Alaska Airlines Wine Flies Free: The Perfect Perk for Wine Lovers

For wine enthusiasts who love to travel, Alaska Airlines offers a unique and exciting perk: Wine Flies Free. If you’re traveling through some of the top wine regions in the U.S., this benefit allows you to check a case of wine for free when flying on Alaska Airlines. This program is part of Alaska Airlines’ commitment to offering regional, traveler-friendly perks, and it’s a big hit among wine lovers who want to bring home their favorite bottles without worrying about extra baggage fees.

What is the Wine Flies Free Program?

The Wine Flies Free program allows Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members to check one case of wine (up to 12 bottles) for free on Alaska Airlines flights. The program is available for flights departing from over 30 airports in popular wine-producing regions such as Washington, Oregon, California, and even Alaska. This means that if you’re flying out of cities like Portland, San Francisco, or even Anchorage, you can take advantage of this perk.

How Does It Work?

Here’s how you can make the most of Alaska Airlines’ Wine Flies Free offer:

1. Join Mileage Plan: To take advantage of this offer, you must be a Mileage Plan member. Signing up is free and easy, so be sure to register before your flight.
2. Purchase Wine: When visiting wineries in eligible regions, purchase up to 12 bottles of wine.
3. Pack the Wine: Make sure the wine is packed in a proper shipping box to ensure it travels safely. Many wineries offer wine shipping boxes specifically designed for air travel.
4. Check It In: At the airport, check your case of wine as luggage, and Alaska Airlines will waive the fee. Don’t forget to mention that you’re using the Wine Flies Free program.
5. Enjoy Your Wine at Home: Once you arrive at your destination, pick up your wine at baggage claim and enjoy it without the hassle of shipping costs!

Participating Airports

Alaska Airlines’ Wine Flies Free program covers several airports across prominent wine regions. Some of the participating airports include:

• California: San Francisco (SFO), Santa Rosa (STS), San Diego (SAN)
• Oregon: Portland (PDX), Eugene (EUG)
• Washington: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Walla Walla (ALW)
• Alaska: Anchorage (ANC)

These airports offer an easy way for travelers to carry home wine from the West Coast’s famed vineyards.

Why is This a Great Deal?

The cost of checking luggage can add up quickly, especially when you’re transporting something as heavy as wine. With Wine Flies Free, you save money on fees, which would otherwise range from $25 to $40 per checked item depending on your Mileage Plan status and destination. Not only does this program offer financial savings, but it also simplifies the process of taking home your favorite regional wines without worrying about third-party shipping.

Tips for Traveling with Wine

1. Invest in Secure Packaging: Ensure your wine bottles are properly packed. Most wineries will provide wine travel boxes, but you can also purchase padded wine bottle protectors for added security.
2. Know the Customs Regulations: If you are flying internationally, be sure to check the customs regulations of your destination country to avoid complications upon arrival.
3. Label Clearly: Always label your wine box clearly, indicating its contents and handling instructions. Fragile stickers can also be a good idea to ensure careful treatment during transport.
4. Use Your Mileage Plan Membership: You need to be a Mileage Plan member to take advantage of the Wine Flies Free program, so make sure you sign up in advance. Membership also comes with other travel benefits.

Other Benefits for Wine Lovers

Alaska Airlines also partners with various wine country destinations to offer exclusive discounts and experiences. For example, members of the Mileage Plan may receive discounts on wine tastings and shipments when visiting partner wineries. These extra perks make the program even more enticing for wine aficionados.

Common Questions About Wine Flies Free

• Can I bring wine from any airport?
  No, the Wine Flies Free program is only available at select airports in wine regions. Check Alaska Airlines’ official site for a list of participating airports.
• What if my case of wine gets damaged during transport?
  Alaska Airlines advises travelers to pack wine properly, but in the rare event of damage, they may offer compensation depending on the circumstances.
• Is the Wine Flies Free program available on international flights?
  No, the program applies only to domestic flights departing from specific U.S. airports. International travelers should be mindful of customs regulations.

Practical Tips for Wine Country Travelers

• Explore Local Wineries: Take the time to visit wineries in different regions to sample and discover new favorites. The West Coast, in particular, has a rich variety of wineries producing excellent bottles for you to enjoy.
• Plan Your Purchases: Before your trip, research wineries that participate in the Wine Flies Free program or offer shipping options so you can make the most of your visit.
• Maximize the Program: If you plan to purchase a significant amount of wine, consider traveling with others. Each Mileage Plan member can check one case of wine for free, meaning more wine can come home with you!

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines’ Wine Flies Free program is a unique and valuable benefit for Mileage Plan members. It allows you to bring home up to 12 bottles of wine at no extra cost, which is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to savor the flavors of their travels. Whether you’re returning from a trip to Napa Valley or exploring Washington’s wine country, Alaska Airlines makes it easy to bring home your favorite bottles. So, next time you fly from a participating airport, take advantage of this fantastic perk and let your wine fly free!