I've picked up a six-pack of bottles while out here in California, and obviously can no longer carry them on in the cabin. Anyone have experience with checking just a "regular" cardboard box of wine on UA? The box itself is pretty sturdy and has the custom-designed styrofoam casings/inserts to put the bottles into. I guess what I'm asking is:

1) does UA care if you show up with just a cardboard box as checked baggage (rather than "proper" luggage?) -- it has no handles, etc... but I assume that they'll just stick the baggage tag directly to the box?

2) anyone have an opinion on whether it's better to write "this end up" and "fragile" on the box, or just take my chances?

3) anything else I should think about?