very large cardboard box taped up as a piece of "luggage"--is this allowed?

I think I remember people checking in boxes but I also know you're not allowed to have gift-wrapped boxes in your luggage.  So I wonder if it's ok to have a really big box that's taped up (with clear tape--not duct tape, which is definitely not allowed).

I moved over with a big fat cardboard box checked as excess luggage, and didn't have any trouble. This was with Delta...other airlines might have their own policies?

I just brought a medium size box thru as luggage on AA and they were happy with it and it was within the luggage weight limit as well. I had our address on 2 sides of the box as well.

Thanks darksquid and MeShell!  After I book my flight I will definitely call the airline and check their policy.

Mine will be excess luggage as well--under the weight limit but very long--about 138 inches long and 38 inches at it's tallest point (it's triangular shaped).

We just came back a week ago Monday and we had a limit of 2 pieces of luggage each and we used the box as a piece of luggage...so we had 4 items all together. 1 bag was 13lbs over weight and they charge me $25 for it.

I just spoke with someone at US Airways and she said 50 lbs is the weight max, which I already knew but 80 inches total (height + weight + length) for the size limit.  That can't be right--that would be very small...

I think the box you're describing would be considered oversize, so even if you've only got 1 other piece of luggage, they'll charge you a fee for it.

When I came to the UK last August for an extended visit I brought over a car air dam (basically a big attachment for the bumper) and it was as tall as me and I'm 5 foot 7. I flew with Alaska Airlines and Continental and they both considered it oversize and it cost a fortune to bring over (about $200 since I was flying 3 segments over 2 airlines and one international flight included). It still made the air dam cheaper than buying it in the UK, but it was funny showing up to the airport with a box as tall as me, but it only weighed 10 pounds.

I think the box you're describing would be considered oversize, so even if you've only got 1 other piece of luggage, they'll charge you a fee for it.

When I came to the UK last August for an extended visit I brought over a car air dam (basically a big attachment for the bumper) and it was as tall as me and I'm 5 foot 7. I flew with Alaska Airlines and Continental and they both considered it oversize and it cost a fortune to bring over (about $200 since I was flying 3 segments over 2 airlines and one international flight included). It still made the air dam cheaper than buying it in the UK, but it was funny showing up to the airport with a box as tall as me, but it only weighed 10 pounds.

I know it will be oversize of course--the thing is huge.  Plus I'll have two big suitcases as well (I'm trying to bring over as much as possible since I'm moving to the UK). 

I just wondered if it was permissable.  It seems it is. 

Liberty did yours cost $200 total or for each of the 3 pieces?  I'm guessing that was total.

If I can fly with this thing, even paying oversize fees for it--it will be a bargain compared to what it would cost to *ship* it to the UK!

I know it will be oversize of course--the thing is huge.  Plus I'll have two big suitcases as well (I'm trying to bring over as much as possible since I'm moving to the UK). 

I just wondered if it was permissable.  It seems it is. 

Liberty did yours cost $200 total or for each of the 3 pieces?  I'm guessing that was total.

If I can fly with this thing, even paying oversize fees for it--it will be a bargain compared to what it would cost to *ship* it to the UK!

It was $200 total. I had two other suitcases (my limit), so all I had to pay was the airlines fees for an extra/oversize piece of luggage.

Like you it would've cost me a fortune to ship this box. It was so light, but because of the length the USPS wouldn't ship it and UPS wanted over $400. So the extra fee for the airline was worth it.

Can it fit into an airline bicycle box?  Sometimes they will let that count as a piece of luggage or only charge a small amount for that?  If I were you, I'd contact the airline that you are flying and show them what you have and let them make the decision.  When we were moving back to the US from England a couple of months ago, we had a couple of extra suitcases and a full rubbermaid container.  In Birmingham, Continental charged us the excess and extra luggage fees.  But we were going to the US by way of Bonaire in the Carribbean (week of diving first).  When we left Bonaire, Continental didn't want to mess with extra charges and let it all go for free.  So it may even just depend on the employee and time of day as to what they charge.  Sometimes if you explain that you are moving, they will be a bit more lenient too.  We had a german exchange student come to stay with us for the school year a few years ago - and she had a lot of extra luggage and she explained what she was doing and they let it all go free.  So talk to the airlines.  good luck

My last trip home I flew back with 2 overweight bags and 1 overweight cardboard box (that my brother got clever w/ and drew all over it to make it look like a Samsonite suitcase. Luggage tag and all. )

BUT I will say, be prepared for anything at the check-in desk. I flew United/Lufthansa and I called 3 times just to be clear that it was ok as long as I paid the fees. I was flying near the holidays so I was worried about not enough space. Each time I called I gave them my flight numbers and my destination and each time I was told the same amount. I can't remember how much but something around $350.00. Based on the stuff I was taking back with me and the cost of shipping - it was totally worth it. Not to mention I've waited 6 months for boxes to arrive in Greece that were supposed to take 4-6 weeks. I arrived fully prepared to pay that amount at the check-in desk. The guy at the counter seemed thing he was going to charge me $980.00. I flat out refused, there was no way. I could buy a ticket for my mother to fly back to Greece w/ me for less than that. This man did not care ..nor could he explain the charges. His manager came out because he was the one losing his temper ..I managed to keep my head because it was just so over the top, there was no way. . the bags would stay. After 45 minutes w/ me on the 1-800 number for their customer service (to get the same quote I had gotten 3 times before..) and her on their internal customer service line -- she was told two different charges by two different ppl and was eventually hung up on because she was trying to get them to explain the charges. In the end she charged me what I was quoted before, had written down and was told again on their customer service line ...and what made total sense.

Anyways, sorry this is so long... Just wanted to let you know what happened to me. My mom was totally prepared to put the total on her credit card (not big on confrontation ) but it was just crazy talk to me.

Like someone said before -- I'm sure a lot of it has to do w/ your luck of the draw at the counter. This guy was miserable. My mom and I were watching as we were waiting in line and just knew we were going to get this guy. He was snapping at another poor woman about 'cutting' in line.

Good luck 

Wow, Helona.  I'm glad they let you go with the original fees quoted.

I used to travel back to Singapore every year with at least one large cardboard box full of goodies.  Also, if you have ever travelled to a third world country you will see that at least 1/3 of the luggage checked is cardboard boxes.  You must call up the airline you are travelling with and get from them the maximum size allowed and you should also be aware that anything over 50lbs(?) they will not take.  The weight restriction is due to the health and safety of the baggage handlers.

I think the limit is 100lbs/45 kilos (at least with United). Anything heavier than that they won't accept. ..and anything over 50lbs (up to 100lbs) they will charge you the overweight fee.

Good to note tho because I easily filled one of my bags to ~75lbs w/o much thought and room to spare. Of course when I tried to lift it .....

Okeydoke.  My 2 suitcases are probably just at 50lbs or under and my huge box is  most likely under as well,  it's just huge.