Anyone bring a carboy on an air flight?

[JSBacchanal]

This is a great forum. However, I searched a long time for old threads that could answer this question and couldn't find anything, so here goes:

My sister is flying out here from WA state soon and her dad has a 5 gallon carboy and a brewkettle for me. If she doesn't mind, could she carry-on this equipment? Or pack it extremely carefully and check it as baggage? Has anyone tried either method? The cost of shipping would be probably be the same as buying from the LHBS.

 

[linkstorinks]

as long as it fits in an overhead bin i would not see a problem with it so long as it is not filled. I have seen worse carry on luggage.

 

[brrman]

I think it may be larger than the allowed dimensions. But who knows. Call the airline and ask.

 

[pdizz]

depending on the airline they may charge $15-20 for the extra carry-on which is about what it would cost to get one shipped anyway. If you have to check it see if you can check it at the gate so it doesn't have to go through the regular baggage system. (I believe they give it back to you right when you land instead of picking it up at the carousel)

 

[lowlife]

Id be surprised if they didnt consider it a possible weapon. It surely is more of a weapon that a pair of toenail clippers and they take those.

 

[The Pol]

Neither will meet the carry on luggage requirements that we have. It has to be able to fit in an overhead or under the seat. It will have to be checked baggage, but it will probably shatter when it falls off the belt loader.

These would probably have to be designated as cargo and there will be an associated $$.

 

[Boondoggie]

sounds like a mission for a Better Bottle.

 

[The Pol]

Yah, I think it would be more economical to BUY these items locally. Airlines are not going to be very affordable when it comes to shipping these items, and they are definately not carry ons.

 

[the_bird]

The brewkettle might be worth trying to get, but the carboy? 50/50 chance it gets broken in transit, and 5 gallons is small for anything except using as a secondary anyway.

 

[The Pol]

You can call and check, but if that carboy breaks, that is your problem, not ours. The boil kettle, perhaps you can check that, but most airlines are charging for checked baggage, beware of "heavy" baggage charges as well. A "heavy" item will cost you more as checked as it takes more fuel to get it to you.

 

[the_bird]

If the airline's going to charge for extra baggage, it may be just as cheap to pack them both up in a box (the carboy wrapped as carfully as possible inside the brew kettle) and have them UPS'ed out to you. I'm pretty sure that when Boston sent me a Sanke keg, it was only like $15.

 

[JSBacchanal]

Thanks for all the helpful feedback, folks. I'll go with UPS.

Fermenting: Road Dog Ale
Growing: Cascade and Kent Goldings
Drinking: Apple Cider Vinegar