Checking a bag with liquids only
Jul 25, 2011 | 2:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT / 2MM
Posts: 2,145
Checking a bag with liquids only
Hi, I try to avoid checking bags if I can. I'm going on a trip for which I'll need many more liquids than I usually travel with (way more than 3 ounces of sunscreen, tons of hand sanitizer, bug spray, hair stuff, etc.) and I don't see how I'll be able to get all this stuff in a quart-size bag and satisfy the 3-1-1 rule.
To minimize the inconvenience of lost luggage, I'm thinking of just checking the liquids. Do people do this? What kind of bag should I put the liquids in?
To minimize the inconvenience of lost luggage, I'm thinking of just checking the liquids. Do people do this? What kind of bag should I put the liquids in?
Jul 25, 2011 | 2:24 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,773
I find it hard to envision a normal-sized suitcase full of just liquids, but I don't see why you couldn't do it. Be sure to pack things in ziplock bags in case something leaks!
Jul 25, 2011 | 2:43 pm
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
can you buy these items at your destination?.....with good packing, you could use a small duffle, but a hard container like a tool box would be better....
edit to add...if you are checking other stuff, tape the tops, put in bags, wrap in washable clothing....
edit to add...if you are checking other stuff, tape the tops, put in bags, wrap in washable clothing....
Last edited by clacko; Jul 25, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Jul 25, 2011 | 4:37 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA LT Gold; BA Silver; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,103
I was once given a bottle of good scotch whisky on a trip and didn't want to check my only bag because it had a lot of expensive business clothes in it. There was an off-price clothing store in the area and I bought an inexpensive quilted purse with a zippered closure, padded it full of T-shirts, added the bottle, and taped it all up. The gate agent was a little curious about why I was checking such a small item and I explained that it was alcohol. She made me sign a waiver absolving them of any liability if it broke. I thought that was funny since airlines never admit liability for anything anyway.
It arrived in good shape and I donated the purse to charity.
It arrived in good shape and I donated the purse to charity.
Jul 25, 2011 | 4:49 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AMS
Posts: 2,571
I was once given a bottle of good scotch whisky on a trip and didn't want to check my only bag because it had a lot of expensive business clothes in it. There was an off-price clothing store in the area and I bought an inexpensive quilted purse with a zippered closure, padded it full of T-shirts, added the bottle, and taped it all up. The gate agent was a little curious about why I was checking such a small item and I explained that it was alcohol. She made me sign a waiver absolving them of any liability if it broke. I thought that was funny since airlines never admit liability for anything anyway.
It arrived in good shape and I donated the purse to charity.
It arrived in good shape and I donated the purse to charity.
Jul 25, 2011 | 5:04 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta Diamond, WOH Globalist, Marriott LT Titanium, MSC Blue Dia, Nespresso Club, ZTL Queen in Italy
Posts: 306
Yup, I've done this. Like the OP, I rarely check luggage these days...it's a pain.
But I use an old Samsonite carry-on for this purpose. It's great when traveling to a beach resort in Mexico when I want to bring a bunch of different sunscreen lotions, sprays, etc.
One trick if I have any breakables (like perfume) I pack them in a ziploc baggie and then stuff them in a running shoe. The running shoe cushions the item, and it's double protected by the ziploc.
I don't really care about the old carry-on, so if something were to happen to it -- oh well.
But I use an old Samsonite carry-on for this purpose. It's great when traveling to a beach resort in Mexico when I want to bring a bunch of different sunscreen lotions, sprays, etc.
One trick if I have any breakables (like perfume) I pack them in a ziploc baggie and then stuff them in a running shoe. The running shoe cushions the item, and it's double protected by the ziploc.
I don't really care about the old carry-on, so if something were to happen to it -- oh well.
Jul 25, 2011 | 5:06 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Programs: AS Plat, UA MM, AA MM, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,167
I checked a box with only liquids once. A friend of mine wanted me to bring some Nivea lotion to him in Germany. I put it in a cardboard box, surrounded it with crumpled newspaper, and checked in the box at the counter. On arrival, I opened the box, stuffed the bottle in my carry-on, and went on my way.
Sometimes when I bring gifts for friends, I'll put them all into a thin, collapsible duffel bag outlined with cardboard. When returning home, I leave the cardboard behind, fold up the duffel bag, and slide it into my carry-on bag for next time.
Of course, I always carry on my own stuff.
Sometimes when I bring gifts for friends, I'll put them all into a thin, collapsible duffel bag outlined with cardboard. When returning home, I leave the cardboard behind, fold up the duffel bag, and slide it into my carry-on bag for next time.
Of course, I always carry on my own stuff.
Jul 25, 2011 | 5:37 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
Yep, once checked 4 gallons worth of shampoo and conditioner. One friend is very particular about her hair care products. She had me uncap each 2 quart container, cover the opening with a triple layer of Saran wrap, recap, and then the entire bottle was tripled Saran wrapped. Everything was then wrapped in a cheap $10 blanket for extra padding. The whole lot went into a standard 22" rollaboard and checked. Everything arrived safely.
You probably won't need to use such extreme measures but I now use her cap trick to avoid contents of bottles bursting.
You probably won't need to use such extreme measures but I now use her cap trick to avoid contents of bottles bursting.