Moving boxes as checked luggage
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,117
Moving boxes as checked luggage
Hi all - I'm in the process of moving some things from my folks house. Rather than ship things via FedEx, can I take them with me as "checked luggage" so long as they are within the normal dimensions/weight limits? I wouldn't think so... but would rather not show up to the airport with 3, 50lb boxes that I can't take with me.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
Hi all - I'm in the process of moving some things from my folks house. Rather than ship things via FedEx, can I take them with me as "checked luggage" so long as they are within the normal dimensions/weight limits? I wouldn't think so... but would rather not show up to the airport with 3, 50lb boxes that I can't take with me.
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
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Posts: 8,242
Yep. Not a problem. I would recommend having either rope or tape handles on the boxes, makes the baggage handler's life easier (and hopefully they are nicer on your boxes as a result).
http://www.sdipackaging.com/store/userfiles/editor/image/Tape-Handles.jpg
http://www.surfboardshack.com/surfin...packing-29.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cooltools_legacy/box5-sm.jpg
http://www.sdipackaging.com/store/userfiles/editor/image/Tape-Handles.jpg
http://www.surfboardshack.com/surfin...packing-29.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cooltools_legacy/box5-sm.jpg
#4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
LOL..you've obviously never flown to (or from) the Phillipines...it's ALL boxes!!!!
Seriously...must strongly support CPMavericks suggestion..... Makes your life easier moving them....makes the check in/baggage folks lives easier too...
Seriously...must strongly support CPMavericks suggestion..... Makes your life easier moving them....makes the check in/baggage folks lives easier too...
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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Personally, I like to use the heavy duty rubbermaid tubs
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The cheapest plastic tubs you can find will do much better than boxes, especially if there is any weather and the boxes wind up sitting on a cart in the rain. Seal the tub with real packing tape and have an address on the lid, the container and inside as well.
Be careful of weight. Idf you are trying to save on Fedex Ground charges, those can be eaten up quickly by just one overweight fee.
Be careful of weight. Idf you are trying to save on Fedex Ground charges, those can be eaten up quickly by just one overweight fee.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Tahoe
Programs: Delta DM for now
Posts: 474
Yep. Not a problem. I would recommend having either rope or tape handles on the boxes, makes the baggage handler's life easier (and hopefully they are nicer on your boxes as a result).
http://www.sdipackaging.com/store/us...pe-Handles.jpg
http://www.surfboardshack.com/surfin...packing-29.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cooltools_legacy/box5-sm.jpg
http://www.sdipackaging.com/store/us...pe-Handles.jpg
http://www.surfboardshack.com/surfin...packing-29.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cooltools_legacy/box5-sm.jpg
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Posts: 10,687
Balikbayan boxes
These are extra reinforced double wall cardboard boxes sold at Filipino/Asian supermarket or remittances stores. They are at the airline limit of 20in cubed.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, AA, WP
Posts: 840
I have transported boxes for both work and personal use for many years, both domestic and international. I have heard that airlines require a waiver when you use a cardboard box, but I never encountered that until just a few years ago, Delta has been asking for a signed waiver that damage to the box is on you, and not them -- I suppose that means someone sued them over such damage and they are trying to protect themselves. I have no idea if the waiver actually immunizes them or otherwise limits their responsibility for taking care of your box. And whether TSA takes any responsibility when they open your box and inspects it, which has happened regularly to me. They cut the box open, but retape it with their logo tape. I've never had a problem with boxes, except that you can tell they sometimes throw or drop the box quite roughly. I wouldn't ship my laptop in a box.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / JFK
Programs: Variety of rectangular cards with my name on it
Posts: 665
Box Cover 1
Box Cover 2
If you have certain boxes that may be fragile, you can get one of these and put the box inside it for extra protection, padding, and handles.
Moving boxes always get crushed from my experience. Have moved international Asia to USA and domestic US coast to coast a handful of times in the past 6 years.
The only item that Delta requires to have in it's original/special box is a TV. It must be from the original TV box or they will not ship it. I would pad the tv box properly. I checked in a 32" and was damaged by the time we got home.
Box Cover 2
If you have certain boxes that may be fragile, you can get one of these and put the box inside it for extra protection, padding, and handles.
Moving boxes always get crushed from my experience. Have moved international Asia to USA and domestic US coast to coast a handful of times in the past 6 years.
The only item that Delta requires to have in it's original/special box is a TV. It must be from the original TV box or they will not ship it. I would pad the tv box properly. I checked in a 32" and was damaged by the time we got home.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: on the path to perdition
Programs: Delta, United
Posts: 4,784
Like others I have done boxes. Pack them solidly and remember TSA may open them.
Side bar the best shipping of boxes I have done was a couple beer casks from the UK back to the states. Perfect sizing just under the size limits. More fun was the conversation with customs.
Side bar the best shipping of boxes I have done was a couple beer casks from the UK back to the states. Perfect sizing just under the size limits. More fun was the conversation with customs.
#14
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 768
I've had agents at MSP take out a tape measure and check the size of my box multiple times. In my experience, if your box is close to the limit, your chance of being checked is definitely greater than zero.
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: PDX
Programs: AS DL
Posts: 9,038
I have transported boxes for both work and personal use for many years, both domestic and international. I have heard that airlines require a waiver when you use a cardboard box, but I never encountered that until just a few years ago, Delta has been asking for a signed waiver that damage to the box is on you, and not them -- I suppose that means someone sued them over such damage and they are trying to protect themselves. I have no idea if the waiver actually immunizes them or otherwise limits their responsibility for taking care of your box. And whether TSA takes any responsibility when they open your box and inspects it, which has happened regularly to me. They cut the box open, but retape it with their logo tape. I've never had a problem with boxes, except that you can tell they sometimes throw or drop the box quite roughly. I wouldn't ship my laptop in a box.