When you fly, you only have two luggage options, carry-on or checked. However, there is a third, increasingly more popular alternative- shipping your luggage. While this may sound a bit odd, having your bags shipped to your destination has several great benefits.
No Lost Bags
Despite recent improvements, airlines still lose luggage. Luggage can be sent to the wrong destination, stolen, or delayed. None of these are desirable options for you when you travel.
Shipping your luggage is as simple as shipping a package. When you ship your luggage, you will receive tracking information that will allow you to track your bags in real time. Companies such as FedEx, UPS, and the post office offer baggage shipping. There are also a number of private companies from which you may choose.
The chances of a shipping company losing your luggage are much smaller when compared to an airline. For example, as of 2015, airlines were still losing 2,000,000 pieces of luggage every year according to nationwide.com. Compare this to FedEx’s lost package rate of less than one percent.
Save Money
If you travel often, you know airline fees for luggage weighing over 50 pounds can be quite expensive. Delta airlines charge roughly $100 for luggage that weighs 50-70 pounds. Based on independentraveler.com’s research, FedEx charges less than $80 for the same weight, provided you ship your bags five days ahead of time.
Your best option for saving the most money is to weigh your bags first. Then check with your airline for their current fees. Next, check with the shipping company of your choice to determine if the rates are cheaper.
Be sure to do the same thing before your return flight, especially if you are bringing back souvenirs. Your suitcase will be heavier and you can save a lot of money by comparing luggage fees to shipping rates.
Save Time
Arriving at the airport without cumbersome luggage does have its advantages. You do not have to wait in checked baggage lines. Additionally, you can zip through security screening much faster.
With no luggage to worry about, you can make connecting flights faster and skip the baggage carousel at your final destination.