Cardboard Box as Checked Baggage on International Flight
Nov 28, 2018, 8:58 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
Cardboard Box as Checked Baggage on International Flight
I am in US currently and will be traveling to India next month or so. I already have 2 bags that I am taking with me but I want to take an additional 3rd bag too. I don't intend to buy a bag for multiple reasons..one I already have many bags back in India so no space to store bags, bags will be expensive and most importantly, the bags by itself would be heavier than a box which means I would be carrying lesser stuff in the additional "bag".
That's why, I intend to take a cardboard box as checked in bag with me. I am looking for tips from people who can suggest to which box to buy, how to make sure I don't go overweight on the box (as it is difficult to weigh it), how to properly pack.
Few boxes I am considering are...
-> Lowes Medium size heavy duty box (has no handles or anything anywhere). Cheapest of lot I gues
Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Classic-Med...16-in/50098524
-> Uhaul Luggage Box - Looks good and seems reasonably priced but since it is not available to pickup for me, it would cost me extra to ship, like $7-$10 shipping.
Link: https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies...-Box/?id=12231
->Air Travel Box - Costs around $20 inclusive of shipping. Nice design but I don't care about that.
Link:
Does anyone have suggestions either from above or any other thing worth buying?
That's why, I intend to take a cardboard box as checked in bag with me. I am looking for tips from people who can suggest to which box to buy, how to make sure I don't go overweight on the box (as it is difficult to weigh it), how to properly pack.
Few boxes I am considering are...
-> Lowes Medium size heavy duty box (has no handles or anything anywhere). Cheapest of lot I gues
Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Classic-Med...16-in/50098524
-> Uhaul Luggage Box - Looks good and seems reasonably priced but since it is not available to pickup for me, it would cost me extra to ship, like $7-$10 shipping.
Link: https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies...-Box/?id=12231
->Air Travel Box - Costs around $20 inclusive of shipping. Nice design but I don't care about that.
Link:
Does anyone have suggestions either from above or any other thing worth buying?
Nov 28, 2018, 10:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
What are you planning to pack in the box?
I'd be tempted to go DIMPA bag instead. $4 at IKEA, has handles, foldup or throwaway.
I checked a fold-up bike in mine. A bit beat up after six segments, but still usable.
I'd be tempted to go DIMPA bag instead. $4 at IKEA, has handles, foldup or throwaway.
I checked a fold-up bike in mine. A bit beat up after six segments, but still usable.
Nov 29, 2018, 5:16 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 7
Box
I am in US currently and will be traveling to India next month or so. I already have 2 bags that I am taking with me but I want to take an additional 3rd bag too. I don't intend to buy a bag for multiple reasons..one I already have many bags back in India so no space to store bags, bags will be expensive and most importantly, the bags by itself would be heavier than a box which means I would be carrying lesser stuff in the additional "bag".
That's why, I intend to take a cardboard box as checked in bag with me. I am looking for tips from people who can suggest to which box to buy, how to make sure I don't go overweight on the box (as it is difficult to weigh it), how to properly pack.
Few boxes I am considering are...
-> Lowes Medium size heavy duty box (has no handles or anything anywhere). Cheapest of lot I gues
Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Classic-Med...16-in/50098524
-> Uhaul Luggage Box - Looks good and seems reasonably priced but since it is not available to pickup for me, it would cost me extra to ship, like $7-$10 shipping.
Link: https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies...-Box/?id=12231
->Air Travel Box - Costs around $20 inclusive of shipping. Nice design but I don't care about that.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Re...air+travel+box
Does anyone have suggestions either from above or any other thing worth buying?
That's why, I intend to take a cardboard box as checked in bag with me. I am looking for tips from people who can suggest to which box to buy, how to make sure I don't go overweight on the box (as it is difficult to weigh it), how to properly pack.
Few boxes I am considering are...
-> Lowes Medium size heavy duty box (has no handles or anything anywhere). Cheapest of lot I gues
Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Classic-Med...16-in/50098524
-> Uhaul Luggage Box - Looks good and seems reasonably priced but since it is not available to pickup for me, it would cost me extra to ship, like $7-$10 shipping.
Link: https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies...-Box/?id=12231
->Air Travel Box - Costs around $20 inclusive of shipping. Nice design but I don't care about that.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Re...air+travel+box
Does anyone have suggestions either from above or any other thing worth buying?
as for weighing, it’s simple, get a rope and bring around all for corners and use a scale to weigh from the top.
Nov 29, 2018, 6:49 am
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The rules and costs will vary by air carrier. Nobody here can tell you what is best without knowing the carrier.
As a general matter, the term used is "checked bag" but it does not mean that it can't be a box. Depending on what you are shipping, it may be cheaper and easier to buy a one-use bag. The Ikea suggestion is a good one. Amazon has numerous bags in the same range. When I say "one use" I don't mean that you must toss the bag on arrival. But, it is not manufactured for long-term usage and if you don't need it, give it to somebody or stuff it in a bin somewhere on arrival. Perfect for clothing and soft items. Typically will weigh less than a pound and that matters a lot as excess bag fees are topped only by excess weight fees (on most carriers).
