Has anyone ever shipped or flown with beer checked in as luggage? I am going to China in September for a business conference but the city I am going to has an annual beer festival and I would like to help promote a Minnesota brewery by handing out bottles of MN beer as gifts. I am trying to figure out how is the best way to get a case of beer to China in the safest manner and the least expensive.
Yes. Just check it and declare it for customs. I'd check China's rules before you go to find out how much you can bring for free, and what the it costs to bring more.
Just wondering if I check beer into my luggage if there might be a potential problem with the bottles or cans exploding in a depressurized cargo hold.
I shipped homebrew in plastic bottles from VA to Houston. It's illegal in the US, but I got away with it. Sent UPS and just didn't say what was inside.
I've flown many times, with many bottles of souvenir beer, wrapped in tshirts and never experienced any problems like that. I'm no expert on this here liberal science, pressure mumbo jumbo, but it done worked for me. I'd think your biggest threat would one breaking during the handling or transporting of the luggage.
Ditto what others have said. The first time I flew with beer in luggage I went way overkill. I got a separate baggie for each one, wrapped the separately in bubble tape, etc. Now I just throw a T-shirt around each bottle and that's it. Flown with bottles maybe 10 or so times, never had a broken bottle. PS You should at least pimp the brewery you're promoting. I am guessing not Surly since they tend to can a lot.
so, I thought it was tough flying my dog to Europe and parting ways with her while I go into the cabin and she goes below. I can't imagine doing that to my beer. It would get warm and all tossed around and stuff. that's just cruel.