Hi Erinn,

I have not tried to rent a jeep on a day's notice, but Sept is such the slow season that I don't see how it would be a problem.

I've just returned and brought my liquor back via checking it in as luggage with the airline. It was packed in the carry case that you get from the store when you purchase it. The case holds 6 bottles and has a little handle (in case you have never seen one). I did not bother to stuff it with any extra padding. I wrote my name on it and my home city - then I used packing tape to tape across the top and around the seams. We brought two cases home via check-in and they both arrived without a problem or any breakage. I have done this before and have never had a problem.

Bluwater:

Thanks for the info.

We're heading down Sept 9 - 16, as well, and will be bringing home some liquor. We were considering packing it in our luggage, but since you did so well with just the liquor container I think we'll try that too.

I hope "Florence" doesn't impact our trip.

F.I.

Wow... so you checked glass bottles of precious alcohol and they showed up just fine? We bought a case of rum in Bermuda and carried it on but that was last year. I can just picture the case with the bottles in it coming down the luggage chute and CRASHING at the bottom. But if you say it'll be safe, then I believe you!

And thanks for the info about the jeep. I know September is part of the "slow" season but I was just looking for advise. Thanks for your help!

Erinn

I saw the news about Florence too! I think I'll cry if my trip is ruined!!

You and me both - Our trip is scheduled for Sept. 10th - 19th. We have been planning this trip for MONTHS.

I've done it both way's In the luggage never had a problem wrapped it in bubble wrap. checked in the six place boxes on AA . didn't have a problem on United had one bottle of cruzan mango rum bust out of 18 shipped. Watched them load the booze on AA they loaded all the boxes last and were very careful with them.We have brought back 48 bottles back in the last year and had 1 bottle broke still saving money

Hey Blu - Where did you buy your booze that they packed it so good? Or does everyone pack it just as well for you, regardless of where you purchase it? Thanks! 🙂

When we make our annual trip, one of the traditions is to stop by AH Riise before we leave. They do a great job packaging up our alcohol for us They put them in boxes with handles just like Blu was describing. Just make sure the boxes are labeled properly and check just them in with your luggage. We've never had a problem.
Plus, at AH they give out little sample shots of different flavored Calypso Island rums. Yummmm!

Hi Cali Girl,

Believe it or not - I bought my booze at K-Mart in Tutu on STT!! No problems m'son!

On my last trip - Feb '06 - I bought my booze in A.H Riise on Main Street in STT and also had no problems with checking it .

This time, I watched the little airline freight train take our luggage and liquor packs out to the plane. They had one car with only liquor on it and the rest of the cars had luggage - so they seemed to be pretty careful with it. I guess the Caribbean baggage handlers are used to what is in those packs. Stateside handlers are another issue - but I have never had a broken bottle - knock wood!

Good luck Hon!

I believe some if not all of the stores are adding special packing to make sure checked liquor is OK. I did see a sign at the airport liquor store that said they had preapproved packaging for liquor. It should be no problem. In regard to the jeep, that should be no problem as well. Just call around once you figure your agenda.

RL

Hey Blu - me again 🙂

One more question about checking your liquor. Do you usually have a non-stop flight? I'm concerned about my liquor getting transferred from one plane to another during our layover at JFK on the way home. Thanks!

Hi Ron. So you saw a sign saying that the airport liquor store had "preapproved packaging", huh? Do you know if that meant it was preapproved packaging so you can carry it on the plane? I, like California Girl, have a connecting flight (and 3 hour lay over...) and would love nothing more to bring my precious alcohol with me!

Erinn

The packaging refers to preparing liquor to be checked as luggage. You can no longer carry liquor onto the plane.

Caligirl,

Yes, I fly non-stop....so that would make things simpler and less likely for breakage to occur, I'm sure. With a layover, i would still try it, but maybe only with less expensive bottles like Cruzan and such....not with high-end liquors that would make me cry if they broke 🙁

Thanks Bluwater! Somehow I just don't trust those airline baggage handlers. Even if the bottles didn't break, I wonder if they might just accidentally "get lost" on the way to California! LOL! I'm thinking bubble wrap and burying the bottles in my dirty clothes in my checked luggage might get them home safer. Hmmmm.... I can just see it now... luggage can't be loaded because the baggage handlers are loaded (on Rum)! HA!

I'm really glad that Homeland Security is on top of these rules & regs (in fact they could do A LOT better IMHO), but it certainly does make you re-think your old habits about how to pack and what you can carry on! 🙂

Thanks for your help!