2 airlines now fly wine for free from Boise airport. How to check your bottles
Going wine tasting in Idaho?
Two airlines operating out of Boise Airport now allow you to fly with wine for free.
Southwest Airlines recently launched its new Sip and Ship program for travelers at nearly 20 airports in Idaho, Oregon and Washington state.
“You can bring home a case of wine from your favorite wine country destinations for free,” the airline said, saving passengers $45 per person in checked bag fees.
Here’s what to know:
What is Southwest Airlines’ new Sip and Ship program?
Southwest Airlines said it introduced its new Sip and Ship program to celebrate its recent “wine country expansion.” The airline began service at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California, on April 7.
By launching the service, “We’re offering our customers even more convenience and an opportunity to continuing sipping and savoring their time in wine country,” Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines, said in an April 7 news release.
“Each customer can check one case of wine at no additional charge,” Southwest said in the release.
How can I fly with wine for no cost?
To participate in Southwest’s Sip and Ship program, travelers must be 21 or older, the legal age to purchase alcohol in the United States.
They must also be departing from a participating airport in California, Idaho, Oregon or Washington state, and traveling within the United States.
You can bring one “properly packaged case of wine” — up to 12 bottles — to the ticket counter and check it free of charge, the airline said.
The case should weigh 50 pounds or less, and falling within Southwest’s standard bag size limit of 62 inches or less.
In addition, your wine must be in original, unopened containers and packed in a leak-proof bag with “adequate professional packaging” to prevent breakage, the airline said.
“Wine must be checked with a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket counter,” Southwest said in the release, adding that you shouldn’t seal your shipping container before it can be inspected by customs.
Which airports offer free shipping for wine bottles?
According to Southwest Airlines, the Sip and Ship program is available at only one airport in Idaho: Boise Airport.
Other participating airports include Portland International Airport in Oregon and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Spokane International Airport in Washington state.
In California, you can find the Sip and Ship program at airports in more than a dozen cities, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.
For a full list of participating locations, go to southwest.com/sip-and-ship.
Do I have to pay to check wine on Alaska Airlines flights?
At least one other airline flying out of Boise Airport offers free wine shipping for select passengers.
Alaskan Airlines Atmos Rewards members are eligible for the Wine Flies Free program, available at a total of 32 destinations across the West.
That includes three airports in Idaho: Boise Airport, Friedman Memorial Airport in Sun Valley and Idaho Falls Regional Airport.
Your Alaskan Airlines boarding pass even comes with a complimentary wine tasting with your boarding pass at participating Idaho wineries, the airline said. Members of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program can pack up to 12 bottles in a box or case weighing 50 pounds or less.
Avelo Airlines launched its Wine Travels Free program across the Western United States in 2024. However, the airline ended operations at the Boise airport about a year ago, the Statesman previously reported.
