[Oregonkiwi]

hi everyone,
I've got a bunch of plastic storage totes (big sturdy plastic box with snap-on lid) and am thinking about using one as checked baggage (assuming it meets AirNZ's size/weight limits of course). I'm pretty sure it's possible as I've seen all sorts of coolers and things in the check-in queue, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. Has anyone done this?
Avril

[Milliemoo]

Hi there,

I haven't done it, but so long as the boxes are within the dimenions that the airline allows, and within weight, I can't see it being a problem.

You might want to consider the security of the items that will be in the box. If it's just a clasp lid, then I guess anyone could open it. I'm not sure what the rules are these days with being able to secure your luggage (using locks etc) when travelling from/via the US.

Also, just how sturdy are they? I have storage boxes similar to what your describing and although they appear quite sturdy, I don't think they'd last 5 mins in the hands of baggage control.

Milliemoo :nice1

[katandbob]

Hey when I went to pick up the boys and I was waiting at Invercargill Airport for their cases...guess what went past on the conveyor belt..........................

A KITCHEN SINK!... :laugh No word of a lie, and there was a Bike in a cardboard box (bet that was oversize luggage) and when we were at Auckland when we arrived their was an asian family with a trolley full of Cardboard boxes... so I guess as long as they are secured properly it should be ok, ring the airline for advise. ;)

kat

[Rose]

Yeah, I have flown with a banana box - call me glamorous! - and everything arrived just fine. But double check with the airline.

[Oregonkiwi]

Thanks everyone. That's a good point about breakage, I guess a regular cardboard box would be better if we run out of "proper" luggage - I'll see how it goes when it comes time to pack. :)

[jiyosub]

I've moved a few times from the U.S. overseas. I recommend taking everything you don't need for a few months and ship surface via the post office. It takes about 1-2 months to arrive, but way easier to deal with and cheaper than putting it on a plane. I ship my off season clothes, pictures, etc.

Also, there is something in the post office called an "M" bag. You can ship books using it very very cheap. You can just fill this bag up and I think it is something like 1/2 the price of surface mail.

Hope that helps.

[Oregonkiwi]

... ship surface via the post office.

Yes, definitely. We mailed box #12 :o this week. The boxes are taking 6 weeks to get from US West Coast to Auckland. But we also want to get as much as possible on the plane in our free baggage allowance.