In April of this year, Southwest began service to a new destination, Santa Rosa, California at the Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport. Service from this airport will connect San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank. Being right in the heart of wine country, Southwest is also adding a new perk called the Sip and Ship program. Customers will be able to check one case of wine at no cost on departing flights from Sonoma County and several other West Coast destinations.
Program details
For flights leaving Sonoma County, as well as several others (see list below) on the west coast, passengers 21 and older can check one case of wine at no charge, with certain packaging requirements. This does not count against a checked bag allowance from elite status, fare purchased, or credit card holder status. It is allowed on connecting flights as long as the departure airport participates in the program. From the press release:
“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. 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. Wine quantity limitations vary by state. Please check your state’s rules for applicable restrictions.” You can read the full press release here.
Participating airports
Departures from the following airports in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are eligible for the Sip and Ship program:
- Burbank
- Fresno
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Orange County/Santa Ana
- Palm Springs
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Barbara
- Sonoma County
- Boise
- Eugene
- Portland
- Seattle/Tacoma
- Spokane
