Making it easier to fly with wine

Wine has become a big deal in Washington State, especially in the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities and Walla Wall Valley regions. And, come September, anyone planning a wine-tasting trip will be happy to know that Alaska Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and the area tourism bureaus are expanding the Washington Wine Country Taste and Tote program that makes it easier to get to Washington wine country and take the wine home.

Since 2011, Alaska Airlines has allowed passengers flying home from the Walla Walla Valley to check their first case of wine free. In September, that policy will expand to include the Yakima and Pasco/Tri-Cities airports.

In addition, Enterprise Rent-A-Car will waive car drop-off fees for anyone flying on Alaska Airlines into Yakima, Pasco or Walla Walla regional airports who wishes to fly out of one of the other two airports.

The new program also allows travelers to sample wines at participating wineries and pay no tasting fees by showing a current Alaska Airlines boarding pass from one of the three airports.

Not interested in Washington wines? Alaska Airlines will also accept one box of up to 12 bottles of wine per passenger at no extra charge from customers on flights departing Sonoma County at Santa Rose Airport.

Here’s more information about the Washington Wine Country Taste and Tote program.

This seems like a win-win wine program for travelers and for wine-makers, so drink up!

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