Airline Regulations Discourage Wine Purchases in Walla Walla

I've noticed that the recent airline policy that charges for checked baggage discourages wine purchases in Walla Walla and wonder if the Wine Alliance is addressing this issue.

The airline policy really hit home with me when I traveled to Napa Valley this past weekend. I was really there for a family event, but being a wine lover I felt the urge to do "a bit of tasting." Unfortunately, I thought twice about the "real cost" of buying wine when traveling. I came home, luggage in tow, empty-handed.

Tourists that fly into Walla Walla for a weekend generally carry on their luggage when flying on Alaska Airlines or Horizon. Whether they do this to avoid a $15 charge to check a bag or not, I can't say. But what I do know is that I've witnessed winery guests opting out of a purchase because they would then have to check a bag because of the regulation not allowing liquids in carry-on bags. This is unfortunate.

This policy is not just affecting tourists, but local residents who want to take a sampling of Walla Walla wine when traveling. Numerous times in the last few years I have wanted to take a few bottles in my carry-on bag or travel with a case of wine, but I change my mind because of airline policies. If I am deterred because of airline policy, I wonder who else isn't sharing Walla Walla wine when traveling.

Not only are we losing sales in town, but we're also losing an opportunity to promote Walla Walla wine outside of our region.