Travelers can soon check a case of wine free on Southwest flights from Santa Rosa, thanks to the carriers new Sip and Ship program launching as it inaugurates service in the heart of California wine country
Southwest Airlines is bringing back a complimentary checked bag, so long as you’re flying out of Santa Rosa and it is filled with wine. The carrier launched service at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport today and also launched its new Sip and Ship program, offering travelers a discount for heading home with a viniferous souvenir.
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
While the intent of the program is clear – up to 12 bottles in a properly packed box or suitcase of standard size weighing less than 50 pounds – the fine print on Sip and Ship is a bit confusing.
Sip and Ship™ is available on select Southwest® flights to eligible U.S. destinations. Passengers must be 21 years of age or older. One (1) case of wine may be checked at no additional charge, provided it is in the original unopened container with the manufacturer’s label and securely packaged in a leak-proof bag with adequate professional packaging designed to fit the proportions of the bottle to prevent breakage. A “case” is defined as a single box or specialized wine suitcase containing up to twelve (12) bottles and weighing no more than fifty (50) pounds. Customers are required to follow the standard sizing policy for checked baggage, which is 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Wheels and handles should be included when measuring. Wine must be checked with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. The top of the primary shipping container must not be sealed prior to Customer Service Agent inspection at the airport.
For example, it requires that the case of wine be in its “original unopened container” but also that the “primary shipping container must not be sealer prior to Customer Service Agent inspection at the airport.” It also allows for a specialized wine suitcase, so long as the overall dimensions do not exceed 62 inches, which would not be the original unopened container with the manufacturer’s label still attached.
The terms also require the case to be in a leak-proof bag with professional packaging. A simple cardboard box from the winery or liquor store would likely not qualify.
Finally, the program does not start until 24 April 2026, though flights started on the 7th.
Fine print bits aside, the move allows Southwest to remain competitive as it enters the market. The carrier now operates flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Burbank. Alaska Airlines already operates in three of those markets (Southwest is alone in its 1x weekly Denver service), and the Sip and Ship program is remarkably similar to Alaska Airlines’ Wine Flies Free policy. The latter offers the complimentary service at Santa Rosa, plus 31 additional airports across California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
Leave a Reply