Can I Take an Empty Suitcase On a Plane? 2024

So can i take an empty suitcase on a plane? And can you check in an empty suitcase?

Want to bring home a new fancy suitcase?, or just want to take an empty suitcase to your destinations, but you are not sure if an empty suitcase will be accepted on your airlines.

Don’t worry! With the right techniques and hacks, you will be able to transport your empty suitcase with any airlines and at any time.

You can bring an empty suitcase on any airline without any issues, as long as it falls within the airline’s baggage size limits. some airport security may have some questions, but if you just tell them the reason for having an empty suitcase you are good to go.

So one of the best tips to do before taking your empty suitcase and heading to the airport is to carefully review your airline luggage size regulations.

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Empty Suitcase On a Plane / image courtesy of Amazon

Can You Take An Empty Suitcase On a Plane?

Yes, just like any luggage, you can take an empty suitcase without any issues on most airlines.

Usually airlines admire light luggage, however you will need to adhere and read carefully your airline luggage terms and conditions, if the airline applies a piece policy you will need to know how many pieces you are allowed to take.

Most airlines will not deny taking your empty suitcase, airlines will take your suitcase as soon as it is within the allowed weight and size.

According to Marina Byrum, Travel Consultant, Independent Contractor from Quora.

“As far as I know, there is nothing illegal about your situation” Traveling with an empty suitcase and bringing it back full with staff”. Most certainly the airlines do not care if you do this. Just be sure your full suitcases weigh under 50 lbs in order to avoid excess baggage charges.”

Can You Travel With One Suitcase Inside Another?

Can I put a bag inside my carry-on bag?

Yes; you can travel With one suitcase inside another, just make sure your small suitcase fits properly inside the bigger one.

Airlines are familiar with passengers traveling with a suitcase inside another, as long as the weight and size limit are respected.

Can I Pack a Suitcase Inside Another Suitcase?

If your carry-on is within the allowed size on the airline you are traveling with, you can place your small bag inside it, but your carry-on must also be light enough to be left and placed without any help in the overhead bin of the airplane.

Airline will not require you to take out your bag except if they want to check it in the security line.

please make sure to read your airline carry on regulations before deciding to travel with your bag inside one another.

What Is The Weight Of An Empty Suitcase?

Empty suitcase weights differ from one to another, however the standard weight of checked luggage empty suitcase is 9 pounds (4.1kg) and 6.5 lbs / 2.94 kg for a carry-on case.

You won’t need to worry about the weight of your suitcase if you’re traveling with an empty case, but if you are returning back with some items, you will need to take into consideration the added weight, you can easily know by using a luggage scale weighing your bag at the airport.

How Do You Fill Empty Space In a Suitcase?

If your suitcase is small you can take it as carry on luggage and fill it with some of your personal items.

However, you don’t need to fill it with junk or paper or other items, if the airline will charge you for being overweight or if your checked baggage will be weighed in the airport.

Can I take an Empty Suitcase On a Plane – Thoughts

@spamallama asked the TSA if she can take an extra empty suitcase with her on a flight.

The TSA customer service confirmed that “You may pack a small suitcase inside a larger one and bring it through the security checkpoint. If you have questions about the size of carry-on bags allowed, please check with your air carrier for their specific policy.”

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Here is what Stackexchange members are saying about Traveling with empty suitcase:

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Empty Luggage Weight

Here are some of the popular suitcases and their total weight.

SuitcaseWeightDimensions
Samsonite Omni PC – checked luggage (Check the price on Amazon)10.35 lbs / 4.69 kg30.5″ x 21.5″ x 13.5″
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage – carry on (Check the price on Amazon)6.7 lbs / 3.03 kg23.0″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable – carry on (Check the price on Amazon)6.5 lbs/ 2.94 kg21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10.0″
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside – Checked luggage (Check the price on Amazon)8.7 lbs/ 3.94 kg31″ X 19.8″ X 12.6″
Amazon Basics Softside Carry-On Spinner Luggage – Carry on (Check the price on Amazon) 5.51 lbs / 2.49 kg 13.7 x 7.8 x 17.32 Inches
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable – checked luggage (Check the price on Amazon)10.2lbs / 4.62 kg25×17.5×11.5 inches

You can notice that the average weight for a carry on suitcase is about 6.5 lbs / 2.94 kg and the average weight for a checked luggage suitcase is 10.2 lbs / 4.62 kg

Final Thoughts

It is not a problem to travel with an empty suitcase on any airline.

However, If your suitcase is larger than the airline luggage size limits you will have to pay for oversized luggage.

So make sure to read and review carefully your airline baggage allowances and policy before your flight.

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Happy travels