Are you tired of the hassle of checking luggage every time you travel? Do you dread waiting in long lines at the bag drop and baggage claim? Well, I have a solution for you. I used to be in the same boat, but I’ve become an expert at packing light and fitting everything I need in the overhead bin. The only exception to my rule is when I’m traveling with wine.

As a drinks writer, I’ve had the opportunity to visit vineyards and wineries all over the world. And when I find a bottle that I love, I want to bring some home as souvenirs for my friends and family, as well as some for myself, of course. But transporting wine in your luggage can be tricky. I used to wrap my bottles in sweatshirts and towels, hoping they would provide enough padding. Unfortunately, I’ve had my fair share of bottles burst in transit, staining my clothes and toiletries.

Luckily, I discovered a game-changing solution last year. These inflatable wine bottle cushions are inexpensive and actually work. You can get a set of 8 for just $9 on Amazon. The bags are packed flat before use, saving space in your luggage. They are compact, measuring just 4.5- by 13-inches. When you’re ready to pack your wine, simply pump air into the fill port using the included pump to inflate the bubble wrap-like casing. Place your bottle inside, zip up your suitcase, and you’re good to go.

What sets these bags apart is their design. Each plastic protector features seven individual columns, so even if one area gets punctured, it won’t affect the other columns. This guarantees that your wine is protected against leakage, no matter how bumpy the journey gets. It’s like bubble wrap, only better.

But these inflatable cushions aren’t just for wine. They work great for spirits bottles and other breakable items like drinking glasses and electronics. And the best part? They are self-sealing, so you don’t even need to add tape.

Sure, these bags don’t deflate once they’ve been used, but at just over 60 cents a unit, you can easily buy them in bulk. And trust me, it’s worth the investment. Avoid the disappointment of broken bottles and dreams by stashing a few of these in your duffel. If you’re already checking your bags, you might as well fill them with great wine.

So, learn from my mistakes and make your travels stress-free with these inflatable wine bottle cushions. You can thank me later.