It explains that alcohol can’t be more than 7. 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- 1. So, there you have it! Case closed! You can actually check a single can of beer, right?! Not so fast.. Most fears boil down to a lack of understanding, and in those situations knowledge really is power.
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?
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.
Turbulence can range from annoying to downright frightening, and you don’t have to be an anxious. 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.