YIKES......it won't all fit in my suitcase!!!!

[KarenB]

We are flying out tomorrow for WDW and I can't get everything in our suitcases!!!

What my problem is, is that I have to insist on packing all types of snacks. (DH gets extremely irritated when I do this ).

Since we are flying, can I pack these things in a box, seal it up, and check it in as luggage????? Then I can simply toss the box before coming home. Will the airport want to open it and search it?? Will I have to bring along something to reseal it???

Thanks!
Karen

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Yes, you can pack your snack items in a box and check it as luggage (just be sure it isn't a HUGE and/or extraordinarily HEAVY box). There should be no reason for them to open it as it is check luggage and not carry-on. They can x-ray it if necessary (just like they do with any other checked luggage they feel the need to check).

We have done this and it is a good way to send non-breakable and/or disposable items (e.g. diapers, snacks, etc.). That way, as you said, you can just throw the box away and have less to bring home.

On the other end of the spectrum, we often found that we did not have enough room in our suitcases on the way home due to over-zealous souvenir buying On our last trip, I just had everything mailed home. That way I did not have to pay sales tax (since we don't live in FL) and the savings in tax usually paid for the shipping. This worked out GREAT for us and we will definitely do it again in January!!

 

[RUDisney]

We took a box of shoes to Russia with us last October as a donation to the orphanage workers. It was sealed with packaging paper and had a piece of heavy string around it so we could easily carry it. That would be my advice. Wrap string around it both ways so when your already aggrivated DH has to carry it, it will be easier for him to do so. I would guess that as long you're checking it as luggage, at most, the airline will xray it.

Have a great trip!

 

[peg2001]

You will have NO problem checking a well-sealed cardboard box at the airline counter. My husband recently checked a cardboard box containing a heavy concrete yard gnome as a gag gift for some friends he was visiting. No problem except the security guard at the parking lot questioned us on what the box contained. He didn't bat an eye when we said "concrete yard gnome." My guess is that they see everything.

 

[tink2dw]

Better call your airline!! Two just announced no more than 2 bags per person or you pay $80. for the third one!!

You might want to ship it to your WDW resort!!

 

[MELSMICE]

Wouldn't it be easier to stop at a Winn Dixie or Wal Mart on your way in to WDW? If you make a list before you leave home you shouldn't go overboard with groceries that much. I've even taken coupons.

Unless your not renting a car, this would be my option.

 

[mikek]

i check boxes all the time for work- but like tink2dw points out they are subject to the same rules as any luggage like:
bags per person
weight
size (I think the size is computed by girth times height)
Proberly sealed
etc.
IN general you can bring as many bags as you want but they will charge you for the extra's over their limits (and asuming the plane isnt at its weight limit- which usually is only relevant on the regional airlines). So if the rule is 3 bags total and you have four, they will let you check the extra but you need to pay. HAvent done it in a long while but years ago they wernet so expensive - it was cheaper to bring equipmetn home on a flight rather than pay ups- but that was before september and when the airlines werent so hungry for money- so calling is definately wise.

Also alot of the airlines say 3 bags total but not more than one carryone. Meaning you can check 3 or check 2 and carry one on. I've found the nice folks at the counter usually dont ask you if you also have a carry-on when you check 3. Plus dont forget you get the bag allotment for any paid seat- so if you have youngert kids without their own luggage, you can use their allotments for those boxes.

Having said all that- i'd just pack another suitcase since I cant tell you how many times i've had to run out to the walmart on vacation to buy a cheap duffle for my wife to pack up all the stuff she purchased on vacation

 

[wld]

We always pack some snacks as well. usually 3-4 boxes of granola bars, some cookies, crackers, m&m's. We use another suitcase as we always need the room for souveniers (that's spelled wrong) What I cut down on is clothing. The first time was crazy. Now I do laundry one afternoon and its usually some down time by the pool and/or nap time and it turns out not to be a problem.