Check in Baggage Questions

[billbill]

This will be the first time I check bags in instead of just bringing a carry on. I'm curious ... can i put liquids in my carry on baggage like shampoo or gels?. Is it difficult to find your bags and how long does it take to get your bags at the BKK airport? What kind of  problems has anyone run into when checking their bags in? Sounds silly to have all these questions but I have never checked bags in before anywhere. Im flying American Airlines to Chicago and then with Etihad to Abu Dhabi and Etihad to BKK..

[RockyMtnJay]

Yes you can put shampoo and gels in your checked baggage. Although I usually buy my shampoo at a 7-11 or Family Mart. Like any airport there will be a board with a list or flights and which baggage carousel that flight is using. It can take 15-30 minutes for baggage to come out. Depending on how long your wait is at immigration your bags could be there before you get to the carousel. But usually I make it before my bags unless immigration is really backed up.  

[Gone with the wind]

The (only) advantage with checked bags for me is purchasing some bottles of Samsong from 7/11 to take home.

[LASportsNut]

Yes, I always check luggage so I can bring most anything from my home to save money and time shopping on holiday.  I usually bring the following (I am serious):  

• liquids 
• gels 
• lubrication
• condoms
• rope
• handcuffs (plus key, very important)
• vibrators
• blindfolds
• dildos
• anal beads
• batteries

I only use carry on for sound canceling headphones, laptop, and currency (last time I had over the limit but they never asked or checked.  They only asked when I entered the USA.  By then it was spent or deposited).

[geezerrb]

Yes you can it is so easy to find out the current regulations, e.g nothing over 100ml all to be presented in a see through bag etc etc do some online research. I often wonder if there is a cunning plan to kill this forum before "tourism " takes it over.

Sir Tony Robinson.

[billbill]

Yes you can it is so easy to find out the current regulations, e.g nothing over 100ml all to be presented in a see through bag etc etc do some online research. I often wonder if there is a cunning plan to kill this forum before "tourism " takes it over.

Sir Tony Robinson.

Thanks for your fine contribution to my question. 

[RockyMtnJay]

.

[Luv2Phuket]

This will be the first time I check bags in instead of just bringing a carry on. I'm curious ... can i put liquids in my carry on baggage like shampoo or gels?. Is it difficult to find your bags and how long does it take to get your bags at the BKK airport? What kind of  problems has anyone run into when checking their bags in? Sounds silly to have all these questions but I have never checked bags in before anywhere. Im flying American Airlines to Chicago and then with Etihad to Abu Dhabi and Etihad to BKK..

 

Did you mean checked bag or carry on?

 

Carry on is subject to the "3-1-1 rule" -- each container must be 3.4 oz or less, they must all be in a 1 quart plastic bag and each passenger gets 1 bag.

 

No limit to what you put in your checked bag, although be careful it doesn't spill all over your clothes.

 

I recently read this blog post --  http://sosickwithit.com/2013/06/06/take-alcohol-to-drink-on-your-flight/#  -- where the writer suggests filling your 1 quart bag with a variety of mini liquor bottles!  He claims the TSA agent just smiled and said "I like your liquid bag."  If you're not getting free drinks in the lounge and on the plane, this may be a something to consider.  

 

 

 

For what it's worth, I very rarely drink any kind of alcohol, so I won't be doing it.  Plus, I am usually in business class (free drinks) with lounge access (more free drinks)....DAMN!  I wish I DID drink!

[marko456]

Ask to get it checked through to BKK.

[peeter]

Why carry all that shit ,you can buy everything here,very cheap

[GorGuy RIP]

You can put liquids in your check in baggage.

 

I always put mine in a zip lock bag though - just in case they leak.

[Capna]

I travel a lot and I always put my (non-bodily) fluids in my checked luggage.  Most of my fluids are thick and creamy -- like shampoo, wash gel, etc, they don't need to be in a sealed bag, a plastic grocery bag tied at the top is enough to contain gel leaks, inside another bag to protect it.  Bring a few extra grocery bags in case of a leak on your way out -- so you have a clean one to work with later.  I've never had mouthwash bottle leak.  One warning -- DO NOT travel with watery cologne-type after-shave like Aqua Velva.  The caps on those break easily and even a ziplock won't contain it.  Use a cream-type aftershave like L'Oréal Men's Expert or Nivea post-shave balm (keep the bottle in the box for additional protection), in the unlikely event those leak, the leak won't go beyond the inner plastic bag.

[momo5]

The last bag I checked into a flight was eight years ago and it arrived three days after I did and I spent nearly three hours at the airport to find out - and this was in Australia. I fly 70-100k butt- in-seat miles every year and NEVER check a bag. If it doesn't fit in my carryon or shoulder bag then it doesn't go.

 

The only reason I could think of to check in a bag would be to bring home bottles of wine or some other larger amount of liquid. When I do buy wine, I find it easier to ship home as I usually purchase by the case.

 

I think the odds of delayed or lost luggage are much greater when switching airlines enroute as OP plans to do - and American Airlines? How diligent and careful do you expect the union bag handlers to be in a bankrupt airline?

 

If you do check a bag, pack your essentials and a couple changes of clothes in your carryon. This way here you can push ahead without your checked in bag and not let airline screw-ups ruin your vacation. Hiring someone to hand wash your clothes in Thailand is dirt cheap.

[fasteddie]

Wine can be expensive in Thailand, so I have checked a box with a couple of bottles every time I go. But be warned, pack them with care because the baggage handlers are not particularly careful how far they toss your stuff onto the carts. Sometimes they miss entirely.

 

Here is a link to a true story..... (not about wine, but a guitar)

[Daddee]

I had 2 bic lighters in my checked bag on my return from trip 2.  while transferring at Narita, I was called aside and they had my checked bag there...  had to open it up and give them the lighters.

 

had no idea I could not have a bic lighter in my checked luggage...  just fyi, you cannot if flying to USA on United from BKK to SFO...

 

[andygoona]

Buy a box of wine ( 4 bottles inside) at duty free and carry on to plane in the carrier bag supplied . Easy !