Hi there, don't know if this is in the right place but figured I'd let you figure that out. I have a fairly simple question. I am bringing an empty computer case to Australia for a friend of mine. We are aware of the duty/tax/etc that might be incurred but it was still cheaper to bring it with me than it was to ship it. Right now I have it wrapped in a black trash bag and taped up nicely so the bag is tight to the box. I am wondering if that will work as checked baggage? I didn't want to leave it unwrapped because it was so obvious what it was and I didn't want to risk someone at the luggage carousels or anywhere else taking it. I have a paper with small writing on it describing what is in the box and it has the address I'll be staying at and other information that might be needed. This is also taped to the box. I am uneasy about having that information in plain sight, but figured if I'm going to cover up the box I need to give them the information for it.

I plan to check this as my "third bag" on my AA flights to Melbourne.

Thanks!

For checked luggage, a box is fine. No need to have description of what is in the box. In fact, I would recommend against that.

Do have your address on it but a luggage tag will be attached and that should be enough.

Oooh ok. Thanks for letting me know. I don't travel enough and certainly not with unusual items so this is a first for me. I will redo the info on the box! Thanks again!

I would check the airline policy's you are flying on, they may not cover any claims tonelectronic equipment and may offer extra insurance that will cover it if its worth it for you

I will definitely check into that. I am flying solely with American Airlines, although my second flight is code-shared with Qantas. I know they do not assume liability for such things...I do however have travel insurance that may or may not cover it. The good thing is that the value of this case is not all that much, so if something happened to it, it wouldn't be the end of the world. However, I will check into purchasing additional insurance through the airline just in case!

It is very well packed, so I'm hoping it makes it out safe and sound!

You can buy empty computer cases in Melbourne. And possibly from the same factory in China as yours was made. I would be filling the inside with foam or packing. Your case will have other heavy bags on top of it. Baggage handlers are not very careful with items.

Check very carefully your baggage allowance. Are you on QF94 (A380) LAX-MEL ?

Yes, I will be on QF94. The girl I am giving it to has already paid me to buy the extra bag. Technically I am actually on AA7356 and so I get two bags up to 62" each (I called twice to make sure) and the third will be $150 or $200 depending on the size. It is light, so it won't be overweight and it is 62 inches total so hoping it fits within the 150 range but if not, she has given me the money to transport it.

The reason we are doing it this way is because she can't get that particular case in Australia. It is definitely a specialty case with all the bling and blang and stuff. She's a heavy gamer and couldn't find a case like this anywhere else. It is very tightly packed with foam and fillers so I'm crossing my fingers that it will be ok. I have warned the girl that it might not get there safe and sound so she is very aware of this. Thanks for all your help!

Is there any way you could put the computer case inside your checked bag? That would be the easiest solution. You could put your clothes into the computer case and then put the case inside your checked bag and then add any additional clothes you have so that you essentially pad the case inside the bag.

BTW, I doubt you will have to pay any duty on it.

Thank you! No, unfortunately there's no way...it is 62 inches all by itself...just topping the limit of the size of a checked bag. It's definitely larger than your average computer case!! But thank you!

That must be some computer case!