As a general matter, the term used is "checked bag" but it does not mean that it can't be a box. Depending on what you are shipping, it may be cheaper and easier to buy a one-use bag. The Ikea suggestion is a good one. Amazon has numerous bags in the same range. When I say "one use" I don't mean that you must toss the bag on arrival. But, it is not manufactured for long-term usage and if you don't need it, give it to somebody or stuff it in a bin somewhere on arrival. Perfect for clothing and soft items. Typically will weigh less than a pound and that matters a lot as excess bag fees are topped only by excess weight fees (on most carriers).
Nov 29, 2018, 7:32 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: on the path to perdition
Programs: Delta, United
Posts: 4,785
None of the above. Save yourself some money and just get one from your office or a store that is going to recycle it. My only suggestion is that I often double box when checking it box. That tends to hold up better. Also I put string around the box so to make it easy to carry. However, do attach anything else to the string like the baggage tag (it might come off).
Nov 29, 2018, 7:38 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
I have checked boxes on domestic and international trips quite a few times. Make sure you heed the dimensional limits. Some airlines get more picky with boxes than luggage.
Another very important thing, is that many airlines won’t pay for damages to the contents of a cardboard box, but will for luggage. A cheap, lightweight bag may be the best option. They will usually pay if they lose a box.
Are the contents fragile or valuable?
Another very important thing, is that many airlines won’t pay for damages to the contents of a cardboard box, but will for luggage. A cheap, lightweight bag may be the best option. They will usually pay if they lose a box.
Are the contents fragile or valuable?
Nov 29, 2018, 9:11 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
The rules and costs will vary by air carrier. Nobody here can tell you what is best without knowing the carrier.
As a general matter, the term used is "checked bag" but it does not mean that it can't be a box. Depending on what you are shipping, it may be cheaper and easier to buy a one-use bag. The Ikea suggestion is a good one. Amazon has numerous bags in the same range. When I say "one use" I don't mean that you must toss the bag on arrival. But, it is not manufactured for long-term usage and if you don't need it, give it to somebody or stuff it in a bin somewhere on arrival. Perfect for clothing and soft items. Typically will weigh less than a pound and that matters a lot as excess bag fees are topped only by excess weight fees (on most carriers).
As a general matter, the term used is "checked bag" but it does not mean that it can't be a box. Depending on what you are shipping, it may be cheaper and easier to buy a one-use bag. The Ikea suggestion is a good one. Amazon has numerous bags in the same range. When I say "one use" I don't mean that you must toss the bag on arrival. But, it is not manufactured for long-term usage and if you don't need it, give it to somebody or stuff it in a bin somewhere on arrival. Perfect for clothing and soft items. Typically will weigh less than a pound and that matters a lot as excess bag fees are topped only by excess weight fees (on most carriers).
None of the above. Save yourself some money and just get one from your office or a store that is going to recycle it. My only suggestion is that I often double box when checking it box. That tends to hold up better. Also I put string around the box so to make it easy to carry. However, do attach anything else to the string like the baggage tag (it might come off).
I have checked boxes on domestic and international trips quite a few times. Make sure you heed the dimensional limits. Some airlines get more picky with boxes than luggage.
Another very important thing, is that many airlines won’t pay for damages to the contents of a cardboard box, but will for luggage. A cheap, lightweight bag may be the best option. They will usually pay if they lose a box.
Are the contents fragile or valuable?
Another very important thing, is that many airlines won’t pay for damages to the contents of a cardboard box, but will for luggage. A cheap, lightweight bag may be the best option. They will usually pay if they lose a box.
Are the contents fragile or valuable?
Any suggestions for cheap lightweight luggage ?
Nov 29, 2018, 9:18 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
I think it really depends on the size you need, and if the contents are fragile.
I’ve seen cheap larger bags at Walmart or Target.
I used to import a lot of stuff from China, and I’d grab a cheap big bag there for $10-15. Even loaded up with 70 pounds of stuff, they’d usually last 2-3 trips, before a wheel or handle would break.
You can always check out a thrift store, dollar store or such.
I’ve seen cheap larger bags at Walmart or Target.
I used to import a lot of stuff from China, and I’d grab a cheap big bag there for $10-15. Even loaded up with 70 pounds of stuff, they’d usually last 2-3 trips, before a wheel or handle would break.
You can always check out a thrift store, dollar store or such.
Nov 29, 2018, 10:01 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
$5.99 plastic storage box from an office supply store; clear packing tape to secure the top and cover the label with your name and phone number
Nov 29, 2018, 7:38 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
Good Point. Never considered that. I know plastic wrap around box would work but that means I am plonking more money in that. I will try to search for some cheap and lightweight bag.
Nov 29, 2018, 8:07 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
I saw a post on this forum about this IKEA FRAKTA Zipper bag. Has anyone used this as checked bag. It is less than Half a Kg. Max Load says 55 LB and probably can be somehow doubled (2 bags) to provide extra strength.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90149148/
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90149148/
Nov 29, 2018, 10:55 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
ummmm, didn’t you see post #9 — complete with photo — above?