Flying with Fragile Items: How to Carry Glass on a Plane
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Flying to visit family soon and I need to bring a few delicate glass souvenirs as gifts. Any tips on how to carry glass items in flight safely? Worried about breakage!
It’s definitely possible to bring glass on a plane! The key is proper packing. Bubble wrap is your best friend.
Make sure you check with the airline first – some have restrictions on the size or type of glass items allowed in carry-on luggage.
I always put glass items in my carry-on luggage. I find it’s handled with more care than checked bags, reducing the risk of damage.
I remember one time I was in Milan and I was looking out the window at the airport staff loading the plane. They were throwing the luggage onto the conveyor belt from half a meter away. They even overthrew one and had to go to pick it up from the tarmac. 🙁 Hope the owner wasn’t carrying anything fragile. I doubt it survived.
Nestling your glass items in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes, adds extra cushioning. Consider using a hard-sided suitcase for even more protection. I have a trolley from French Bull I use to carry glass items. I’ve been using it for 5 years and so far nothing broke.
If you’re really worried, sometimes you can find special padded cases designed for fragile items. They’re a bit of an investment but worth it if you travel with glass often.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/HUIZHU-interior-padded-Zipper-Fragile/dp/B0CGRPGB8D
If you do use checked luggage, don’t forget to label it as “Fragile”! While it doesn’t guarantee special treatment, it might make baggage handlers a bit more cautious.
For extremely valuable or irreplaceable glass items, consider shipping them separately with insurance. It might cost a bit more but offers peace of mind.
I once wrapped a small glass figurine in several layers of socks – worked like a charm! Just make sure they’re clean socks… 😅
If you’re bringing empty glassware, filling them with tissue paper or even small items of clothing helps prevent them from collapsing inwards if something bumps them.
Anyone have experience flying with glass bottles containing liquids? I’ve got some artisanal olive oil I want to bring home.
For liquids, you’ll need to adhere to the TSA liquids rule (or equivalent in your country). That means bottles under 3.4oz (100ml) and placed in a clear quart-sized bag.
If your olive oil is in a glass bottle larger than that, it’ll have to go in your checked luggage. Make sure it’s wrapped exceptionally well! You don’t want to have to get olive oil out of your clothes.
Check if the airport you’re departing from has shops past security. Sometimes you can find similar products there and save yourself the hassle.
I always try to do my ‘bottle shopping’ in the airport duty free.
Don’t forget – even if you pack it perfectly, there’s always a slight risk. Be prepared for the possibility that your glass item might not make it.
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