Bringing a Microwave on an airplane?

[bbchurch]

I know this may sound strange but I will ask anyway. We really like having a microwave in our hotel room and since we are staying in AKL, we will not have one in the room. I was thinking about buying a small microwave in Orlando for use there. I really don't want to leave it there as we could always use it around the house or at work. But could I bring it back home on the airplane? If so could you just leave it in the orginal box and check with everything else?
I thought I would submit this to any frequent flies out there since I have only flown one time in my life and did not want to sound like an idiot on the phone to the airline.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm not sure there are many people out there that would have tried to check a microwave...you might just want to call the airlines and ask...

 

[BCV23]

Are you sure that you can't get a microwave from Housekeeping at AKL. We've never requested one but I know I've read that the Poly and GF will (or maybe it's would) provide them.

I don't know that I would want to check a microwave....they can be pretty rough with baggage. I imagine you could take it as carryon if it fit the size limits but they might want you to turn it on to ensure that it wasn't a bomb. People do take all kinds of unusual things as carryons. But I would first check with AKL to see if they offer them.

 

[campingcorgi]

Can you just repack it and mail it home? Might be able to do that at the front desk. You could call your resort and ask.

 

[zulaya]

As cheap as microwaves are these days, I'd just leave it. You probably would have spent the money on other food or stuff anyways. I can't see this being anything but a hassle unless you pay even more money to get it boxed up real well and ship it back UPS or something.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would think it will exceed the weight limit for checked baggage.

 

[safetymom]

If it exceeds the weight limit you will have to pay extra to bring it home. I don't think there would be a problem since it will be in baggage compartment. I assume you are talking a small microwave.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I think it would be better to mail it back home... but call to see if you can get one from Mousekeeping first.

 

[bbchurch]

Just clarify what I am talking about it is a small microwave around .5 cubic feet. I work for one of Wal-Mart distribution centers so I handle these things everyday and I will tell you if they can handle the abuse we give them and still work then I have no doubt that the airline should not be able to break it as well. the size is 19"W x 14"L x 11"H of course you have to add the box.and they weigh about 30 pounds. So I know they would fall within the size and weight limits to check. I would more than likely not try to carry it on with me ( I could see the report on the news now...Arkansas man tries to smuggle bomb onto Orlando flight, story at 10!) I just was wanting to know if there would be a potential problem with trying to check something like a microwave.

With that being said what do you think it would cost to mail the microwave back home? And where would I go to mail it?
Thanks for all your help.

Billy

 

[safetymom]

I would say take it with you on the plane. I travel quite a bit and have to take printers, scanners with me. Certain airlines want to see what is in the box before they will accept it, others just ask what is in the box. You might want to call the airline and ask them how they want it.

I have never been refused and the equipment arrived all in one piece.

Yes I have been doing this since 9/11 with no problems.

I wouldn't try to do it as carry on. Too much aggravation.

 

[Sharby]

If nothing else it's an interesting, unique (and mildly amusing ) question.

We've heard on this board of people buying cheap fridges and then just dumping them at their Disney hotel (although personally I wonder why they don't take a minute - quietly find someone who's just checking in and give them the fridge as a "present from Mickey" and tell them to pass it on.)

I'm wondering if there's a fire regulation against it - ie you must have certain fire equipment if the hotel you're at provides any cooking facilities (not just microwaves). Statistically microwaves rarely are the cause of fires - but they can and do start fires. Somebody else out there may have the Florida fire regulation answer to this one.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

We usually stay at all stars and they have micro and toaster down at the food courts. Also plastic spoons, knife, etc salt.pepper etc. You could ask cm about getting one. I would be very leary about someone having a micro. in a bedroom next to us. I dont know how the hotel would either, or fire dept. Not to sound mean, but thats how i feel. I wouldnt want it to catch fire or anything. We go every year.you could use hotel one in food court.

 

[Gillian]

I think AKL has a microwave in the food court, but it could be a real hike from your room.

I'm not sure I understand the fire hazard thing. I mean, I understand it in general, but you're talking about a brand new unit! I feel perfectly safe sleeping in my home, which currently has 2 plugged in microwaves, one of them very large & powerful (and under my bedroom!).

The AKL is a new hotel and I'm sure it has the latest safety features!

In Otober 1999 I saw several people checking generators on a flight to Puerto Rico. The island had recently been hit by a tornado & people were flocking down with all kinds of stuff! I realize airline security is might tighter now, but a microwave doesn't seem so strange compared to a generator.

 

[Geoff_M]

Even at 30 lbs. that'd take a big chunk out of your allowed weight limit on the flight. I'd buy one localling in Orlando and then ship it back home via UPS ground.

 

[DNSDisney]

I sent you a Private message Billy

 

[bbchurch]

dnsdisney, I returned your pm.

 

[jel0511]

I wouldn't think you'd be allowed to use a microwave in the room due to the danger it could post to other guests. Have you ever noticed when you enter an establishment with a microwave is in use? It can cause problems for peoples with pacemakers, etc. I wouldn't want to be responsible if someone who was staying in the next room, or who happened to walk on by if something happened. There are microwaves located in the Mara at the AKL, just use those.

 

[DNSDisney]

People with Pacemakers are only effected if they are within the same room , if they have a wall between them and the microwave they are fine. My mother has a pacemaker. And it could only seriously effect someone with a pacemaker if the battery is low. That is what a mircowave does to the pacemaker is drain the battery. Don't know the science to this but that is what my Mom was told.

 

[kcarp]

Pacemaker!! What about that burnt popcorn smell all over the hotel!!!! Are you MAD!!!!!!!!!!!!