Maximizing checked luggage size
 

A couple of decades after what was meant to be a two year assignment to the US I am finally retiring and returning home. Looking at my checked luggage allowance it seems good, but using it all seems hard since there is not much in the way of luggage that is wide enough (90cm x 75cm x 43cm). Does anyone have any ideas on how to make the maximum use of the allowance I have?

Just buy suitable sized cardboard boxes.

Who are you flying with?

Often you can have larger physical dimensions provided you remain within the highest weight limit,just needs to be specifically checked in.

And yes, I've done the cardboard box thing a couple of times without mishap.

The cardboard box approach is where I am heading. This is a transatlantic flight with British Airways and I can ship three of these. The best match I can find is 32x24x16 against a 35x30x17 allowance.

The rimowa trunk plus is a cm or 2 oversized but does the job nicely. I've used mine to relocate between NA and SEA a few times. Congrats OP!

I think a cardboard box is a little more value for money than a Rimowa trunk.

Rubbermaid action packers moved my dad over some continents a few decades back - and I still have some in my storage room. (I would use a cardboard box out of necessity but prefer a reusable option - but not sure the action packers would meet size - or weight - limits now)

One of the attractions of cardboard is that it's easy to dispose of at the other end. The tricky bit is going to be getting them to and from the airport at either end. I am going to need to hunt down companies who will do airport luggage runs.

That is if it survives. Ime, luggage often sits out on the tarmack in the rain this time of year and who knows what will happen to the box or OP's belongings.

I also have the large tnf basecamp duffel, which can also be a good option, since it's quite durable, light, and water resistant. Nearly any well secured reusable container will outperform the cardboard.

One word: Tape. Use lots and lots of it.

David

You could wrap it in bin bags to prevent the wet and have a holiday for the money you would save by not purchasing a Rimowa. I just have a problem with something that took inspiration from a Junkers aircraft (even though Junkers himself was a pacifist) in the same way I avoid Hugo Boss.

OTOH, some people (me, I mean me) are always looking for more storage options - I've been converting cardboard to non-cardboard for years! And since in your OP you didn't mention you wanted to dispose of the item...

Definitely a cardboard box. Use a heavy duty plastic bag inside the box to hold the belonging, and then shrink-wrap the box, or use the self adhering plastic pallet wrap.
Oh, and make a handle of the shrink-wrap so you can pick the box up more easily.

AirPortr has a partnership with British Airways, amongst others, and could be of help.
https://airportr.com