Can You Really Check a Single Can of Beer on a Flight?

The bizarre news of a man checking a single can of beer on his flight made the rounds recently, and that got me thinking—is that something anybody can do? What are the exact rules when it comes to checking food and drink items?

First, I called and asked the TSA about checking loose food and beverages. They said they wouldn’t have a problem with it under their current rules and regulations, but you’d definitely have to check the item if it contained liquid. Also, the item may be subject to additional security screening. So, it’s technically possible to check a can of beer in that case, but the TSA also said it’s largely up to each individual airline. That’s where it gets interesting. I reached out to six major U.S. airlines—United, Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue—and asked what their rules about checking loose items was.

JetBlue responded first, but merely pointed me to their baggage policies listed on their website. Turns out they have specific rules for everything. For example, you can check meat, fish, and seafood items as long as they’re in a leak-proof container, packed with ice, and the contents are clearly marked. The item counts toward your checked baggage allowance. For produce, it’s a bit more complicated. You need to check with the state or government’s entry and exit requirements before you do anything (like the Department of U.S. Agriculture). JetBlue even has rules regarding the transportation of holy water in a jerry can, which is promising. If I can check a can of holy water, I should be able to check a can of beer.

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Finally, I came across their section on alcohol. It explains that alcohol can’t be more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), but that you can check up to five liters of it as checked baggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Now, the crew probably wouldn’t be too pleased to do it, but a can of beer definitely meets those requirements. Most beer hovers around 5-10% alcohol content, a can is much less than five liters, and it’s in a sealed, clearly-marked can. So, there you have it! Case closed! You can actually check a single can of beer, right?! Not so fast...

A representative from American Airlines gave me a big nope when I told them about the beer can story:

We would not accept an item as described in the story. We don’t accept items that could cause injury to our team members and/or damage another customer’s bag. Since knowingly accepting a single item like this will most likely break on the baggage belt, we would not accept it.

It makes perfect sense. A single can of beer bouncing around a luggage bay is bound to hit someone, something, or burst open and spray beer all over everyone’s stuff. And yeah, it could easily fall into the nooks and crannies of a baggage belt doing serious damage. So what’s a traveler to do if you want to bring a single, loose food or drink item home with you?

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Brian Parrish, a representative for Southwest Airlines told me it’s best if items are contained in a bag or proper casing for protection. But you don’t necessarily need a bag as long as you package it right. For the beer example, you would be best off using a leak-proof bag of some sort, then placing that bag into a corrugated box filled with packing material that can prevent any breakage during transit. Once you’ve got the box all sealed up with tape, mark the contents clearly, and you’ll be ready to check it (just be sure to check your airline’s size and weight restrictions first). Parrish also noted that some airlines, including Southwest, offer liquor and wine packaging at their ticket counters. So for around $5 you could have someone pack your booze properly for you.

In short, do not try to check a single can of beer on its own. The only reason it was possible in the original story was because the man’s friend worked at the Australian airport where the event occurred. Checking loose food and drink items is possible—without a bag even—but you have to prepare them properly. When in doubt, talk to your airline first and see how they can accommodate you.

from Lifehacker http://ift.tt/2w4jMyZ

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