12 Mar How to Fly With Beer in Your Checked Luggage Without Getting in Trouble

How to Fly With Beer in Your Checked Luggage Like a Pro

Depending on where you’re flying, this may or may not be legal. Do your homework. If it is legal for you, here’s how to fly with beer in your checked luggage like a pro.

(Sturdy zipper bags and a trusty luggage scale [less than $10] – everything you need to fly with beer in your checked luggage)

I don’t usually travel specifically for beer, but when I travel, I get beer. I usually get far more than I should because I want to come home and give it to all my friends, so packing it up in my luggage has been a learning experience. While packing for a recent trip to Colorado, it dawned on me that I should share some of the lessons I’ve learned.

It took a bit of pain, frustration, and lecturing from my wife… But I’ve learned the hard way how to fly with beer in your checked luggage, so you can learn from my mistakes.

I usually have to learn things the hard way, but when given a choice, I prefer to learn from other people’s mistakes. Hopefully you can skip some of the frustration and fussing!

Can I Put Beer in My Checked Luggage?

The short answer is yes, you can typically pack beer in your checked luggage. However, there are certain regulations and guidelines you should follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

How to Fly With Beer in Your Checked Luggage and Avoid the Fees

I’ve got a few bougie friends that refuse to fly on certain airlines. I just don’t get it. Nobody comes home from a vacation raving about how great the flight was! It’s just a means to an end, so I try to fly Southwest. Fair fares, good service, and two free checked bags.

That last bit is key.

At 55lbs a piece, that’s a total of 110 lbs for those of you that don’t math real good. If you go above 55lbs, they’ll charge you a fee. I can’t speak specifically for other airlines, but if you’re trying to figure out how to fly with beer in your checked luggage, this is the first thing.

At roughly 1lb per can, the math remains easy, but weighing your luggage can be tough. That’s why I never travel without this bad boy. Best $10 I ever spent. More on this later.

How to Pack Clothes to Leave Room for the Beer

Now that we have airlines and weight out of the way, let’s talk about packing. Unless you’re just going for one day, you can’t pull up with a completely empty suitcase. That means you’ll need to pack clothes, shoes, toiletries, and so on, right?

Duh.

It’s how you pack that really matters. If I’m going somewhere warm and tropical, this doesn’t matter as much, but let’s say… Colorado in the winter is different.

I try and wear my biggest shoes, biggest coat, biggest everything on the plane. While we’re taxiing on the runway, I always end up a little warm, but once we’re in the sky, I’m cozy and comfy. My last few flights have been so cold in the sky.

I lay out all my shirts in one flat stack, and then I put a stack of pants/shorts on the shoulders of the stack and fold up. This gives me a big, cozy, fabric taco that I can fill with beer, protecting it from any rough handling.

This method of packing also keeps my clothes from getting super wrinkly. You’re welcome.

How to Fly with Beer in your Checked Luggage and Pack the Beer Safely

Speaking of rough handling, one of the most common questions I’ve gotten when people ask me how to fly with beer in my checked luggage is how to literally pack the beer.

I always grab a few zipper bags before I travel. Gallon bags and quart bags. 1-2 cans per quart bag, 2-3 cans per gallon bag. This way, if something does happen to bust, it’s somewhat contained.

You may have noticed by now that I’ve exclusively said cans. I’ve never tried to bring home bottles, and I won’t start any time soon. That’s just me, but if I did, I’d probably tape them like Samber, and then do everything else the exact same way.

How to Check in Your Luggage

I’ll never forget the first time I decided I was going to mule a bunch of beer home in my suitcase. It was a Nashville trip with some of my best friends. Nashville is such a fun city, and the mid-country location means there are a ton of great breweries that get distributed there. There are also more than a handful of breweries that are worth hitting up!

I ended up with a ton of beer. It was stupid. I’ll admit it.

As I’m bagging up all the beer on the kitchen table of our AirBnb, looking like a washed up suburban hipster drug dealer, my wife asks how I’ll fit it all.

Don’t believe me, just watch.

I fill the suitcases to the brim, sit on them to zip, all’s well. I told you I could do it *sassy AF*

We pull up to the airport and check our bags. I put the first one on the scale. 45lbs. *Smug* Dang I’m good. The lady muscles it onto the conveyor, and down it goes. I pull up the second bag. 60-something. I don’t remember the exact level because what ensued was some Karen-level frustration and fussing.

“It’s ok, sir. It’s just $75 for an overweight luggage fee.”

Oof. BIG oof.

“$75 DOLLARS!? Daaang.”

I explain to her in my least patient voice that I’m not about to pay no dang fees because she put my other bag on the conveyor, and now I can’t shift the weight to my lighter bag. This lady was a vet. She didn’t even flinch, she knew I wasn’t about to budge either, and the line behind me was already long. She took off briskly and then reappears just as quickly as she vanished.

Like Batman.

She’s holding a brown cardboard box.

Quietly, with her tilted head down, eyebrows raised, and head on a swivel for anybody being nosey, she whispers – almost through her teeth – to me… “Here. This should be big enough.” She hands me a Sharpie and proceeds to tell me, “We usually don’t do this, but just put your name, phone number, and address on this box, and fill it up real quick.”

