yes, I bought 2 rugs, one 7x5 and one 3x5 and am under the $800 duty free allowance so no issues there. My city of origin is BLR and my final destination is LAX via AUH. The first airline is Jet Airways and the connecting airline is Etihad. I am putting the 3x5 in my checked in baggage and was planning to carry the 7x5. The 7x5 does not fit into my existing suitcase with my other items etc. so I will have to buy a 2nd suitcase for this purpose if I cannot carry it on.

I am debating if I should just buy a cheap suitcase and put it there or carry it on. I think the former sounds like a safer proposition because if I am told they need to check it in at the gate then I risk my rug getting damaged in transit.

Of course, I am concerned with theft from my suitcase and also the idiots at TSA opening my bag and slicing through my carpets searching for whatever the heck they are searching for!!!