TV as checked luggage?
 

There's a small(er) TV (1.5' x 1.5' x 2') that I bought use which works really well and I'd like to take it with me back to California. I unfortunately don't have the original packaging.

Is there a way to package it properly so that it won't break during the flight? Is it likey to break no matter what?

Would it be less likely to break if my friend who is taking the train sends it as checked luggage through Amtrak?

Yonatan

You could get a foam-lined Pelican transport case but it would cost more than 3 times as much as the TV is worth. Try double boxing...pack it in a box just big enough to house the TV, add bubble wrap. Place that box inside a larger box with foam peanuts and you should be okay.

I've travelled with TV's, Monitors, Electronics, Aquarium's etc... as we don't have stores where I live and bring back full cases of items via the planes. I've tried every hardcase out there (Densley, Pelican, Samsonite, Zero, even custom ATA cases etc...) and have found the $20 rolling plastic tool chests from like HomeDepot (made by Stanley, called Contractors rolling case or something like that, you can google homedepot and find it) is the best hands down. Sturdy, large wheels, strong handle, lockable, light weight, and square / rectangular size BIG just inside the legal size limit for luggage. I pack clothes around the items tightly and have not had anything break flying across the Pacific. The case is too big for most checkers to toss around and flip it on the luggage carriers, they need to use two hands and carry it on the sides to lift and move it most of the time as it's too bulky.

I should mention that a lot of times HomeDepot does not have them in stock but you can call the local store and they can get it delivered in like two days. It's always a risk but this is how I've had the best luck in over 20 years crossing the Pacific with fragile items. Just my 2 cents....

I checked a 19" tv and a VCR once on US Airways. I bought a box at UHaul, packed both items in it, and used styrofoam peanuts as packing. Pack the TV so that the back of the set is against or almost against the wall of the box, this will keep the screen further away from the side. Stuff the packing in tight. The only damage was to the little door on the VCR where the tape goes in, and that might have happened before we checked it, as the box fell off the luggage cart twice between the parking garage and check in :p