*Zzzzzip*

Wife’s blow dryer, some boots, a 6 pack, and some other random things that I could fit… they all go into the box that this kind, patient woman provided to my stupid self. I hand it back to her, she tapes it up, and she promptly puts it on the conveyor. “Enjoy your flight, sir.”

Dang. Southwest is the realest.

I failed to mention that my wife already took off because we were running late for our flight, so I do my best dad-bod airport sprint to catch up to her. I won’t even tell y’all how much grief she gave me once I caught up to her, but my beer arrived safely along with our luggage, and all was well with the world. The homies got a bunch of cans, I took the obligatory IG beer wall pic, and I learned from this lesson.

The key take away here is always put the heaviest bag first when checking luggage and move down to the lightest. This holds true wether or not you’re trying to fly with beer in your checked luggage. See below for a few more FAQs on the topic.

(My trusty little luggage scale)

How Much Beer Can You Take in a Suitcase?

The amount of beer you can take in your checked luggage largely depends on the airline’s policies and the country you’re traveling to. It’s crucial to check with your airline and review the customs regulations of your destination to avoid any surprises.

How Much Liquid Can You Take on a Plane in Checked Baggage?

Airlines often have restrictions on the quantity of liquids you can pack in your checked baggage. While these restrictions are primarily focused on carry ons and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), beer bottles typically exceed this limit. As a result, it’s vital to declare your alcoholic beverages during security screening and adhere to the airline’s guidelines. Checking the luggage with beer, liquor, or wine will always be a better move than trying to bring it in any kind of carryon, regardless of your airline.

How Do You Protect Liquor Bottles in Checked Luggage? Is it the Same as Beer?

To safeguard your precious cargo, consider these packing tips:

1. Individual Wrapping: Wrap bottle in their own bags, one by one if you’ve got the patience.
2. Padding: Place the goods in the center of your luggage and surround them with soft items like clothes to create a protective barrier.

Can I Check a 12-Pack of Beer on a Plane?

In most cases, a 12-pack of beer can be checked on a plane, but again, check with your airline. Keep in mind that weight and size limitations might apply, so be prepared to pay extra fees for overweight baggage. Rather than trying to check the whole 12 pack, it’s often easier to pack the beer in your luggage using the instructions above.

Can I Check Beer in My Luggage with Southwest Airlines?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows you to check alcohol, including beer, in your luggage. However, it’s crucial to adhere to their policies and pack your beverages securely to prevent damage. Bags fly free with Southwest! The most critical thing to be aware of is weight limits, regardless of the airline.

How Much Does a Single Beer Can Weigh?

On average, a standard 12-ounce (355 milliliters) beer can weighs about half a pound (0.23 kilograms).

How Much Does a Single Beer Bottle Weigh?

A typical 12-ounce (355 milliliters) beer bottle also weighs around half a pound (0.23 kilograms).

How Much Does a Case of Beer Weigh?

A case of beer, typically containing 24 12-ounce cans or bottles, can weigh between 20 to 25 pounds (9 to 11 kilograms), depending on the brand and packaging.

How Much Does a 30-Pack of Beer Weigh?

A 30-pack of beer, each with a 12-ounce volume, generally weighs around 26 to 30 pounds (12 to 14 kilograms).

How Heavy Is a 24-Pack of Beer?

A 24-pack of beer, with 12-ounce bottles, weighs about 20 to 25 pounds (9 to 11 kilograms).

How Big Is a 24-Pack of Beer?

A 24-pack of beer usually measures around 16 x 12 x 10 inches (40 x 30 x 25 centimeters), but dimensions may vary depending on the brand and packaging.

How Many Beers Is Considered Heavy?

The weight of beer can add up quickly. For instance, a case of 24 beers can weigh around 20 to 25 pounds (9 to 11 kilograms). It’s essential to stay within your airline’s weight limits to avoid additional fees.

Conclusion

1. Pack your clothes in a way that leaves room for the beer, and wear your biggest coat/boots on the flight
2. Pack the beer safely by double bagging it with sturdy plastic bags
3. Get a luggage scale – it’ll pay for itself very quickly
4. Put your heaviest bag on the scale first when checking your bags
5. Share with your friends when you get back home

If you take away only one thing from this ramble, get a freaking luggage scale. The one linked is not the exact same one I got because mine’s out of stock. But this one looks just like mine. We’ll get like 10¢ if you click that link too.

So when I travel, I always head out with a half-empty suitcase that’s full of plastic zip bags and my trusty scale. There’s something really satisfying about sharing a bunch of cans with my friends that they wouldn’t have access to (without trading or buying from a service like Tavour – another affiliate plug here – use our code “BEERCHRONICLE” for $10 off your first order).

Grabbing cans has become a part of my traveling routine.

Do you ever travel for beer or make it a point to grab some whenever you’re traveling for work? If so, let us know if this was helpful, or if you have any other tips! Drop a comment below!

Beers to you, Houston.