Shipping Tips?

Are there dimension limits on the boxes? I'm planning on bringing excess baggage with me but am not sure how to pack the things I want. One thing I'm brining is my CPU for which I have the original packing and box. But, I have other stuff like linens and kitchenware that I will want right away. Do I pack them in suitcases or will cardboard boxes be okay? Thanks for any info.

For size, the industry standard is in the range of L+W+H = < 62 inches each.  (Although, I've never seen a ticket agent whip out a tape measure.)  Your airline should be able to tell you over the phone, or their website may even have the information.

For anyone bringing boxes, I found the following to be really helpful:  I tied twine around each of the boxes and made a big knotted bow at the top.  I think it re-enforces the "keep upright" arrows, and it makes the boxes easier to handle, so that they don't get the old heave-ho out of the plane.  However, if your boxes are really heavy, you should reinforce the edges of the cardboard that come into contact with the twine, otherwise you may end up having the twine cut through the boxes a bit.

Here is what I moved over with...

I flew American Air.
They said I could not curbside check with skycaps since it was an international flight.
Which meant I had to enlist my sister's help to walk me to the counter to check in with all my bags.


I had two pieces of checked luggage (50lb free allowance) that weighed the maximum 70lbs at $25 each then once excess box (68lbs) at $110 since it was again an international destination. I was told it didn't matter that it was over 50lbs as long as it was under 70.

$160 excess luggage charge later, I was quite a sight headed to my gate with a sweater around my waist, one on my body, a carry on sized bag which easily weighed 30lbs and a garment bag with a 8 jackets and coats. I was so worried someone would question my carry one and therefore make me pay another $110 in excess to check it. All was good though!

The box I flew with contained a scanner and a printer and some books and random things. I just bought a box from U-Haul according to the dimensions I needed for the boxes (large). It was a managable size too.

Oh, and just a reminder... something I didn't think of until I was at the ticket counter. When you do arrive at your destination, remember to have transportation that will accomodate your luggage, Fortunately, a sedan picked me up and it was perfect.

The transportation once you get there is key. I'll be arriving with 5 people, 5 suitcases, 8 boxes, 2 pairs of skis, a bike, 5 carry on bags/backpacks and a partridge in a pear tree . . .Hence, we will have a van and a car waiting for us!

exactly the point mwrkgreen!! it's those small details we often over look last minute. I had all kinds of alternate arrangements in mind the whole 10+  hour flight. hee hee, good to have the car ready for the family too! I almost had to do that when I moved into my new place... the station wagon that arrived barely fit all my newly aquired housewares, luggage plus me!

My uncle will be meeting us at the airport. I haven't seen him in person for 15 years. So my aunt tells me the last time I'm talking with her that she'll have him bring a sign. I, of course, said no need for a sign. We'll be the extremely stressed out family with three crabby kids, more boxes and bags imagineable and possibly two raging hangovers too boot, because after all it will have taken us to actually get on the plane, I am sure hubby and I will need many cocktails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

as I said, I flew American Air and to my surprise they charged for alcohol! I thought all international flights (save the dry airlines) offered free alcohol. I definitely could have used some!!

Oh yes, and of course don't forget what you check in you have to pick up and cart out the arrivals gate yourself (you should be fine with all the hands though!). My sis helped me to the counter in the US wheeling the two bags and I had a trolley with the box and carry on stuff but at Gatwick it was just me heaving that stuff on a much smaller trolley! Yep, but my ride knew exactly who I was once I left the arrivals gate!

That's for the advice, all. Jen, my recruiter and Borough business manager are meeting us and plan to have "several mini-buses" because we'll be such a large crowd. I haven't begun to decide what I'm brining with me, yet, but know that I will have excess baggage...just not sure how much. I'll let y'all know how things turn out.

as I said, I flew American Air and to my surprise they charged for alcohol! I thought all international flights (save the dry airlines) offered free alcohol. I definitely could have used some!!

I'm not a big drinker, but I do believe at that ppoint in our journey, any drink at any price will do just fine!