Boxes as checked baggage?

[katieandemismom]

We are flying SW at the end of Sept to Orlando so we each get two checked bags (total of 8 which there's no way we'll use). We're getting an Owner's Locker for the first time this trip. Can I pack all the things we're planning on leaving in FL in heavy boxes and check them? We've got enough Magical Express tags to put on them. We'd keep them small to make life as easy as possible, but I could just ditch the boxes and not have to stress about having luggage to check on the way home (flying Airtran home).

 

[seashoreCM]

Boxes are problematical these days (post 9/11 days) as they are cumbersome to deal with after being opened for postal inspection, correction, opened by TSA.

Not sure how well TSA reseals boxes.

 

[Tozzie]

Boxes are problematical these days (post 9/11 days) as they are cumbersome to deal with after being opened for postal inspection, correction, opened by TSA.

Not sure how well TSA reseals boxes.

I don't know if they open the boxes as last week I watched the baggage carousel, waiting for my luggage when I returned home and there were a lot of boxes on them and none of them looked like they had been opened and if they had been the were resealed very well.

That being said, I don't know if DME luggage services takes boxes I think you would have to call and find out.

 

[lila]

Can you pack duffels instead of boxes? They are easier to get back home than empty suitcases, and you wouldn't need to worry about boxes.

That said, I see boxes on the carousel frequently. I'd call and ask the airline their policy.

 

[MagiKitty]

I fly pretty regularly with boxes instead of traditional luggage, mostly internationally though. My last trip to Orlando in May, though, my nieces and I had a little too good of a time at the outlets. Instead of buying a new piece of luggage, we went to the local Walmart and bought a moving box.

Check-in with the box on US Airways was no big deal. As long as it was under 50 pounds, it can be checked in. There are dimensional requirements, like you can check in some weirdly long and narrow box, so I'd check with your airline about that. But traditional cube boxes? No problem.

I usually tape and rope up my boxes. It just makes it easier to lift and carry. I've never had any problems being opened (knock wood), but if I had, I have every confidence that my box would have been taped up again.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have checked boxes as baggage a number of times. EVERY time they were opened and searched at the check-in desk. I suggest that you seal lightly and bring extra tape to reseal if they are searched.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We've used boxes several times when coming home from the IL's in Phoenix. Grandma gets a little carried away buying stuff for the kids!

Also on the last trip to WDW we took our stroller in its box since I on;y wanted it at WDW not in the airport. We used ME and put the sticker on it with no problems. It was delivered right along with our other luggage.

Every time when checking in I have to tell them what is in the box and then they tag it like regular luggage.

I always put a big sticker on it that has my name, address & phone #. Also when going to WDW I put my resort and reservation # & dates of stay in case it was lost upon arrival.

If they opened it and checked anything they certainly did it carefully because it never looked like it had been opened. HTH!