On my annual pilgrimage from Cyprus to the US, I bring empty suitcases with me. Since I fly business class, I am allowed 2 pieces of checked luggage. I have a set of luggage where one piece fits inside the other. So I fill the smaller piece of luggage with bubble wrap, some of which I use on the return, and put the smaller piece inside the bigger piece of luggage and check the single piece of luggage. On the return, I check the 2 pieces of very full luggage. Have done this 3 times so far and had no problems.