Shipping a bar as checked luggage

[Andersgj]

Have any of you guys checked a bar as luggage on a plane?
Bars are easy too expensive in europe, so I was thinking about bringing one back from the states.

[Dennisi01]

People check skis and strollers. Don't see how a bar can be a problem. Just wrap/box it up really well and hope it doesn't get smashed and bent in the fracas. Maybe find one of those cardboard tubes that they are shipped in and use that. Yeah that would probably be the best thing you could do.

[I_iz_a_fatass]

Shipping it in a well-padded PVC pipe might work; at least damage will be very apparent as the PVC should shatter long before the bar gets bent. Also, be aware most luggage has a ridiculously-low insured value by default that may be far below the cost to replace the bar.

[BenM]

Yeah it'd be fine, I suspect... My bar was shipped via courier in cardboard tube wrapped in bubble wrap and they are no less rough than baggage handlers IMO.... But PVC pipe would be better.

[brkriete]

Might want to check the cost and if your airline will even accept it as checked luggage. I just checked Delta's guidelines and it looks like they don't even allow anything over 80"....

[manveer]

Don't you have to pay import tariffs even if it's in your checked luggage? Or is there some allowance for gifts? Or maybe you don't plan to declare it...

[Andersgj]

No import charges, I can bring along stuff worth a few grand. But if I get it in the mail there are lots of charges for everything over$50

[Tiburon]

I was on a flight to the NCAA track and field championships with a bunch of pole vaulters. If they can check that 16 foot long shit, you can check a barbell