Why not just enclose it in a plastic bag? The clothes around it will make it less likely to get broken. My folks traveled home from up here with about 8 or 9 bottles of wine in their suitcases. They had them wrapped in bubble wrap and their clothes. Not a one was broken.
Back in the day, I would've just carried on, but we all know that's not allowed...
I'm glad your parents didn't have a problem. Bubble wrap is certainly a good choice, but I wouldn't chance it, except as a carry-on.