Beer in checked luggage?

[whereishome]

I wish to take the FMWIH's dad a selection of Australian beers what you can't get in Japan.

Can I transports beer in checked luggage?

Which is better, cans or bottles?

How should I pack them?

Whilst I understand cargo hold pressure is the same as cabin pressure, what about the temperature differential?

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

I've packed many a bottle of wine wrapped up in my clothes in my checked baggage before, and to date haven't lost any to breakages. I have a hard case Samsonite and try and put the bottles in the corners where the protection is greatest.

The temperature is slightly cooler than the main cabin (can get down to single digits), but actual temp will depend on the aircraft type (some are heated more than others). But they won't freeze.

Other people probably have more sohpisticated ways of transporting their supplies...

WT

 

[mannej]

I haven't had any problems with bottles (spirits, local wines etc) wrapped in clothes. I don't have a hardshell suitcase, but haven't had any breakages.

Hope that helps

 

[Grooba]

Bottles or cans I've taken both. Wine, Beer, Spirits etc have all made the trip. As Worldtraveller8888 mentioned the easiest way is to wrap them up in clothes (and I also put them into a plastic bag).

Haven't had a breakage yet.

 

[whereishome]

I have bought 4 bottles of various craft brews and wrapped them each in bubble wrap, then a paperbag, then a shopping bag then sealed them in a garbage bag.

I have also place that bundle in the dead center of my bag, with a layer of rolled up clothes underneath and will have another few layers of clothes on top. And clothes and soft shoes and stuff all packed around it.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[v8Statesman]

I have bought 4 bottles of various craft brews and wrapped them each in bubble wrap, then a paperbag, then a shopping bag then sealed them in a garbage bag.

IMHO that is massive overkill and you are asking for Murphy to intervene and break them

 

[whereishome]

Murphy is Irish and therefore an alcoholic who wouldn't dare ruin booze.

 

[Dee Thom]

IMHO that is massive overkill and you are asking for Murphy to intervene and break them

Agree.
If your not to choosy, some of the larger Super markets, eg., Mega Marts, usually have a basic selection of Aus Ales, Aus wines, and world spirits, all cheaper than our local prices. Add Aus Tiger Prawns which are cheaper in Nippon, and you can have a real Aus B-B-Q

Cheers Dee

 

[whereishome]

Dee, I know booze is cheaper in Japan but these are a gift for the future father in law.

I know of 2-3 markets in Tokyo with a decent selection of foreign beers, but nobody carries the ones that I've packed.

Even though it's only a few beers, the fact that you cannot get them in Japan is the important part - it shows I went to the effort.

 

[medhead]

IMHO that is massive overkill and you are asking for Murphy to intervene and break them

Better to try to stop them from breaking, I say. Then to just throw them into a suitcase without any precautions. If you don't take steps to stop them breaking and to contain spillage then Murphy is not needed.

 

[Dee Thom]

Even though it's only a few beers, the fact that you cannot get them in Japan is the important part - it shows I went to the effort.

Fair enough!
I have a delightful Japanese daughter in law, and three grandkids living in Gumna Ken, so I wish you all the best for your future.

Cheers Dee

 

[docjames]

You could put them in stubbie-holders before wrapping them in clothes. Bonus gifts.

 

[AussieTim]

Not exactly beer, but have a similar dilemma - Don Julio Real tequila.

With such an odd bottle shape, how would one handle packing it? I was considering in small boxes with packing foam, then inside the suitcase with clothes padding around it.

 

[N860CR]

Whenever I come home from the US, I lug over several slabs of Dr Pepper. Always get the cans and I just stack the slabs in a sports bag and check it in (I'm sure some poor baggage handler is going to throw their back out when they pickup the fairly small 30kg bag!). Never once have I had a single can break on me.

 

[yohy?!]

Whenever I come home from the US, I lug over several slabs of Dr Pepper. Always get the cans and I just stack the slabs in a sports bag and check it in (I'm sure some poor baggage handler is going to throw their back out when they pickup the fairly small 30kg bag!). Never once have I had a single can break on me.

Sounds like they'll be nice and fizzy for you

 

[jaztech99]

The last twice I've brought beer into Australia, about 8 bottles each time, I've had a single bottle explode on me. Most recently, it was a bottle packed inside a hard briefcase inside a suitcase, with other beer bottles around it. The time before that my beer was fine after flying from the US to Sydney, but then bust on the SYD-ADL leg. I can only assume that some bottles aren't up to the pressure in the cargo hold. It makes a real mess of all the surrounding clothes, i can tell you. But nothing that a washing machine can't fix. I almost cried over the wasted beer, however!

 

[straitman]

The last twice I've brought beer into Australia, about 8 bottles each time, I've had a single bottle explode on me. Most recently, it was a bottle packed inside a hard briefcase inside a suitcase, with other beer bottles around it. The time before that my beer was fine after flying from the US to Sydney, but then bust on the SYD-ADL leg. I can only assume that some bottles aren't up to the pressure in the cargo hold. It makes a real mess of all the surrounding clothes, i can tell you. But nothing that a washing machine can't fix. I almost cried over the wasted beer, however!

This could occur if the a/c type does not have a hold that is pressurised to the same degree as the cabin.

 

[mannej]

Whenever I come home from the US, I lug over several slabs of Dr Pepper. Always get the cans and I just stack the slabs in a sports bag and check it in (I'm sure some poor baggage handler is going to throw their back out when they pickup the fairly small 30kg bag!). Never once have I had a single can break on me.

Metal studs from footy boots don't mix well. I can tell you that from experience!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

The last twice I've brought beer into Australia, about 8 bottles each time, I've had a single bottle explode on me. Most recently, it was a bottle packed inside a hard briefcase inside a suitcase, with other beer bottles around it. The time before that my beer was fine after flying from the US to Sydney, but then bust on the SYD-ADL leg. I can only assume that some bottles aren't up to the pressure in the cargo hold. It makes a real mess of all the surrounding clothes, i can tell you. But nothing that a washing machine can't fix. I almost cried over the wasted beer, however!

I'd almost cry over washing a suitcase full of clothes!

The only time I ever had a can of beer in a suitcase (xx_X Gold from memory) it sprung a leak. It must have been a tiny hole the size of a pinhead as there was no visible damage to the can which appeared to be unopened yet was light as a feather & the entire suitcase full of clothes reeked of beer.

At least put it in a plastic bag even if it's amongst clothing.

 

[meloz]

This could occur if the a/c type does not have a hold that is pressurised to the same degree as the cabin.

Out of interest, which aircraft would fit this mold?