Transporting Silk flowers abroad!

sal-ad_daze

It was all going to be so simple! Transport the flowers in the box they came in to dd's friend in Gibraltar where the wedding is taking place but it's all got so complicated, we looked at parcels 2 go and they're talking about commercial invoices and customs charges on top of the £60+ carriage fee - and it will be the same to return!
We're now wondering if it would be cheaper to take them with us on the plane, if we pack them carefully enough and protect them with bubble wrap and cardboard etc. they should be ok. The thing is do we 'buy' an extra hold bag and then check for excess weight or do we increase our own luggage size (for instance 4 suitcases of 30" rather than 26") and just pay excess baggage? We have 20 kgs each plus 10kgs for an infant (there are 4 adults). The wedding dress is being carried on as hand luggage.
Any ideas gratefully received!

Dizzie77

Who are you flying with?

sal-ad_daze

Dizzie77 wrote: »

Who are you flying with?

Monarch, scheduled Manchester to Gibraltar.
There are 5 adults with a hold bag each and 1 toddler so 5x20kg + 1x10kg.
We can buy excess weight but wondering if paying £27 (return) for an extra bag will give us a bit more room.

frannyann

Could you not pack the flowers as hand luggage too?

sal-ad_daze

frannyann wrote: »

Could you not pack the flowers as hand luggage too?

I think that's what we're going to have to do, just a bit worried about the way suitcases get bashed around.
I was just wondering if it was worth paying for an extra piece of hold luggage to give us a bit more space?
If we bought 'fragile' stickers do you think the handlers would take any notice?
I've just gone onto Parcels to go and their cheapest price is 5+ days delivery for £49 each way, another piece of hold luggage is £27 return so even if we have to pay excess weight it's still cheaper. I'm just worried about the cases being flung about!

Edited to answer the question properly!
I've tried the bride's shower bouquet in my hand luggage case and it just about fits but we have a toddler with us so I have to ensure we have all her stuff too! The wedding dress is being carried as hand luggage. I think I'll have to gather all the cabin bags together and do a 'trial' - as if I have nothing else to do this close! lol

Dizzie77

It might be worth speaking to Monarch too - and getting their opinion on what is the best way to deal with the flowers.
Presumably the dress is going hand luggage in case it disappears??
Sorry I can't be much more help really - but I would speak to them, Monarch are one of the better ones..!