luggage.
Can you have sparkling wine in your checked luggage
Yes, you can include sparkling wine in your checked luggage. The same packing rules apply as with still wine — it needs to be well-protected to avoid breakages. The concern with sparkling wine is the pressure, so ensure it’s securely wrapped and padded. The cargo hold of an airplane is pressurized, so the risk of a bottle popping open due to pressure changes is minimal, but good packing is key to prevent any accidents from rough handling.
Will wine explode in checked luggage
Wine bottles generally don’t explode in your checked luggage. The cargo bit of the plane is kept at a pressure and temperature that’s pretty much like where you’re sitting, so your wine should be just fine. Just make sure you pack it snugly to avoid any accidents.
Will sparkling wine explode in checked luggage
Sparkling wine is also unlikely to explode in your checked luggage. The key factor here is the pressurisation in the hold, which helps maintain a stable environment. But remember, proper packing is crucial. Bubble wrap and positioning the bottle in a secure spot surrounded by soft items can help protect it.
Will wine bottles break in checked luggage
There is a risk of wine bottles breaking in checked luggage, especially if not packed securely. Bubble wrapping each bottle or wrapping it in foam, and placing it amidst your clothes or other soft items in the suitcase can greatly reduce this risk. The goal is to ensure the bottles have enough padding to absorb the shocks and jostles of travel.
What to do when a wine bottle breaks in your suitcase
If a wine bottle breaks in your suitcase, first carefully remove any broken glass to avoid injury. You should then clean your clothes and other items as soon as possible to prevent wine stains. Most fabrics will be okay if washed promptly. If you’re at a hotel or destination where immediate laundry isn’t an option, rinsing the stained items in cold water can help reduce staining until a proper wash. I fit is red wine you can even put salt on the stains. I found that always helped to pull the colour ut. It’s also a good idea to rinse and wipe down your suitcase to remove any residual wine and prevent lingering smells.
Will wine go bad in checked luggage
Wine is generally quite resilient and unlikely to go bad in your checked luggage during a flight. However, if the wine is a particularly fine or delicate vintage, there might be some concerns about subtle changes due to travel stress. But for the most part, your average bottle of wine should come through a flight in your checked luggage just fine.
Best wine suitcases to protect your wine bottles
Here’s a rundown of some of the best wine suitcases and accessories to protect your wine bottles during travel:
- VinGardeValise 12 Bottle Grande 05: This is the top pick for a TSA-approved checked wine bag. It’s designed to safely carry up to 12 wine bottles and is built with durable materials and foam to ensure the bottles are well-protected.
- Boldworks Wine Suitcase for Airplanes: This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to transport 12 bottles. It’s noted for its sturdy build and snug foam inserts that keep each bottle secure.
- OenoTourer Wine Carrier Luggage for Carrying 6 Bottles: Perfect for carrying up to 6 bottles, this option is great for shorter trips or as an addition to your regular luggage.
I have written an article on the best wine suitcases to protect your wine bottles which you can read here.
The post Expert Tips for Packing Wine in Your Suitcase or Luggage appeared first on Glitter Rebel.