It is one of the most irritating moments of traveling when the luggage carousel stops and you discover your suitcase didn’t make it.
Mobile tracking is a tool that airlines use to ensure that your checked luggage gets to its destination securely and on schedule, but it is still far from a flawless system. Out of 220 million checked bags, U.S. airlines mishandled over 1.25 million during the second half of 2021, according to baggage storage firm LuggageHero. About six of every 1,000 bags are handled improperly (meaning delayed, damaged, lost, or stolen). Some passengers might ponder whether there is another—better—option given the hefty price.
Many luggage transportation businesses have popped up in recent years, providing a potentially attractive option for travelers, particularly those who dislike the burden of hauling bags through crowded airports. Some even offer prices that are competitive with those of airlines, especially if you want to transport many bags. While the majority of American airlines charge $30 or $35 for your first bag, the costs skyrocket for extra packages. For instance, United charges $35 for the first bag per passenger, $45 for the second, $160 for the third, and $200 for the fourth. However, shipping firms charge the same amount per bag regardless of how much you send.
Additionally, luggage transportation businesses provide extra services like house pickup and delivery and hauling larger things (like golf clubs, ski equipment, or bicycles). Here are ten baggage shipping businesses that can make it simple for tourists to transport their bags from point A to point Z.
How it functions
According to Kirley, booking your luggage shipment with LugLess.com is similar to booking a flight. You pick your destination, the dates you want your bags to go there, and whether you’ll stay in a hotel, resort, Airbnb, or private home.
Following that, you are presented with the most affordable options from all of Lugless’ carrier partners, including UPS and FedEx, and you have the shipping labels sent right to your email or phone.
You may decide whether to pick up your luggage at your door or drop it off locally.
Your destination is reached with your stuff.
According to Kirley, shipping baggage is dependable and safe. However, there are some items you should never transport, such as medications. “It’s not worth the risk since anything as simple as a delayed flight might leave you without those prescriptions. The same is true for various identification and your travel schedule, which should always be kept on you or in a carry-on bag while traveling.
The majority of hotels and resorts can accept transported luggage, and most do so without charging an additional price.
But before arranging a luggage shipment, it’s usually a good idea to phone ahead and double-check this, as some hotels might charge some handling fee.
Tips For Successful Luggage Shipping
- Whenever feasible, it’s wise to plan your delivery for at least one working day before your arrival. This provides you time to prepare for unanticipated delays, such as those caused by inclement weather. The majority of hotels have safe luggage storage until your arrival, but you should always phone ahead to be sure.
- Read ‘baggage shipping services’ terms and conditions, including the insurance policy, carefully. Always be aware of your alternatives if something goes wrong, including the maximum amount of insurance that can be applied to your cargo and the amount of reimbursement the firm will give.
- Most shipping firms base their rates on the package’s dimensional weight, which is determined by measuring it, rather than its actual weight. Make sure you comprehend this idea so you can pack appropriately. There are few exceptions to the general rule that a piece of ordinary baggage packed with garments will be charged according to its real weight. Call your carrier to inquire.
- International deliveries might take two business days to almost two weeks to reach some distant regions. Always give yourself ample time to make plans by calling. Please don’t put it off until the last moment.
If you have numerous bags for your vacation, she adds, “I believe it’s a terrific idea as it might spare you the stress of dragging or pushing your heavy luggage around.” “They only relieve you of the hassle of traveling, and the luggage awaits you at your destination. Naturally, the faster you want it, the more expensive it is, but I believe it’s worthwhile.