Delta waives checked bag fee for wine on West Coast routes

Delta Air Lines will let SkyMiles members check one case of wine for free when departing from select Northern California and Sacramento airports starting Oct. 6. The new Wine Takes Flight program waives the airline's usual $45 checked bag fee for one case. The Points Guy reports the details.

To qualify, you must be at least 21, a SkyMiles member, and flying on a Delta or Delta Connection flight, either on a paid ticket or an award. The flight must be nonstop or connecting within the United States. The program covers departures from participating airports in Northern California and the Sacramento area. Delta says the list may expand.

Wine must be packed in an approved shipping box that weighs no more than 50 pounds and stays within Delta's 62 linear inch baggage limit. The box must be left unsealed for inspection. Up to 12 unopened 750-milliliter bottles with original labels are allowed per case.

Delta joins Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines in offering free wine shipping. Alaska's Wine Flies Free program started in 2007. Southwest launched its Sip and Ship program in August 2026, which covers 19 airports in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Alaska's program goes further: select wineries in Oregon, Washington and Idaho may waive tasting fees, which range from $15 to $40 per person, when you show an inbound boarding pass and your Atmos Rewards membership.

Delta's Wine Takes Flight is a practical way to save $45 when flying home from Northern California wine country. No advance sign-up is required beyond SkyMiles enrollment.

• Alaska Airlines
• California wine country
• checked baggage fee
• Delta Air Lines
• SkyMiles
• Wine Takes Flight