Empty Suitcase
#32
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Yes, although not so much recently with the exchange rate the way it is - most things I want seem cheaper here. However, I face a similar issue with my annual pre-Christmas trip. I take lots of presents out, and bring back lots of presents for my family here. The trouble is that I never know how bulky the presents coming back will be, so I tend to do a lot of juggling of space requirements. Bubble wrap is your friend.
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
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Posts: 1,159
Thanks.
Spreading stuff out is an option. Depends on whether the stuff inside would rattle around I suppose. Clothes would be OK.
I think I might leave a note inside explaining why the case is empty. They all have TSA locks.
This is totally new to me. I have never in my life had this problem and never travelled before with an empty case. Normally it is taking stuff out to make the weight!
Spreading stuff out is an option. Depends on whether the stuff inside would rattle around I suppose. Clothes would be OK.
I think I might leave a note inside explaining why the case is empty. They all have TSA locks.
This is totally new to me. I have never in my life had this problem and never travelled before with an empty case. Normally it is taking stuff out to make the weight!
#35
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Flatland
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Indeed - I have travelled to places with a suitcase containing sundry clothes, etc, and a large quantity of bubble wrap. On return, the bag was filled with bubble-wrapped bottles of the finest wines known to humanity [1] and similar items.
[1] Or at least reasonably good wine in my opinion
[1] Or at least reasonably good wine in my opinion
#36
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London
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May not suit OP this time but in general charities for homeless and children in care always welcome suitcases. They have many who have to move their belongings in plastic bags. Giving them suitcases allows them to move their belongings with some dignity.
#37
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
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Posts: 1,159
I would love to do that if my suitcases were not nearly new and quite expensive. I will consider buying cheap, secondhand suitcases next time though so I can leave them there with a charity as you suggest. Thanks.
#38
Suspended
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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I occasionally fly with empty suitcases and have never had an issue. I typically do it on pleasure trips to the US or UK if planning to do some clothes shopping.
#40
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 264
Once we were on DEN - LHR - AMS with BA, and we had an empty large suitacse and a 5% full much smaller one. We packed the smaller one into the larger one and checked in the larger bag. Upon collecting the suitcase at AMS, we discovered that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (are they the ones that also check departures from the US??) had broken the padlock to inspect the bag. They left a printed off template note, however!
#41
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#42
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#43
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Once we were on DEN - LHR - AMS with BA, and we had an empty large suitacse and a 5% full much smaller one. We packed the smaller one into the larger one and checked in the larger bag. Upon collecting the suitcase at AMS, we discovered that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (are they the ones that also check departures from the US??) had broken the padlock to inspect the bag. They left a printed off template note, however!
Imagine how weird your "Russian doll" suitcases appear if they are X-rayed - they are almost guaranteed to be opened and inspected if screened.
#45
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