Your checked bag may cost you, but your wine will fly for free.
Southwest Airlines is launching a new “Sip and Ship” program that will allow flyers to check one case of wine for free.
The new checking policy starts April 24 and will apply to customers traveling from wine country.
“Southwest’s new Sip and Ship program lets Customers bring home the best souvenir from wine country – vino!” a news release said.
Wine fanatics will be able to check up to 12 bottles of wine at no additional cost when traveling from select West Coast wine country locations to eligible U.S. destinations.
The airline defines a “case” as one box or wine suitcase of up to 12 wine bottles weighing no more than 50 pounds.
Bottles should be placed in a standard wine shipping box or wine suitcase that meets checked bag requirements, the airline noted.
Wine containers must be unopened and have the manufacturer’s label. They must also be securely packed in a leak-proof bag and packed in a way that will prevent breakage.
The top of the shipping container with the wine must not be sealed before it’s inspected by Southwest agents at the ticket counter.
Passengers checking wine must be 21 years old or older.
Sip and Ship adds a customer benefit “for those visiting wine country ensuring every journey with Southwest delivers reliability, flexibility, and a memorable experience — right down to the very last drop,” the release said.
Southwest said the airline “remains focused on creating more convenient ways for Customers to explore and enjoy new and exciting place.”
The news comes as Southwest began service in Santa Rosa, California’s Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, with with new nonstop flights connecting to San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank.
“By adding service to Sonoma County Airport and launching Sip and Ship, 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 a statement.
When Southwest shared the new perk on social media, some users found the news a little dry and only commented on the price of checked bags.
“Oh but let’s raise bag fees cuz it’s cool now,” a user said.
“Flights to Santa Rosa taking off, but every seat every leg still charged. Every bag checked, $$$$,” another wrote.
“Bro yall raised the price for checked bags ALREADY!? Went from best to greediest airline over night! Do better!” another exclaimed.
Southwest ended its decades-old “bags fly free” policy less than a year ago in May 2025 — and it’s already raising its prices due to jet fuel shortages amid the war in Iran.
The cost to check a bag increased from $35 to $45, and the second checked bag increased from $45 to $55. The new cost went into effect on April 9 for all reservations made on or after that date.
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