Airline friendly plastic containers?

[Sundial]

So last year I noticed some people used plastic containers with lids for moving and storing their stuff on-playa. I think that's a great idea! I have this plastic foot locker at home. It measures 65 linear inches. The bag size limit on most airlines is 62 linear inches. Based on your experiences, do you think they're going to give me shit about or even notice that extra three linear inches? Also, do you have any other recommendations for airline-friendly plastic storage containers that are rectangular and just under the size limit? Bear in mind I'm in Canada.

[BoyScoutGirl]

People have mentioned packing taped-up coolers, but you're going to lose a few inches in all dimensions to insulation. Bonus points for big plastic wheels and a pulling handle.

I travel internationally somewhat frequently and have never witnessed any measuring of hold luggage beyond counting # of pieces and weighing. It helps if you come during the busiest time, when there are a million folks in line. Act meticulously and deliberately and a little bit slow and they'll just want to wave you through - it's human nature.

I find it very hard to imagine 3 linear inches making the difference, but then I haven't flown many Canadian airlines. Also, I wouldn't want 3 inches to make or break the beginning of my journey to the burn.

[Sundial]

I find it very hard to imagine 3 linear inches making the difference, but then I haven't flown many Canadian airlines. Also, I wouldn't want 3 inches to make or break the beginning of my journey to the burn.

I'm not too worried about Canada. Its America that spooks me.

[trilobyte]

It's not either Canada or the United States, it's that you're crossing international borders.

You're probably going to find that "airline friendly" and "plastic storage containers" are mutually exclusive.

Call the airline and ask them about your oversized container (and oversized luggage in general). Best to know both the limits and fees, so you can make an informed decision.

[Captain Goddammit]

I've seen "size checker" tables with bookend-like sides on them before but I don't remember where.
I think I'd go letter-of-the-law and not risk messing up your playa arrival with screwy delays.

[VultureChow]

I have never had a problem with it on several of my oversized bags or odd parcels. Because the linear inches measurement requires a calculation and three separate measurement, I've never seen anyone break out a tape measure on anything in the right range.

On most airlines, the worst that can happen is they make you pay an oversized bag fee when you get there. Pay the fee for the one checked bag online (if there is one) and just go. You'll probably be fine.

[trilobyte]

To me, a plastic container of any size is going to be hard-pressed to be airline friendly. Anything that gets checked or stowed and otherwise handled by others is going to get banged around, and in those cases plastic doesn't always fare well (it cracks or in some cases even shatters). As for stuff that goes into overhead bins, soft-side is ideal because sometimes the bin's not tall enough, or the space it's going into isn't wide enough, or even if you're the first one on board someone will invariably be cramming something in with quite a bit of force.

I agree with VultureChow in that I wouldn't worry about a tiny bit over if it's a soft-sided bag, but if it's a rigid box it may be more prone to scrutiny (especially if it's also heavy).

[Sundial]

To me, a plastic container of any size is going to be hard-pressed to be airline friendly. Anything that gets checked or stowed and otherwise handled by others is going to get banged around, and in those cases plastic doesn't always fare well (it cracks or in some cases even shatters). As for stuff that goes into overhead bins, soft-side is ideal because sometimes the bin's not tall enough, or the space it's going into isn't wide enough, or even if you're the first one on board someone will invariably be cramming something in with quite a bit of force.

I agree with VultureChow in that I wouldn't worry about a tiny bit over if it's a soft-sided bag, but if it's a rigid box it may be more prone to scrutiny (especially if it's also heavy).

Yeah, you may be right. It might be better to get soft sided suitcases that are near the dimensional limits so they don't get damaged or scrutinized too much. They'll serve the same function as the containers (minimizing dust and making things accessible). For past burns I've used a hiking backpack for non-textile stuff, but that doesn't really make sense for drive-in camping and makes it a pain to access stuff. Yay hindsight.

[VultureChow]

It depends on the container. OP described it as a footlocker, so I'm picturing something like a military surplus plastic footlocker.

I wouldn't use one of those fragile translucent Sterlite boxes, but these:


are tough as nails and hold up to people walking on top of them in a container.

[Sundial]

It depends on the container. OP described it as a footlocker, so I'm picturing something like a military surplus plastic footlocker.

I wouldn't use one of those fragile translucent Sterlite boxes, but these:


are tough as nails and hold up to people walking on top of them in a container.

Ooo. That could be useful. What's the measurements on that thing?

[VultureChow]

Assembled Depth (in.) 28.675 in Assembled Height (in.) 15.5 in
Assembled Width (in.) 19.675 in

So 63.85 linear inches. That would probably be fine. Though they are deep. Is this for storage of clothes that would be kept inside a tent or for storage of items outside? Because if it is inside, then I recommend just using a big ass wheeled upright. They have a larger surface area, so it makes it easier to find clothes and items.

[VultureChow]

Also, scrutiny shouldn't be a concern. Bins get flown all the time.

