| Author |
Message |
    
Bob Wall
Senior Member
Username: Brewdudebob
Post Number: 2793
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 98.192.7.62
| | Posted on Monday, October 12, 2009 - 05:25 am: | 
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I am flying to Milwaukee and renting a car to Green Bay for the Packers-Vikings rubber-match Nov 01.
What are the rules for packing bottled beer? Can it be in Carry-on? Or do I have to put it in checked baggage? |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 10784
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.141.103.148
| | Posted on Monday, October 12, 2009 - 10:21 am: |
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The only liquids allowed for carry-on baggage must be in containers of 3 oz. or less and stored in a single zippered plastic bag with a total volume of 1 quart or less. Your beer will have to go in your checked baggage, and you know how baggage handlers treat that, so pack it extremely well. |
Bob Boufford
Intermediate Member
Username: Bobb
Post Number: 443
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 96.52.216.245
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 12:25 am: |
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Hi Bob,
As Bill pointed out, we can no longer have beer in carry-on baggage. When I travel I always carry several freezer-grade zipper plastic bags such as the Zip-lock 1 gallon freezer bags in case I pick up some beer along the way. I can usually get three to four standard bottles in one checked luggage and have yet encountered any breakage.
Here's my method of packing:
1. Place a bottle in a zip-lock bag, roll tight and seal. Use an elastic band if you want to keep the bag wrapped.
2. Roll one bottle inside a golf shirt or similar article of clothing. Roll and fold in ends as if you are creating a burrito or sandwich warp.
3. Arrange the bottles in the centre of the luggage with a clothing layer on the bottom and top.
4. Cinch the straps down as tight as possible.
One of the challenges is putting the bottles in the right place to maintain balance in the case.
Also, make sure the luggage handles are well maintained.
I've had some homebrew club members ship full cases in a box surrounded by the pink foam insulation but I'm not so trusting of Air Canada and West Jet baggage handlers.
Cheers, Bob |
PaulK
Advanced Member
Username: Paulk
Post Number: 873
Registered: 02-2003
Posted From: 68.63.203.31
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 09:15 pm: |
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All these packing tips come in handy until the TSA goons inspect your bag, unwrap the padding from each bottle then toss them back in the bag, unpadded, clinking together completely unprotected. Yes, this has happened to me. How the bottles didn't break is a mystery. |
Bob Wall
Senior Member
Username: Brewdudebob
Post Number: 2808
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 24.248.74.254
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 09:27 pm: |
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PaulK, the beer gods were smiling upon you that day! |
Bob Wall
Senior Member
Username: Brewdudebob
Post Number: 2809
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 24.248.74.254
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 09:29 pm: |
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Since this will be a weekend getaway, I can carry-on everything I need. If I check a suitcase, it will cost extra and waste time at the baggage claim. Not worried about MKE...but the return trip to ATL.
Thanks for all the advice guys. I still have 2 weeks to decide if i want to do it. |
Bob Boufford
Intermediate Member
Username: Bobb
Post Number: 444
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 96.52.216.245
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 12:34 am: |
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Paul, Did you have any electronics packed in the same checked luggage? When having to travel into the States, all electronics (chargers, batteries, etc) go in a different bag from the beer so it doesn't look so "suspect".
To add to the "packing" tips, if you have a typical rollerboard that has a "suiter" (I have a TravelPro Crew 4), the folded suiter with clothing in the outside pocket act as the "upper padded layer" so when TSA opens the bag, they can see the bottles right away.
Bob, since you aren't crossing the border from Canada, it might be easier to pre-ship your beer to a friend using the same packing tips for shipping to competition. |
PaulK
Advanced Member
Username: Paulk
Post Number: 874
Registered: 02-2003
Posted From: 68.63.203.31
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 03:39 am: |
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Bob B. - No electronics along with the beer/luggage. Just a random check apparently. |
Bob Wall
Senior Member
Username: Brewdudebob
Post Number: 2811
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 98.192.7.62
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 04:11 am: |
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Bobb,
I was listening to the radio in my car on the way to lunch, and the host mentioned he Fedexes his luggage. That may work too. |
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