Can I simply bubble wrap a cardboard box and check it on a US domestic flight?
I wish to take a computer monitor with me on vacation. I possess the original cardboard box and the Styrofoam. Unfortunately I do not have a suitcase with the same dimensions. I was hoping that I could simply bubble wrap the cardboard box as if I was planning on throwing it over a cliff and then checking it.
Am I
- able to do something this odd on a US domestic flight? I.e., will the airlines permit it?
- able to actually protect my monitor with reasonable assurance without a hard top suitcase surrounding the bubble wrap?
I noted this question where someone actually shipped a TV without any padding except for the Styrafoam successfully. Perhaps I'm not as brave and would like to bubble wrap it, but if the TSA needs to open it, surely they won't bubble wrap my package again.
Best Answer
While the shipping box is amply strong to keep the monitor from getting crushed, it is not as strong against punctures. And bubble wrap does not really address this aspect either.
When I have flown with monitors, I have filled the space inside the box with folded clothing or sheets of cardboard. This helps protect the monitor if the corner of a large hard side suitcase lands on top and such.
If the box has any carrying handles or holes, be sure to reinforce them with a bit of duct tape.
If you do decide to use bubble wrap, be sure to bring to extra tape with you to the airport, in case they make you unwrap it for inspection.
In general ramp rats will recognize the frangibility of a monitor box and treat it more gently than a hard sided suitcase.
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Can I pack a cardboard box as checked luggage?
The short and simple answer: YES. Nevertheless, just as with your other checked luggage, an airline's standard baggage fees and rules and restrictions will apply. You have to make sure that your cardboard box's size and weight are within the allowed restrictions for standard checked luggage.Can you fly with bubble wrap?
When it comes to packing fragile items: Always put your valuable, most fragile items in your carry-on! Keep them wrapped in soft materials and stuffed with things like socks, underwear, or bubble wrap. All items should be at least two inches apart from each other and five inches from the sides of your luggage.How do you pack a cardboard box for air travel?
Wrap the entire box with duct tape to reinforce it. Use tape to seal the "hand holes" on either side used for carrying the box. Run packing tape around all the edges to reinforce the box. Write "FRAGILE" on multiple sides of the box.Packing in Cardboard Box For International Air Travel | Packing in Carton Box For Flight Travel
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