Ritequette

Hey guys,

I'm flying home in a couple days, and I'm wondering about the best way to carry a very fragile souvenir back. Thing is, it's in a box that won't fit in either my checked bag (which I wouldn't put it in anyway) or my carry-on (which is a laptop bag). I was thinking of either taking a plastic shopping bag or getting one of those "reusable/green" shopping bags and putting both my camera bag and the souvenir box in it. Would they let that pass at the airport? Or do you recommend I get a get a "legit" backpack or large purse of some kind?

(FYI, both the souvenir box and camera bag will fit under the seat; I'm concerned about the airline considering them as two separate "personal items" and not allowing them both, so I figured I'd find a way to stuff them in one bag. I was also considering just carrying the souvenir box, but I was afraid of it getting dropped. I thought it would be easier to carry inside another bag.)

Any ideas? Should I just cough up the money for a backpack or large purse (I figured that would be a waste because I'd never use it again)?

janisj

I'd put it in a bag of it's own or a handbag. But for future reference . . . when I buy fragile things I just have the merchant mail it to me. They have the expertise for packing and shipping and 99.99+% of the time it will arrive unscathed. I usually do this even when it is a very small item.

Ritequette

^ Well, I don't have the money for that option because I'm overseas. It would cost me A LOT to ship it.

But do you think the airline will let through a shopping bag? Or should I go out and buy another cheap purse/backpack style bag?

simpsonc510

I have carried shopping bags on the plane before. Put your camera and the fragile item in ONE shopping bag, and that will account for ONE of your two items for carry on.

Ritequette

^ Thanks. I was just double checking on that. I was afraid they wouldn't like shopping bags, but seeing as I have so many accumulated and actual bags cost money, I thought it would be a waste not to use at least one of them for something useful.

janisj

"<i>Well, I don't have the money for that option because I'm overseas. It would cost me A LOT to ship it. </i>"

I was talking about overseas mainly. And even more so -- because in Europe for instance, the merchant will take the very high VAT off the top and that usually pays for the shipping costs, unless it is a large/heavy item.

But what airline/route are you flying? That can make a difference re carry-on limitations..

suze

<But do you think the airline will let through a shopping bag?>

Sure, I do it all the time. My carry-on for the flight home is almost *always* a large shopping bag (the kind like from a department store with handles). It's never once been questioned.

Ritequette

^ Sounds good. That makes my job much easier. Thanks for the info. =)

mowmow

A shopping bag will be fine. They'll think you bought something in the airport. As long as one of your carryons will go under the seat you should be OK.

Or you could get an inexpensive purse or backpack looking thing to be your "personal item".

Underhill

Be sure to pack some bubble wrap and a pair of scissors, plus a roll of Scotch tape. We never leave home without them.

ileen

I always buy beautiful fragile souvenirs in various countries where I travel. And have experienced that a sturdy shopping bag is actually a best way to carry the stuff as the item will be with you and you can keep it safely in the overhead compartment or if possible under the seat. Actually I often request and have received 2 shopping bags--put one inside the other to make it stronger as I always have to change planes at least 3 times.

Although most high end stores provide you with good shopping bags, I have found that sometimes the quality or size are not right for long-distance travel, so I have often asked the front desk of large hotels and have received really good bags, free of charge too.

I am amazed to see how well I have carried gorgeous vases from Japan and China in this manner.

If you request the store owners will provide bubble wrap also, but you must ask. Once I had to use sign language to tell that I am taking a plane and carrying this package, so wrap it up in good material.

Have never had problems, so enjoy the shopping and traveling.

LSky

I always pack my rubber shower shoes and duct tape or big rubber bands just for this scenerio.