Despite rising fuel costs and higher baggage fees, Southwest Airlines is offering a vintage perk for travelers heading to California’s wine country.
According to the Press Democrat, starting April 24, the airline’s new “Sip and Ship” program allows passengers to check one case of wine for free on flights between Santa Rosa and select cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, and Denver. This promotion celebrates Southwest’s new nonstop service to Sonoma County, providing oenophiles an easy way to bring home up to 12 bottles of their favorite finds.
To qualify, the wine must be packed in a standard shipping box or specialized suitcase weighing under 50 pounds. This move mirrors a popular program by rival Alaska Airlines and aims to soften the blow of Southwest’s recent luggage fee hikes.
By waiving the standard $45 bag fee for these cases, Southwest hopes to keep the tourism spirit flowing into Napa and Sonoma.
