Instructions for Sending Your Baggage Through Parcel Services

Instructions for Sending Your Baggage Through Parcel Services

Ditching the burden of lugging around heavy suitcases or managing multiple bags in crowded airports is a smart move you should consider - we call it a travel hack! Whether you're embarking on a grand adventure, have energetic little ones, or simply wish to cruise through airports easily, shipping your baggage could be the answer.

I've shipped my belongings several times, ranging from my elopement and extended honeymoon escapade across the stunning landscapes of South Dakota and Wyoming, to supporting a photographer's travels between Kauai and the mainland. Since we needed wedding attire, hiking equipment, and various extras like lifelike wooden flowers (which are generally forbidden in national parks), shipping our items was a no-brainer.

In this guide, I'll share some practical tips and insights I've gathered on shipping luggage while you travel.

Perks of Shipping Your Baggage

Budget-Friendly

Airline baggage fees can snowball rapidly, particularly if you're flying with more than two checked bags, carry heavy bags, or exceed an airline's size limit. Although domestic shipping starts at an average of $40 for checked luggage, airlines like American and Delta charge $150 for a third checked bag and $200 or more for additional bags (assuming they're within weight and size limits). If your excess bags are overweight, expect to pay an additional $100 to $200 per bag. And remember, these fees are each way!

Expect to pay much more for international flights. For instance, Delta charges $100 for the second checked bag and $285 for additional bags between North America and Europe. British Airways has slightly better pricing at $100 for the second bag and $200 for a third.

Many budget airlines and fares, such as United Basic Economy and Frontier Airlines, don't even offer a free carry-on, with prices ranging from $29 to up to a staggering $99.

Logistical Advantages

Shipping your luggage can turn out to be a lifesaver, especially for extended trips, large groups, or families with toddlers. Instead of lugging bags through congested terminals and shrinking airplane aisles, shipping your stuff ensures smoother airport trips. You won't have to shell out extra cash for an upgraded rental car, wrestle with public transportation, or squeeze everyone and their belongings into a rideshare. Your belongings will meet you at your destination, often without any effort on your part.

Peace of Mind

Most luggage shipping services offer insurance and real-time tracking, giving you control that checked baggage doesn't have with airlines. You can breathe easy, knowing your bag made the trip and didn't get damaged in transit. While airlines have procedures for lost or damaged luggage, they can be slower than shipping services, often leaving you without your belongings for days or even weeks.

Shipping Your Luggage: A How-To

You don't necessarily have to ship a suitcase - packing a sturdy box can be more practical, as it eliminates bulky compartments and may weigh less. Pack everything inside in waterproof bags and consider using packing cubes to keep things organized. For added protection, put each cube in a vacuum-sealed bag.

When labeling your shipment, make sure the label is secure and won't fall off or get damaged. If you ship your luggage without a box, put the label inside a clear reinforcement pouch. Secure the pouch to your suitcase with at least two zip ties and place a second label inside with an itemized packing list.

Before shipping to a hotel or vacation rental, call ahead to ensure they accept deliveries. Some properties have strict policies regarding packages, so it's best to check beforehand.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with regulations on what you can and can't ship, especially for international shipments. Similar to airline policies, aerosol cans and certain medications or food items may be considered hazardous or outright prohibited.

Best Luggage Shipping Services

While luggage shipping services partner with major players like DHL, UPS, and FedEx, it's essential to shop around to compare prices and services. Here's a comparison of four popular services and the three major shipping companies, offering domestic and international shipping from Los Angeles to Orlando, Florida, and New York City to Italy:

1. SendMyBag.com: US domestic rates range from $64 to $98 (standard) and $145 to $292 (express) depending on weight, with options for 25lbs to 75lbs (11kg to 34kg). International shipping starts at $192 for standard (five to six days) and $60 to $197 for express (two to three days) with weights up to 66lbs. They also offer price matching with competitors.
2. LugLess: A US domestic-only service using FedEx, flat pricing for up to 75lbs per box, $40 to $130 depending on service speed (five to six days, two-day air, or overnight).
3. Luggage Free: White-glove service that includes pickup, labeling, and customs paperwork. US domestic rates range from $115 to $155 for checked (up to 50lbs/23kg) and oversize (up to 65lbs/29kg) luggage. International rates start at $285 for checked and $370 for oversize. Ships to 150+ countries as well as cruise ships, and includes $500 in insurance, with optional coverage up to $10,000.
4. Luggage Forward: Double money-back on-time guarantee and specializes in shipping golf clubs, skis, and bicycles. Domestic rates range from $134 to $154 for checked (up to 50lbs/23kg) and oversize items (up to 75lbs/34kg), with international shipping from $404 for checked and $564 for oversize.
5. FedEx: Domestic ground rates range from $67 to $132 for checked (up to 50lbs/23kg) and oversize (up to 65lbs/29kg) luggage. International carry-on rates start at $327.50 for International Economy and $437 for International Priority (three to five days).
6. UPS: UPS specializes in shipments within the US; avoid it for international shipping as costs are too high. Domestic rates start at $124 for carry-on size (up to 55lbs/25kg) and $205 for checked bags (UPS Ground, 3 to 5 days). The UPS Store locations sell luggage boxes designed to perfectly fit standard carry-on or checked luggage.
7. DHL: Use DHL only for international shipping as it is not too expensive. A standard carry-on (up to 40lbs/18kg) costs $205 to ship internationally, while a checked bag (up to 60lbs/27kg) costs $248 internationally. Use promo code SHIPMYBAG to get accurate rates.

Additional Tips

1. Keep essentials in your carry-on, including toiletries, medication, and a day's worth of clothes. Shipping offers convenience but doesn't offer flexibility - if your flight is canceled or rerouted, your luggage won't automatically follow you like a checked baggage (ideally) does.
2. Allow adequate time for transit, even for domestic travel. Transit times can range from a few days to over a week, depending on the service and distance.
3. Plan for the unexpected and bring a packable backpack or duffel bag in your luggage. In case you end up buying more than planned, you can carry soft-sided bags on the plane and ship your original suitcase home if necessary.
4. For a seamless wedding vacation in Wyoming, consider shipping your luggage ahead, allowing you to navigate through the airport with ease and cost-effectively, avoiding rampant airline baggage fees.
5. If you're embarking on a cross-country lifestyle travel adventure, shipping your belongings can provide significant value by reducing stress and ensuring a more enjoyable, budget-friendly journey.
6. When traveling and seeking a hassle-free, relaxing lifestyle, rather than worrying about lugging heavy suitcases or managing multiple bags, shipping your baggage can be an essential travel hack worthy of consideration.

Read also: