Airline approved cases – a guide to selecting a suitable option

Before looking at the regulations and options, it is first sensible to identify why business travellers could need specialist cases when flying.

Whilst many will not require anything out of the ordinary – such as those taking laptops, paperwork, clothing, and other typical luggage – many businesses will send employees to see international clients (or potential customers) with specialist equipment, parts, or products.

This is particularly common where engineering companies have developed prototypes or test models specifically tailored to their customer’s needs. These will then be taken by employees to firstly ensure that the items are not damaged or mislaid during transit, but also so that they can be demonstrated or installed when they arrive.

Besides this, technical sales team are also likely to require these types of products, prototypes, or tools to be able to successfully win business from potential customers abroad.

Another scenario is where specialist engineers visit existing customers or international locations to troubleshoot and repair specialist equipment (which in turn requires specialist tools and equipment to do so).

All of these situations would see the need for specialist airline approved cases.

Whilst most airlines have a slightly different interpretation, hand luggage is defined as bags, containers or carriers that are allowed into the cabin of commercial flights. “Hold” luggage however is (perhaps obviously) any carriers, suitcases and containers that must be placed in the aircrafts’ hold.

Whilst the UK government itself no longer sets a maximum size for items of hand luggage, which was the case prior to April 2010, the majority of operators typically allow hand luggage, or airline approved cases, that are 560mm long x 450mm wide x 250mm deep.

Nevertheless, it is becoming more frequent that many airlines, particularly budget ones such as Ryanair and Easy Jet, have their own restrictions for hand luggage and airline approved cases.

And whilst they do vary between airlines, the general rule is that if they fit in the overhead compartment (or indeed under the seat in front of yours) then they can be carried on.

Therefore, it is always wise to check with the specific airline you are travelling with before you depart to either ensure that you can take your case onto the plane with you, or ascertain if it will be placed in the hold (it may also be the case that the airlines’ own rules have recently changed).

The original specification as set out by the ATA in effect details what is known as a traditional “flight case” (the clue being in the name!).

This includes the use of aluminium extrusion fittings, steel knuckle ball corners, piano type hinges and even the acceptable types of wall / panel material. It also recommends that transit cases of this nature should be white where possible (to aid visibility), although adds that other colours can be used for branding purposes as required.

As such, there are a number of benefits to using these types of flight cases for your air transit.

As they can be custom manufactured to specific sizes, it ensures that there is no excess weight or space to the cases – both of which can lead to higher shipping costs.

They can also feature elements to improve usability, s=such as castors / wheels, handles, locks, and of course custom foam inserts.

This makes them an acceptable option for transporting items in the hold of an aircraft but, as we will go on to detail, there may be more suitable options.

Whilst the ATA sets criteria for flight cases when shipping items by air, there is actually another case (also ATA approved) that can be considerably more suited to this application.

Aluminium cases.

The range of K470 aluminium cases from German manufacturer Zarges provide a number of advantages over traditional flight cases including – crucially – weight.

Being considerably lighter than flight cases, this reduction in weight typically makes these cases cheaper to ship than custom built options.

They also offer a number of additional benefits including strength, ease of handling (they can also have added wheels, include easy to use handles etc.), can be locked and are easily cleaned. These cases are also recognised as ATA approved.

Their only slight drawback is that, as you have to select from a range of pre-determined sizes (rather than specifying custom dimensions) you can sometimes be paying to ship fresh air or excess foam (if the case is too large for your items). However, this is most often offset by the overall weight saving.

As such, if you are planning on sending items internationally via air freight, aluminium cases would be your best option.

But what about if you want to take your items on to the aircraft with you? What if you only have small items? What if the items are so expensive, delicate, or important, that they cannot be put into the hold?

In that case, using a carry-on approved case is your best option, with the Shell Case Standard 500 range being the best all-rounder.

Looking very much like a hard shell suitcase that a holiday maker would use, Shell Cases actually boast a range of additional features that make them perfect for professional use.

This includes a very tough polycarbonate shell for protection, integrated TSA locks, various branding options (particularly useful if the case will later be used in a sales meeting) and of course can be enhanced with foam inserts.

The size of the cases also mean that they can be stowed in the overhead compartments, allowing you to keep a careful watch over your important kit, products, or samples.

If you need the highest levels of protection for your items during transit, then a waterproof case with custom foam inserts (such as Peli™ Protector, Storm Case™, Explorer etc.) is definitely your best option.

The Peli™ Storm Case™ range, as well as being suitable for use when travelling abroad, also boast a wealth of additional features that make them ideal for either taking on to the plane or stowing in the hold. The range of sizes also helps here, with a range of options suitable for either scenario.

They are manufactured from an exceptionally tough HPX™ resin exterior shell, are extremely sturdy, have strong and hard-wearing hinges, press and pull latches for ease of use and are also completely moisture and dust proof. They also come with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee.

When coupled with Plastazote foam inserts, they will offer the highest levels of protection possible from a case (with it even being possible to create inserts that provide a very specific, calculated level of protection).

As such, for any engineers or technical sales teams with very expensive, delicate or highly calibrated products / equipment, moulded waterproof cases are the go to choice.

Moulded waterproof cases are also a great choice for transporting small items when onboard an aircraft.

However, as they provide such high levels of protection, they can be a bit bulky and heavy for every application (although this may be required depending on your items being transported).

As such, another potential option is the light to medium duty plastic carry cases.

This includes cases from the likes of Hofbauer, WAG, Rose Plastic, Maxado and others besides.

Within this, are varying options of weight, durability, sizes and features, allowing you to find a case that is a good match for your equipment and / or products and that is also cost effective too (i.e. not too large or heavy).

If you are heading abroad to visit clients or other sites within your company, attending an important business seminar or even travelling to install or service equipment internationally, then make sure you have a suitable airline approved case.

Please click here to see the available protective cases you can source from GWP, or use the details below to contact a member of our team for further advice.

Transit cases – how to decide which is right for you

Peli™ vs Storm Case™: Detailed review & analysis of each option

The 6 signs you need protective foam inserts

Best equipment cases: choosing a waterproof case

Airline approved cases

Shipping cases: 5 options for safe transit of goods

IP ratings explained

How to enhance your cases with foam inserts

Plastazote® foam – what is it and should you be using it?