How to bring many coffee mugs in checked baggage
 

HI I am interested in bringing back about 40 coffeemugs so it would have to go in the checked baggage. I have brought back about 6 on carryon but I can't see 40.

I was wondering if you thought that it was too risky that they would break or not. Packing would be very good but the better the packing means that have to use 2 suitcases. I would bring the bubble wrap and tapes with me.

I can ask the checkin person to label the suitcase(s) as fragile, if they still do this, and would this help much?

If I take insurance on my load, would this be covered?

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. this is for a local coffeeshop that uses this as decor so the more exotic and international the mug, the better.

I am doing this move because it is more cost effective and I also get a free trip out of it.

TIA,
Philkey

So, Housekeeping left the storage closet unlocked? Maybe you could wrap them up in some of those nice bathrobes with the hotel logo on them.

Seriously though, I think bubble wrap (with the bubbles about the size of a watch battery) and a hardsided luggage or box should be fine.

I use a thing called: Plano Sportsman Trunk

Google Search it and it will come up at a number of sites.
I got mine at Sam's Club for around $30.
It's a hard plastic case with 4 snapping clips to keep it closed.
It's got wheels and a handle.

No airline has broken it or charged me oversize for it yet.
It could happen.... but not yet.

That case, some bubble wrap.... I would be confident with mine.

Good luck with it.

I've wrapped 4 or 5 in t-shirts, but never 40. Will they even fit in one suitcase, or are you willing to go to 2 suitcases? I think bubble wrap is a good idea, too.

Yep. We use these also. Never used it for coffee cups, but I've taken electronic testing equipment on jobs with me. Ours have been all over the world with multiple airlines, have many scratches, but no dents or breaks. We use foam cubes in them to surround our gear.

Go to your local Mailboxes Etc store and ask them how to do it. C'mon....40 ceramic mugs in checked luggage? Sounds like you're running a little side business.

I think Analise has the best suggestion. We routinely bring back fragile items in checked luggage on our international trips, but I am very, very good at improvising packing and, even so, we still have a fairly predictable breakage rate (I'm also very good with superglue). If you're in the U.S., it's definitely worth your while to take an hour or so to visit your friendly local Mailboxes Etc., Fedex/Kinkos, or something similar.