<p>As far as locks go, I had one bag ripped open last summer when I used a TSA lock. (Chicago) I will never do THAT again! I go to the hardware store and buy plastic cables for pipes that can serve as a lock of sorts on each bag. TSA can easily cut them if they want to check inside my bags and I know if someone has been nosing around or not. I put a small pair of scissors or nail clippers right inside one of the zippered pouches on the outside of my bag so I can snip the locks when I get to where I am going if I am not at home.</p>
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<p>Actually they were doing you somewhat of a favor - 50lbs is the wt limit and you could have been charged for the extra poundage - so they saved you some $$ :D</p>
<p>I also think it really depends on the airport you are dealing with as well - like big major ones seem to have differences - like Boston/New York/Chicago… etc vs Greenville/Charleston/Timbucktoo.</p>
<p>Thought I would report back. We flew Southwest from BWI and did the curb side check in. Checking 7 bags and the taped up box they just tagged everything, did not weigh them (but we had at home). For the box we had to sign a waiver and that was it. It went through unopened. I had tape with me just in case but they said not to worry. </p>
<p>All went well until the trip home. We nested the returning empty suitcases and one nested set of three has gone astray. Of course that was the one that had DH’s stuff in the smallest interior bag :(</p>
<p>For those who may want more protection from damage for your box or suitcase being checked, I’ve been successful using shrinkwrap (like they use in warehouses or for moving). You can buy it a U-Haul for under $10 for more than you’ll ever use in a year. I bought a 8" wide roll (with handle) and carried it in my carry-on (although one screener was wondering if it could be considered a club?). </p>
<p>As good as a lock for telling if someone tampered with your bag.</p>
<p>Also keeps the bag waterproof. I’ve watched baggage on those carts waiting to be loaded on planes getting soaked in a rainstorm.</p>
<p>My D was recently told to take some stuff out of her duffel to avoid overweight charges as she was flying out to college. She packs her clothes in those plastic bags that you can squeeze all the air out of. She just took one of those bags out and I took it home. Will mail it to her later. </p>
<p>When she is flying home FROM college, the airline people have been very generous with weight overages. They can see that there is no mom there to bail her out…</p>
<p>I was charged $25 for the overweight. I paid the fee, as I had no one to “bring it home”. I wonder, ellenhope, how much it will be ship it?</p>
<p>The shrink wrap is at U-haul? You can then just put it on yourself?</p>
<p>The best way I know of to check overweight luggage without the fee is to do it at the curbside checkin… with a $10 bill in your hand. Those guys live for their tips.</p>
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<p>I find it easier to wrap other people up (just kidding!) than wrapping myself up. LOL</p>
<p>Yes, you can shrinkwrap your own luggage. It works well if the airport you are checking at allows you to watch if TSA goes through your stuff, so you can re-wrap it to keep the Samsonite Gorillas (anyone remember that commercial?) at bay.</p>
<p>Yes, it is available at U-Haul.</p>
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<p>I hope not a lot. There is a UPS store that we use to ship things to her which will give us price quotes for all the ground shippers, even those that aren’t UPS.</p>
<p>Actually, the agent at the counter did not give us the option of paying $$$ as an overweight fee…</p>
<p>D paid an overweight fee once–it was $80! She was flying on a free ticket–I’m guessing that the airlines don’t have any mercy with you when you’re flying free. Still cheaper than a ticket–but I do wish she would just leave more of her stuff at college!</p>
<p>Hah, hah! I’m a bit tired. I am thinking of shrink wrapping my mom’s walker and wheelchair. Anyone sent such items as luggage?</p>
<p>I just got back from a big trip, and I noticed all these people with their shrink-wrapped luggage-- the first time I’ve witnessed that. I had no idea what was up. So now I know.</p>
<p>I’m sure this doesn’t help for people flying off to college, but I’ve had my checked luggage “lost” so many times, that I never check luggage anymore. I pack very economically now. What I can’t pack, I’ll just buy when I get there-- wherever I’m going. I’m done with “lost” luggage and the airlines. And it’s so wonderful to be able to walk off that plane with what you have in your hands-- no waiting around at the baggage claim. Works for me.</p>
<p>Just shrink wrap mom in the chair…</p>
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<p>Glad the airlines didn’t lose your sense of humor.</p>
<p>If your mom is flying, here wheelchair should be allowed onboard free (and perhaps the walker too) by federal regulation. Check with the airlines for details. I know there are things that have to be done (disconnect and possibly remove batteries).</p>
<p>I am a wreck. hah! hah! Getting things ready to bring my mom to live with me. Actually my college age son is bringing her before he starts classes. He’s on a trimester. He’s also a dear! The funniest thing is that I ordered special Depends for Mum sent to the dorm (he has spent summer at college) so he could bring them along when he goes and fetches her. This is one to remember!</p>
<p>No curb check-in at our airport but the check-in trainee let both boys take 64kg–18kg over their economy seat allowance. That has happened before. The boys check themselves in and the agents don’t see that many kids going overseas for university and they usually make allowances.</p>
<p>Saved me a bundle!</p>
<p>My sons have had more stuff ($$$/Clothes/Supposedly Shared Furniture) stolen by their upper class roommates than the TSA employees.</p>
<p>Down here at Miami Int’l Airport, they have stands throughout the concourses that will shrinkwrap your suitcase for you before you check it in. They charge an arm and a leg but I guess it’s cheaper than having the contents of your luggage ripped off by the baggage handlers at MIA…</p>
<p>If you shrinkwrap your luggage, what happens when security needs to open it? I would assume they don’t wrap it back for you. My family has had some piece of luggage opened on almost every flight one of us has taken; I can’t imagine they don’t open a piece just because it is wrapped.</p>
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<p>Finally got around to shipping the stuff taken out of D’s duffel. 12 Pounds, sent UPS ground, from CA to MA–cost $18.13. Taken into UPS on afternoon of Sept 5; expected delivery date Sep 11th.</p>
<p>Well, I didn’t get so overcharged, & I didn’t have to deal with wrapping and sending. Plus, your D will probably pick up the package in a timely manner. I sent cookies with bread on top, and never heard if they tasty or stale.</p>