Can you check a box as luggage: A guide to all you need to know

Are you sick of dragging huge baggage and negotiating busy airports? What if there was a different method to travel with your possessions that defied convention?

Consider checking a strong box as your luggage to avoid the usual limits of suitcase packing. In this hopefully eye-opening article, we investigate the interesting question: Can you check a box as luggage?

Join us as we investigate the practicality, obstacles, and possible rewards of this novel method of flying with checked baggage. Prepare to think outside the box and learn an entirely new approach to pack for your next journey.

1. Can You Check A Box As Luggage?

Yes! The procedure would also be the same as checking a usual suitcase. Airlines and airport crews won’t bat an eye seeing you checking them in (through other passengers may, but don’t mind them). You can even carry empty cardboard boxes as a carry-on, the TSA themselves stated. 

However, there are two main things you need to know. First, due to airlines’ checked luggage policies, you should take the size of your box into account. If you want to be safe, we recommend going for a box that measures 20 x 20 x 20 and is under 50 lbs in weight.

Second, a box does not offer the same level of protection as a suitcase. Thus, knowing how to pack breakable items in the box is crucial (we will discuss this in later sections). 

Keep in mind that your box can be opened and checked, if necessary, by the security personnel. For this, we have two recommendations for you. First, pack your box in a way that is easy to open and repack.

Sometimes, for security purposes, your box has to be opened. If it’s not properly closed, it would be your items which get the damages. Second, don’t put anything valuable, either financially or emotionally, inside the box. Consider putting it in a suitcase, in your carry-on, or in your personal item. 

Fun fact: Did you know about balikbayan boxes? The terms refer to the boxes full of gifts the Filipinos working around the world send to their family back home. It’s seen as a tradition and a way for Filipinos to connect with their loved ones at long distances.

Pieces and Weight Restrictions

These regulations frequently include restrictions on the number of luggage that can be checked per person. Most flights allow one or two checked baggage per passenger, however, verify with your airline since this may differ.

In addition to the number of bags allowed, airlines limit the weight of each checked bag.  The weight restriction varies by airline, although it is normally between 50 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kilograms).

Checked luggage typically has maximum linear dimensions (length + breadth + height) ranging about 62 inches (203 cm). Again, it's critical to double-check the particular size restrictions imposed by your preferred airline, as they might vary.

Using a box as checked luggage is more popular than you think. Photo by Krakenimages.com - stock.adobe.com

These aspects are crucial to follow since most airlines have strict regulations about size and weight. While oversized baggage might not be accepted, overweight ones require additional fees. For example, American Airlines charges from $100-$200 dollars for one bag, depending on its exact weight. Japan Airlines even charges up to $600 a piece.

Pros And Cons Of Using Cardboard Boxes As Checked Luggage

Here’s why you should consider packing in boxes:

• Save you money - dirt cheap and available everywhere
• Lighter and more spacious than your average suitcases - you can check more items than usual
• Easier to fit odd-shape items - scissors, some tape, and a skilful hands are all you need
• Stackable to save space - no handles and wheels to get in your way
• A good last-minute solution - easy to find and replace.

However, as we know, nothing is completely perfect. For all of its advantages, the boxes have their own share of problems:

• Less durable than suitcases - they can get damaged easily, especially from rain and other bags in transit
• Hard to transport - your back will hurt unless you have a baggage cart nearby
• Lack of security features - can be easily opened or tampered with.

What You Can’t Pack In Check Luggage

In the interest of passenger safety, airlines have a comprehensive list of prohibited items that cannot be carried in checked baggage. These items include:

• Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof
• Gasoline, Butane & Propane
• Chemicals Or Hazardous Substances
• Hair Styling Tools That Contain A Gas Cartridge And Are Butane-Fueled
• E-Cigarettes And Vapes
• Electronics With Lithium Batteries
• Engine-Powered Equipment With Residual Fuel
• Firearms Such As Hand Grenades Or Rocket Launchers
• Flammable Liquid, Gel, Or Aerosol Paint
• Lighters With Fuel (Unless Properly Stored In A Dot Approved Container), Lighter Fluid And Matches
• Live Specimens Such As Coral Or Fish
• More Than 2l Or 2kg Of Gels, Liquids Or Aerosols
• Poisons Like Pesticides And Cyanide And Radioactive Material
• Realistic Replicas Of Explosives And Incendiaries
• Sharp Objects Such As Knives, Razors Or Scissors
• Spray Bug Repellent, Spray Paint, Spray Starch, Cooking Spray and Self-defence Spray.

As a rule of thumb, anything that can ignite during the flight due to friction, such as lighter fluid or crackers, can’t be checked in. Likewise, anything that are dangerous such as chemicals or sharp objects, are a big no-no.

The above list isn’t extensive and covers only some of the most popular cases. If you are still unsure, check with the TSA’s information page and the airlines.

CabinZero tips: You should keep track of what you pack (via a checklist or pho