BYOB - Bring Your Own Boxes

FYI to all concerned:
Effective last week, boxes that used to be given free (garment boxes, wig boxes, utility boxes) now are $10.00 each.
Another "revenue enhancing" move by a bean counter in headquarters...

I'm just the messenger

wig boxes? for real? I've been traveling to Wigstock all wrong!

b what's that on yer head? a wiiig! s.

I didn't know Northwest had boxes available.

I've never arrived at the airport without my items properly packed, but I suppose that if I ever did -- I would find a $10 charge somewhat reasonable.

Just my $0.02

A couple of years ago I was given one such box because my lone suitcase was about 20 pounds over the limit. Although it was free, I was told NW would not be responsible for damage to its contents as it was "not suitable" for purpose of checked luggage and thus likely to be damaged.

Thats ok...on CO BYOB means something completely different in coach for all trans flights

Thanks for the heads up (Only once have I ever had to use a box from an airline)

Back when everyone carried those suit bags, it was standard to put them in a box. Of course half the time it was bunched in the bottom when it arrived.

But, I don't like the idea of arriving at the airport and HOPE they have a box for me. The reality is these cost money and are an easy way to reduce expense. My guess is they would rather not have to deal with them at all and hope the $10 will reduce the demand.

The only time I had to use a box was when I was traveling with an AXE (long story) and the airline would not let me check it in without it being packed in a box. I think $10 for the box is not unreasonable. You always have the option to bring your own for free!

Question for Vegas Agent -

Does the $10 fee accuratly reflect the COST of collecting the money? I'm assuming the counter agent will have to issue an MCO of some kind for payment? Otherwise you'd have the problem of the $10 disappearing in the skycaps pocket.

Just a thought

Dang! Those boxes sure do come in handy... and they're durable, too. In May I picked one up at DTW, traveled to LAX for a couple of days and then onto HNL - via DL - and back to Detroit (DL HNL-LAX, NW LAX-DTW). And here's my box, just two weeks old:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ixpx2002/...rTalk%26.src=p h%26.view=t

Hey, at least it made it...

$10 - for a box - is rather pricey, tho..

Yes the counter agent should issue a Special Service Ticket which will provide a receipt...just as if you were purchasing a kennel or bike box (which have always had a $15 charge).

Skycaps will not have the capability of issuing these boxes but will have to direct the passenger inside to buy one.

I too, can understand the need to charge for them...although I agree with some that $10 is a bit steep for a box that costs probably less than a buck to produce... but if it results in the eventual elimination of the need to produce/purchase the boxes by the airline then there will be a cost savings there as well...I know some carriers that haven't provided them for years (as they send their passengers to us for what was a free box before!).