Hold baggage??

whaleywanderer · #1 02-09-2009, 11:00

Just wondering if anybody has any experience of taking parcels with them instead of actual luggage. My parcel is within the weight and size limitatations for hold baggage. I have spoken to Monarch and they confirm that I can just include it as a bag when booking online and pay the relevant price for the bag (£12.99).

My worry is when I get to check-in at the airport, they refuse it, or make me pay an unacceptable amount of excess, I have nothing in writing to prove what I have been told over the phone.

Sun Properties · #2 02-09-2009, 13:21

Taken parcels both ways and never had a problem (so long as dimensions reasonable and within weight) - I have always wrapped well and incorporated some type of handle so that baggage handlers have something to grab onto. Leaving Birmingham you often have to go to the oversize baggage reception so they can x-ray there and then and ask any questions re the contents - not sure if other UK airports adopt the same procedure. Watch people's faces at the carousel > nosey people are always intrigued what is in the box!

pollensa · #3 02-09-2009, 15:01

A few years ago we took out a digital safe in a box (they were much cheaper at Argos!) and had no problems.

eleanor · #4 02-09-2009, 15:02

We wanted to take a parcel once on Easyjet . Like you I had the same concerns. What I did was to purchase one of those large blue Ikea type bags and just placed inside there. We had no problem so may be worth thinking about rather than the worry before hand.
Agree with Sun though - you do see some rather strange things go around on the carousel sometimes.

Sparky · #5 02-09-2009, 15:31

I have to say the most unusual thing i have ever seen on a carousel in Palma airport was ................my luggage on the correct carousel as i walked into the baggage hall.

whaleywanderer · #6 03-09-2009, 09:59

Thanks all for your replies, which all seemed positive. Think I will wrap well and give it a try.

Eleanor - it's too big for an Ikea bag but I'm sure I can improvise. Any problems I'll post again.

lollipop · #7 03-09-2009, 10:23

Whaley, the mind boggles!!!!

whaleywanderer · #8 04-09-2009, 09:50

Just for those of you who are curious - I want to take a garden relaxer chair, surplus to requirements here in Uk but would be very handy over in PP. They are quite expensive to buy there and if I could get it there for the price of a suitcase on the plane it would be worth it.

Lollipop - Hope i've put your mind at rest.

eleanor · #9 04-09-2009, 10:39

Ahh .... I thought about that too!! I actually bought some in Wilkinsons sale £7.50 each - wonderful bargain!

so I will be really pleased to hear how you get on. You are so right - very expensive on the island. Good luck!!

pollensa · #10 04-09-2009, 12:20

Another option depending on its size & weight when boxed up is to post it. I use www.parcel2go.com to send out boxes of leaflets etc for about £30. You do need to find a recognised address that will receive it for you & you are able to track it. I think mine normally do via DHL.

whaleywanderer · #11 05-09-2009, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleanor

Ahh .... I thought about that too!! I actually bought some in Wilkinsons sale £7.50 each - wonderful bargain!

so I will be really pleased to hear how you get on. You are so right - very expensive on the island. Good luck!!

The words 'guinea pig' sound familiar.

LOL

whaleywanderer · #12 05-09-2009, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by pollensa

Another option depending on its size & weight when boxed up is to post it. I use www.parcel2go.com to send out boxes of leaflets etc for about £30. You do need to find a recognised address that will receive it for you & you are able to track it. I think mine normally do via DHL.

Thanks Pollensa, very handy to know.

eleanor · #13 05-09-2009, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by whaleywanderer

The words 'guinea pig' sound familiar.

LOL

'Guinea pigs make wonderful companions. These docile members of the rodent family rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favourite humans enter the room.....'

Sorry Whaley ......I'm afraid I do bite and as for squeaking...........lol

eleanor · #14 05-09-2009, 12:00

I was discussing with a friend the news of Ryanair allowing at great cost the option of allowing 2 suitcases with a combined 30kg weight from, I believe this autumn. She told me that Royal Mail do a good service which can be tracked for a much cheaper price than the likes of DHL etc. It seems that items are insured up to £500 using this service too.
If I find out any more info on this I will let you know for future reference. May be another option.