Have you ever noticed that when we travel by plane, people tend to carry a variety of luggage? You often see individuals with rolling suitcases, duffle bags or backpacks on the carousel. However, it’s quite unusual to spot someone with a cardboard box as their chosen luggage option. It does make you wonder, doesn’t it? Surprisingly, though, cardboard boxes can indeed be utilized as checked luggage!
Now, we understand your concern about the safety of transporting your belongings in a cardboard box. Rest assured, we have personally tested this method. Found it to be effective! Nevertheless, it’s important to note that each airline has its own set of rules and restrictions. Our goal is to ensure that you encounter no issues during your trip. Hence, in this post, we will provide you with all the guidelines and precautions so you can confidently use a cardboard box as your checked luggage without any inconvenience.
What Are TSA Rules about cardboard boxes?
When considering using a cardboard box as checked or hand-carry luggage, the first question we ask is whether or not the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approves it. Fortunately, the answer is affirmative. The TSA has no objections to cardboard boxes as long as they comply with the restrictions on certain items.
However, the TSA may need to screen your box for security purposes. Their officers may open your box to check for any restricted items. But they will take care to repack your belongings or tape them back up after the inspection.
Assuming there are no security issues with your plastic or cardboard box, you can check it in and collect it at baggage claim.
What are the Airlines’ policies about cardboard boxes?
Do not forget to consider your airline’s rules and restrictions. Before packing your belongings in a box, it is essential to have all the necessary information. You need to know if your airline accepts plastic or cardboard boxes as checked baggage.
Many airlines allow passengers to bring boxes along when they travel as it is common for people to move with their household belongings. However, it’s important to note that certain airlines may restrict accepting boxes as checked baggage for flights. To prevent any hassles, familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies beforehand.
After verifying that your airline accepts boxes, the next step is to ascertain the size and weight restrictions. Typically, airlines limit the size to 62 linear inches and allow a weight range between 50 to 70 pounds.
Can we use cardboard boxes as checked luggage?
If you are willing to pay the baggage fees, then yes, you can use a cardboard box as checked luggage. Generally, airlines do not have any issues with it as long as you adhere to the size and weight restrictions.
You must confirm how many checked bags are allowed. Most airlines allow passengers to take two checked bags per person when traveling internationally. You can check which airlines allow how many pieces of luggage, but to avoid any inconvenience, you should check with your airline. Based on my experience, my aunt had to pay an extra baggage fee because her cardboard box was not compliant with the airline’s size restrictions.
Now let’s talk about the size and weight restrictions for cardboard boxes when traveling by plane.
When you want to check in a box on a flight, what is the maximum size allowed?
Most airlines have a limit of 62 inches for checked luggage. To determine this measurement you need to add up the height, width and depth of the box. The standard dimensions typically used are 27 inches by 21 inches by 14 inches.
What is the weight limit for checked luggage?
Regarding boxes used as checked luggage, various airlines have weight restrictions. Usually, these limits can range from 40 to 70 pounds, depending on the airline’s policy.
Each airline may have its regulations in place. Some airlines allow weights of up to 50 pounds, while others permit weights of up to 70 pounds for first-class passengers. To ensure you have information about weight limits, it is recommended that you review your airline’s policies, as these limits can vary between carriers.
Read: How Much Luggage Can I Take On International Flight – 2023 Guide
Is there any restriction on items that you can pack in a carton?
Most airlines have no issue with the items you pack in the box if you comply with the airline’s rules and regulations. Even once, my sister took serving dishes to Canada in a carton as checked luggage; those dishes can’t fit in a suitcase.
However, some items have special requirements and extra fees, like sports items and musical instruments. So before packing these types of items must check your airline.
What is the biggest size of box you can take as checked luggage?
In terms of size and space, a box can be a better option than a suitcase for checked luggage. While suitcases come in various shapes and sizes, it’s difficult to find one that can fit irregularly shaped items accurately. In contrast, you can easily find a box that fits your belongings snugly.
