Checking a cardboard box

[mammacaryn]

Hey, does anyone know if I can check a cardboard box along with my luggage at the terminal? I have been storing all my FE supplies in a large flat box and would love to just leave everything in it when we cruise. Its about the size of a wedding dress box.
Thanks.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

How sturdy is the cardboard box? Would there be anything fragile in it? You could definitely check it, and if it's the size of a wedding dress box you'd likely have to check it because it won't fit through the scanners at security. But have you seen the pictures of how luggage gets thrown together and piled up? I'd be worried how a cardboard box would fare through that treatment.

ETA a link to a picture:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/when-kids-need-car-seats-to-get-to-cruise.3561096/#post-56760065

 

[mammacaryn]

It's sturdy, an exercise trampoline came in it. And none of my gifts are breakable. I thought about fashioning a handle/strap out of duct tape on it. I didn't think about the mess they make of the luggage really, but I do think this box is pretty sturdy.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

It's sturdy, an exercise trampoline came in it. And none of my gifts are breakable. I thought about fashioning a handle/strap out of duct tape on it. I didn't think about the mess they make of the luggage really, but I do think this box is pretty sturdy.

As long as there's nothing breakable and you're comfortable it would survive the process, then there's no problem checking it. I'd recommend using a lot of packing tape to make sure it's very securely closed.

 

[BartmanLA]

The box by itself should be okay, I know in the past I packed my FE gifts and some other items in a cardboard box, and bungee corded it to a collapsible luggage card and tagged with one of the DCL luggage tags and it was delivered to the stateroom with no problems. Just make sure it is packed well so no items will be jostled around and broken during handling.

 

[FigmentSpark]

You might find out if you can put it in plastic wrap at the airport (like for car seats). Then if it does break, you have an extra layer of protection. Do you mind discarding the box once you're done? I assume you're not bringing it back home.

 

[Quellman]

I RECOMMEND you you include a packing list on the outside of the box. This is because they may require scrutiny at the port. I did this on our last cruise. I did not ship via air, but this is what I did when I drove to the port.

I packed everything into a box. Then, I taped a ziplock bag to the box and labeled it as a packing list. Anyone would be able to open the bag, inspect the list and close it as necessary. It also included relevant contact information. I also had a DCL luggage tag on the box just as I would normal suitcase luggage. It arrived on board and in good condition.