Can I Check A Cardboard Box As Luggage?
Curious about cardboard boxes as checked luggage? You’re in the right place then! This guide will tell you if it’s possible to check a cardboard box, as well as everything else you need to know about using boxes as luggage.
Read on to see if you can check a cardboard box as luggage, but also to get some tips on traveling with unconventional luggage!
Can You Use a Cardboard Box as Checked Luggage?
Yes, you can check in a cardboard box as checked luggage. Just keep in mind that you have to comply with airline rules and regulations just like with any other piece of checked luggage.
The same rules apply as with normal luggage, which means that:
- Number of checked items: the number of checked items is only one or two depending on your route
- Weight Limits there are weight limits for each piece of checked luggage, usually 50 lbs
- Size Limits: size limits also apply, usually 62 inches linear (sum of all dimensions L x W x D)
- Excess Weight Charges: excess size or weight will likely incur extra fees
The airlines really don’t care what you’re carrying your things in, as long as you follow their rules. In fact, this is a common occurrence in Asia – students and ex-pats ship cardboard boxes across the country all the time, and airline personnel is used to handling them gently. But it’s not that common in the rest of the world.
Oversized or Overweight Luggage Fees
The exact restrictions and fees depend on the airline, but in most cases, the maximum size of checked luggage is 62” linear. This is usually a 27” x 21” x 14” suitcase, and bigger bags are often subject to oversized baggage fees. In addition to that, most airlines will accept luggage that weighs up to 50 lbs – anything heavier than that and you’ll also need to pay an overweight baggage fee.
On the other hand, this also means that you can check as big a box as you want, as long as you pay for it.