I was wondering whether airlines allow you to check cardboard shipping boxes as a checked bag. Given the 70lb free baggage allowance, is there any drawback to doing this?

it is done all the time ... just tape/re-enforce well.

Just be aware that TSA will take extra notice of boxes.

We are moving our daughter to college and thought, since we are allotted 3 bags each, it would be cheaper than shipping all that she needs.

1. You will need to check in extra early to allow them the time to Xray/thoroughly search with enough time to make it on your flight.

- we thought we had done so but TSA was extra slow - our boxes made it on 2 flights later and they were not delivered until much later that evening. so...if you need them to arrive with you, add time to your arrival at the airport.

2. Big Shocker - TSA has no respect!!! -

- We had brand new, helpful handles for carrying our boxes and they took them all. Even though we took extra time to make sure they were secured in a way that left TSA easy access to open them for inspection.
- They unpacked the carefully arranged boxes and repacked them haphazardly.
- Even with Fragile stamped EVERYWHERE, the boxes were banged up

Nothing was broken but I filed a claim and was told they were not responsible.


Not a reason not to use the service due to the savings regarding to shipping costs, just be aware......UPS they are not!!!

I've checked boxes multiple times... no problems whatsoever.

UPS sells cardboard boxes with handles and calls them shipping suitcases. So it's not a problem at all, as long as they meet the size and weight restrictions.

Ditto. Done all the time. Tape it well, including the edges, and use rope for reinforcement.

Get there early just in case. Flying out of Hawaii, agriculture inspectors often want to take a peek when it's declared that fruits/vegetables are inside, so a little time to unpack/repack is needed. TSA has never bothered with my boxes or those of anyone else I know who has checked boxes, but as msk6261 noted, YMMV.

I've done it a few times for work. They'll always ask me what is in it, and are always satisfied when I say they're textbooks (which is true). I even did it on an international flight once (YUL-ORD), and US immigration/customs just wanted to know what it was too, and seemed fine with my answer.

Did it for wine back from Spain and within Alaska a few times. Key is lots of tape (don't want it popping open) and pad well if fragile items are enclosed. Oh and put your name and address on it too with a # just in case...

home depot sells decent boxes for about a buck apiece.

Before you pack the boxes I'd check with your airline. Some destinations have box embargoes during certain times of the year. Think this is mainly international but AA also identifies LAX to MIA and FLL

I've done it a couple of times, generally no major issues once there's enough tape on and they're within weight limits.

I have done it before. As others have said, pack your stuff carefully and do not skimp on packing material because the TSA and throwers will not be kind to the box.