I did this several times in 2009 (one empty, one full eastbound; two full westbound). Never had any trouble. Surprised the check-in agents with how light the bag was once or twice.

We usually check a bag withing a bag.

When AA started the unfriendly over 50lbs fee, I started packing a duffel just in case. Within a few months of the new fee I was checking a bag at Y self-service (no line vs. line at F) and the agent/cop sneered that my bag was 53lbs and I would have to pay a fee. I gleamed, told her that I would check two bags instead, took the duffel out, and checked it COMPLETELY EMPTY as a second bag (increasing AA costs as a result). After this, she let it slide that my original bag was still 1lbs over 50lbs.

Priceless.

If TSA is interested in the contents they will open it. They always leave a note in the bag when they do this explaining that the bag has been opened. If you have a lock that is not TSA approved they will cut it off, if it is an approved lock they have a key that can open it. I am sure the ramp rats will love your bag due to the weight.

I opened this thread up anticipating OP wanting to do this for kicks. ;) On a serious note, for your own sake, as long as it is a sturdy bag, there shouldn't be a problem. Last thing you want is an empty bag to be all messed up by 23 kilo bags all over it.

After our honeymoon to Thailand 7 years ago, and I learned just how much my wife liked to shop, we started checking an empty bag on the outbound. We usually put some bubble wrap in there for fragile purchases.

Since then, we have done this on trips to Africa,Asia,Europe, and most recently to South America, and have not had a problem.

I've done this quite a few times over the last several years. It started on a trip to Belgium where I loaded the suitcase with Belgian beer. I've done several variations, empty suit case, suitcase filled with bubble wrap, suitcase in a suitcase.

We've only used hard side suit cases for this.

Only problem we had was when BA decided one of the two suitcases filled with bubble wrap should go to India instead of Munich.

Now if you want to know about how to pack approx 50 lbs of alcohol and get it through customs with no damage and no duty, I can also help there. :D

I have checked an empty bag from SEA to DFW to EZE four times. It has arrived safely four times. Twice it had a slip of paper saying that it had been opened and inspected by TSA.

Either TSA thought it was suspicious or it was some guy slacking for an easy search or light bag to pick up.

Really, why should TSA care about what's not in a bag? :confused:

Absolutely brilliant question. Wish I had asked it.

Maybe they'll think someone made an invisible bomb.

I don't know why (as the bag is empty so you are not importing anything) - but an empty bag might lead you to get stopped by Customs - it's happened to me.

And you're sure that's the reason--the only reason--you were stopped? There are lots of things that will flag someone for a bag check or additional questioning.

Drat. Another good question. This time I was planning to ask it myself, but you beat me to it.

Fwiw I find it hard to believe that customs stopped someone solely because of an empty bag. I suspect there is more to that story.

How did customs know it was empty? Generally, I just have bags on a cart that I'm pushing past somebody. Without X-ray vision, it's hard to tell that one of the bags is empty.

But perhaps I'm the wrong person to ask. I've never been stopped by customs for any reason. Perhaps it's because I don't look like the people on the "Locked Up Abroad" TV show. OT - I love that show. After watching many episodes, I am still waiting to see someone who gets caught on their second drug smuggling run. :D