And it stay shut with a couple of cable ties through the lid.

[Sundial]

Also, scrutiny shouldn't be a concern. Bins get flown all the time.

And it stay shut with a couple of cable ties through the lid.

What happens if they cut it open though to have a look? Would they take the time to re-secure the lid with their own ties or tape or something? Wouldn't want that thing spilling its guts later because it landed funny.

[Eric]

As a user of the plastic containers, I have to go with Trilo - I wouldn't trust them to last through airport handling. Plus, they don't seal particularly well, and if you tape them shut ... well, lets just say you'll be screwed when Homeland Stupidity cuts the tape to check out 'something', and then just tosses the container on the plane without making sure it's securely closed after. It could be a nightmare scenario. I would go with duffel bags.

[Sundial]

As a user of the plastic containers, I have to go with Trilo - I wouldn't trust them to last through airport handling. Plus, they don't seal particularly well, and if you tape them shut ... well, lets just say you'll be screwed when Homeland Stupidity cuts the tape to check out 'something', and then just tosses the container on the plane without making sure it's securely closed after. It could be a nightmare scenario. I would go with duffel bags.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. You might be totally fucked if they cut it open and don't re-secure the lid.

[VultureChow]

Also, scrutiny shouldn't be a concern. Bins get flown all the time.

And it stay shut with a couple of cable ties through the lid.

What happens if they cut it open though to have a look? Would they take the time to re-secure the lid with their own ties or tape or something? Wouldn't want that thing spilling its guts later because it landed funny.

They have their nifty TSA tape here in the US that they LOVE to slap on everything.

Or you could slip a few cable ties in a baggie on top for the to use if they open it. That seems very Canadian.

Last year I traveled with a mountain lion wrapped in scarves, then wrapped in aluminet, then wrapped in trash bags and secured with duct tape. They cut in and then patched the whole thing up with TSA tape. In their defense, it DID look like a dead body.

They won't give it any super special care, but the VAST majority of bags and luggage get from Point A to Point B with little hassle.

[Sundial]

Last year I traveled with a mountain lion wrapped in scarves, then wrapped in aluminet, then wrapped in trash bags and secured with duct tape. They cut in and then patched the whole thing up with TSA tape. In their defense, it DID look like a dead body.

[citation needed]

[VultureChow]

Well he looked like this unwrapped:

I called up the airline the week before to make sure that oddly shaped and wrapped packages were okay to go. I told them it was a piece of sculpture and while I got a few looks, there were really no hiccups.

[Sundial]

Well he looked like this unwrapped:

...well shit.

[Savannah]

I never fly for the Burn, but if I were going to, I'd make sure to find out what the penalty was for an oversized item. Would I be denied transport altogether, or just pay extra (and how much)? And then be ready for the worst-case scenario. But I would prefer to bust my ass to have the properly sized containers in the first place . . . and yeah, not totes. Discount department stores like Ross have wheeled suitcases for $30 and up; those are great for many things and you can often bargain the price down with the manager if there is slight cosmetic damage, which there often is at a discount store.

I have traveled by train for the Burn, and have found that when they're in a hurry they are less likely to check measurements or weight, but it can be impossible to say whether you will get "lucky" in that regard. One year, the train station scale was 4 lbs different from my home scale, and there was a scramble to locate me a box to lighten the load.

[some seeing eye]

You might consider that the hold of airlines gets cold which can make plastic brittle at unload time. My observation is that baggage handlers consider it a sport to break luggage and contents. You could also consider shipping by standard carriers and counter pick up. Or if you are staying at the BDV hotel in Reno, incoming or out, they can probably handle. The shipping services are not trying to deliberately destroy the goods.

@VC, that is hilarious! I got many funny looks when a hand carried metal sculpture went through airport x-ray. They are so curious to know what the real thing looks like when they see an unfamiliar x-ray image.

[dragonpilot]

Dual-purpose: Use an ice chest/cooler. They're sturdy and will hold a fair amount of gear. Tape the hell out of it with shipping tape (not duct tape...adhesive melts in heat). When you get to the playa transfer the contents to a duffel bag and use the cooler for it's intended purpose.

Another option is to ship via UPS/FedEx. Check with the shipper, but I believe both of them are located right at the Reno airport...easy pickup. Of course, this option may exceed your budget, but an over-size baggage fee ain't exactly cheap.

[Jovankat]

I'd make sure to find out what the penalty was for an oversized item. Would I be denied transport altogether, or just pay extra (and how much)?

I've never heard of a flight inside or out of Australia where the airline wasn't more than happy to take your money, to the tune of $15,000 in one case. But I have heard that domestic US flights sometimes have weight restrictions so not all the bags make it onto the plane.

Actually that's something I'd be checking if I were flying into Reno, if you bag doesn't make the connection does the usual "we'll courier it to you when it gets in" apply to BRC. That could be super inconvenient.