Southwest Expands Free Wine Shipping
The airline added four Texas airports to its program, allowing passengers to check one case of wine at no cost on domestic flights.
By Isabella Melnyk ·
Southwest Airlines has expanded its Sip and Ship program to include four airports in Texas. The move permits travelers to check one case of wine without paying a baggage fee on domestic flights. The new locations are Austin-Bergstrom International, Dallas Love Field, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, and San Antonio International Airport.
The program now operates at 23 participating airports across the United States. Previously, the service was limited to 19 airports in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. A Southwest spokesperson stated that the airline introduced the program at the four Texas locations following an overwhelming response from local wine lovers and growers.
Passengers may transport one packaged case of wine weighing up to 50 pounds. The case must contain no more than 12 bottles and adhere to size limits of 62 inches in total length, width, and height. The container must be a single box or a special wine suitcase. Travelers who wish to ship more than one case must pay the standard checked-bag fee.
Strict packing requirements apply to prevent breakage and leaks. The wine must be protected by materials such as Styrofoam, molded foam inserts, cardboard liners, bubble wrap, or extra padding. Southwest sells padded wine bags for five dollars per bottle. A Southwest agent inspects the case at the check-in counter to ensure it is properly packed before sealing and labeling the container.
Upon arrival, passengers can retrieve their wine at the baggage claim or the oversized baggage area. To use the service, travelers must be at least 21 years old and departing from one of the 23 participating airports. The program applies to connecting flights as long as the entire itinerary remains within the United States.
The expansion allows travelers to ship wine from five different states. Passengers can now bring bottles from Northern California’s Napa Valley, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or the Texas Hill Country. The service covers grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and dry Rosé.
Source: Culturemap Austin
