If you fly out of the Sonoma County Airport (STS), up to one case of wine flies free if you travel on Alaska Airlines. That is a screaming deal, folks.

Wine Flies Free

Here is how it works:

  • Book a flight on Alaska Airlines into the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, located just north of Santa Rosa.
  • Use your Alaska Airlines mileage plan number when booking your reservation (signing up to be mileage plan member is free and worth the few minutes it takes to do so.)
  • When you return home (as long as it is within the U.S.), up to a case of wine is included as part of your free luggage allowance on flights originating from the Sonoma County Airport.

That’s how simple it is!

If you want to read it for yourself, here is the link to the airport’s webpage explaining the checked wine policy.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport logo

Alaska Airlines logo

logo of Wine Flies Free from Sonoma County

How to Package the Wine

In order for the airlines to accept wine as luggage, it can’t be in a regular case box. To go on an airplane, wine needs to be packed in a protective shipping container, like a foam-lined box, or other airline-approved container or box. Wine shipping boxes can be purchased from wineries, packaging/shipping stores, or local wine shops, so don’t let the airline-approved box keep you from taking home your case of Sonoma County wines.

An airline-approved wine shipping box and insert.

An airline-approved wine shipping box and insert.

If you travel often on wine buying adventures, another option is a Wine Check® Bag. This bag is designed to hold a case of wine (12 bottles) inside an airline-approved foam shipper. The bag has wheels and a pull strap for rolling, and also has handles for carrying. The bag is collapsible and reusable, and the interior foam shipper is replaceable, so if it gets damaged, you only have to buy a new foam shipper. It is well worth the investment if you travel often with wine.

A Wine Check bag from ACORN Winery.

A Wine Check bag from ACORN Winery.

The interior view of a Wine Check bag.

The interior view of a Wine Check bag.

Or, if you need a new foam shipper, just fold up your Wine Check bag, put it into your suitcase, and then obtain the foam shipper after you arrive in Wine Country.

Thank You, Alaska Airlines from Wine Lovers Everywhere

Alaska Airlines flies into Sonoma County from many airports throughout the United States. So, no matter where you live, when it’s time to book your next trip along the Wine Road, be sure to fly into STS and fly home a case of wine for free.

Happy Sipping! (and happy shipping, too!)

@TheWineRoad #AlongTheWineRoad @AlaskaAir

Image of an Alaska Airlines plane

Posted by Rebecca Germolus

Rebecca Germolus, co-owner of Maximum Value Marketing, loves Sonoma County and playing along the Wine Road. Rebecca daily immerses herself in wine country by providing cost-effective marketing and writing solutions to wineries and restaurants.

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