Packing beer in your checked luggage is the way to go as there’s no way you’ll get that bottle or can through security in your carry-on. Unless you’ve poured it into a collection of 3-ounce shampoo bottles.
Ask Kate About Beer has a tried-and-true method for beer-packing and also shares some tips from other beer friends.
- Kate’s method: Wrap that bottle or can in a Ziploc bag just in case, then secure with a rubber band, then wrap it in squishy clothes like a sweatshirt or sweater. Make sure to place the beer bundle in the center of your suitcase.
- If you’re planning to transport a decent amount of beer, a dedicated beer box might be your best bet: “A great option is to pack a Styrofoam cooler. It’s best if you can find a snug box for it to fit in as that will help it stay intact while making it through-checked baggage. Otherwise, a hard-sided suitcase is another option.
- Sneakers or shoes as a cushioned cradle, or wrapping each bottle in its own piece of your clothing.
- Layer beer in a backpack or suitcase: Each can or bottle gets its own layer of a shirt or pants, then a mid-layer of clothing between beers keeps them from bumping into each other, and a shell of soft stuff between all that and the outside of the backpack keeps them protected from impact. Also, if you’re camping, every beer you bring is a weight-to-benefit calculation, so make sure the few precious beers you bring are truly delicious.