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Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

MamaShep
Explorer C

I’m taking my kid to college. We have dorm items that won’t fit in traditional luggage. Can I pack them in a cardboard box (taped shut) and check that as one of my pieces of baggage? 

8 REPLIES 8

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

Yes, just be aware the same size and weight rules apply. You will most likely also be asked to sign a damage waiver. Tape it thoroughly. 

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

tappingmom1
Frequent Flyer B
Solution

I did this when we moved my daughter from Washington state to NYC for college.   We used our two free checked bags as boxes...for a total of four boxes.  We each carried a small carry-on for our clothes/toiletries and her computer. 

 

We used U-Haul Large boxes that measured 18" x 18" x 24".  You are allowed 62 linear inches...we were at 60".  You MUST keep each box below 50 pounds or you will be charged $75.00.  Use your bathroom scale and aim for 47 pounds to be on the safe side.

 

Be sure to package the inner contents well with bubble wrap and air bladder bags.  You want to fill all of the spaces so the box doesn't cave in during handling.  We were creative as we balanced the loads and maintained structural integrity between the boxes.  It took several re-arrangements.  Since you don't know how the boxes will be loaded, be sure nothing inside can be damaged if the box is upside down or sideways.

 

This is important:  Use good quality packing tape.  A lot of it!   Tape all edges and double-tape all corners.  Then, run the tape **twice** 1/3 from the top and 1/3 from the bottom all away around the box to hold in any settling that might cause bulging.  This prevents the box from splitting.

 

Label inside and out and be sure the baggage label is correct for your destination.  In big numbers, I labeled the boxes 1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, 4 of 4 thinking it might help the baggage handlers in loading if they knew four boxes of the same size were being loaded.  Who knows?

 

We packed everything from linens, pillows, towels, clothing, shoes, shower caddy, over-the-door hooks, a small nightstand, a desk lamp and nightstand lamp, decor, snacks, toiletries, school supplies, cleaning supplies...everything she needed.  We had very little to purchase (NYC is expensive and college items get picked over quickly!) once we arrived.

 

Also, consider how you will transfer your boxes to the college.  The boxes I used were too big and bulky for a regular cab or car rental.  Even one box would have been a tight fit in a cab trunk.  I used a shuttle service and requested a van for pick-up.  Everything worked perfectly!!

 

Good luck and happy traveling.  These are exciting days for you and your kiddo!!

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

MamaShep
Explorer C

Thank you for all the great advice. I just shipped a couple of boxes to the dorm amd we’ll plan on taking the rest in boxes on the plane. Glad to hear I don’t have to buy so much luggage. 😊. Thanks again!!

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

BoudlerDad
Explorer C

Hi there!

 

Can you tell me which van service you used from the airport to your child's NYC school?  I'm running in circles a bit.

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

BoulderDad

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

dfwskier
Aviator A

@BoudlerDad wrote:

Hi there!

 

Can you tell me which van service you used from the airport to your child's NYC school?  I'm running in circles a bit.

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

BoulderDad


It's not likely that you will get a response here since you posted your question in a thread about carboards boxes as luggage.

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

@BoudlerDad wrote:

Hi there!

 

Can you tell me which van service you used from the airport to your child's NYC school?  I'm running in circles a bit.

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

BoulderDad


@tappingmom1 

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

tappingmom1
Frequent Flyer B

@BoudlerDad 

I always used (and still use) Carmel Car and Limo Service in NYC.  They have large sedans, minivans, SUVs, and even large vans and Sprinters (but the price rises considerably when using those).  

 

They were always on time, polite, and performed their services exactly as needed.

 

Enjoy moving your kiddo to college in NY.  It truly is an exciting time for both of you!

 

~tappingmom

Re: Can is check a packed cardboard box as one of my pieces of luggage?

BoudlerDad
Explorer C

Thanks so much for the advice!!