The maximum size for a checked box is 62 linear inches, which can be in the shape of a rectangle or even a perfect cube.
Moreover, a box can hold up to 144 liters of space, providing ample room to pack more items than a suitcase. However, checking your airline’s luggage policy before packing anything is crucial to avoid additional baggage fees.
Exceeding the allowed limit can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s always better to be aware of the restrictions beforehand.
Can we use cardboard boxes as hand luggage?
Yes, you can definitely bring a cardboard box as your carry, on long as it meets the size and weight requirements set by the airline. It’s crucial to ensure that the box does not contain any prohibited items according to the guidelines provided by the TSA.
Typically, carry-on bags are required to be within dimensions of 22″ × 14″ × 9″ or smaller. However, it’s worth noting that certain airlines may have restrictions based on inches up to a maximum of 45. Remember to verify the airlines’ regulations regarding size before your trip. Upon check-in, make sure that your box fits within the designated frame provided by the airline.
It is common for airlines to limit the weight of carry-on luggage to 20-22 lbs. However, certain US airlines do not have weight restrictions and only require that the carry-on fits within the overhead bin or under the seat. If the size or weight limits are exceeded, the box may need to be checked, or additional fees may apply.
Is it safe to use a box as your belongings carrier?
In my experience, I can confirm that using a cardboard or plastic box as checked luggage is a safe option as long as you take the necessary steps involved in packing and avoid any unfortunate incidents.
When observing the baggage carousel, it’s noticeable that boxes of different shapes and sizes are regularly transported alongside luggage without any damage if packed securely. It’s worth mentioning that many travelers from Asia choose to use boxes to transport their belongings when traveling abroad.
In which situations should you use a cardboard box instead of a suitcase?
Using a cardboard box as luggage can be beneficial, in situations.
For example, if you want to maximize your weight allowance, a box can accommodate up to 144 liters of items, while a typical suitcase holds 115 to 120 liters and adds 10-15 pounds to your baggage weight.
Likewise, a box can come in handy when you need to transport shaped or oversized items that won’t fit in a suitcase, like serving dishes, a big picture frame or even a stuffed animal.
Lastly, if you prefer not to purchase a suitcase for your belongings and avoid incurring more baggage fees, opting for a cardboard box could be an excellent solution.
How can you protect your box so it won’t damage and safely reach its destination?
There are several ways to protect your box and ensure that it arrives at your destination safely:
Choose a sturdy box: Make sure the box you choose is made of strong materials, such as cardboard is only very strong if you make it strong by different means. Plastic boxes are way better than cardboard boxes as checked luggage and can withstand the rigors of travel.
Reinforce the box: If the items inside are heavy or fragile, you can reinforce the box with extra tape; tape your box thoroughly to add a protection layer. The tape would help to make the box water-resistant and prevent it from breaking or tearing during transport.
Use appropriate packing material: If you’re transporting delicate items that you can not keep in the suitcase, mark your box as fragile and take some Preventive measures in advance. Use bubble wrap, foam, or other cushioning material to protect the contents of the box from impact and prevent them from shifting around during transport.
Label the box properly: Make sure to label the box with your name, address, and destination so that it is properly routed. You can also use “fragile” stickers or labels to alert handlers to handle the box with care.
Check with the airline for special instructions:
Before you pack your belongings, it’s important to check with the airline you’re flying with to see if they have any requirements for items. This includes things like electronics, musical instruments and sports equipment. Make sure you comply with their guidelines to avoid any issues.
By following these suggestions, you can increase the chances of your package reaching its destination without any problems.
FAQ’s
Can I check in a large box at the airport?
Yes, you can check in a large box at the airport as long as it meets the size and weight restrictions set by your airline. It’s important to check your airline’s baggage policy to ensure that your box is within the acceptable size and weight limits for checked luggage.
Can I take a carton box at the airport?
Yes, you can take a carton box to the airport as your checked luggage or as a carry-on, as long as it does not exceed the size and weight limit of the airline you are flying with. Few airlines don’t allow cartons or cardboard boxes on international flights.
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