Ship Heavy Baggage Instead of Checking It

Baggage handler Mikaaill Heard loads luggage onto a cart outside the American Airlines terminal at Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. American Airlines was the first U.S. major airline to charge discount-fare domestic passengers $15 for their first checked bags, but several of its rivals soon followed suit. Northwest is the latest to announce it will do so. Now, more than ever, shipping heavy or oversized bags ahead within the United States makes more sense than checking them in. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

After Northwest’s announcement this week that it will be jumping on the bandwagon to charge people for their first checked bags, it seems as if increased luggage fees are here to stay. So finally, after all these years of reading about shipping your luggage in advance (and shrugging it off as too involved and possibly too expensive), you may be ready to play.

But is sending your worldly possessions ahead cost-effective? This Airfarewatchdog.com chart shows that, within the United States, indeed it is — particularly for heavy or oversized bags.

Another bonus is that, considering the long lines at check-in counters this summer, you can generally expect shipping your bag ahead to be more secure, not to mention more convenient, than checking it in.

You’re also far less likely to have your bag “mishandled” — that’s the fun word the Department of Transportation uses — by your airline or the Transportation Security Administration. And if a shipper loses your bags, which is unlikely, at least it will apologize.

Airlines won't insure many types of articles, such as electronics, business items (such as samples), and other valuables. Also: You might well ask, if an airline loses or delays your bags, will it refund all those fees? Don't count on it.

But FedEx and UPS will refund your shipping costs if they lose your belongings — which, in general, they won't. Delivery companies have a much better track record than the airlines.

How does it work?

If you opt to send your luggage separately, you’ve got many options.

First of all, you can treat your bags as if they were any other package, dropping them off with FedEx, UPS or your friendly neighborhood post office. In fact, you don't need a bag or suitcase at all (see tip below).

Or, should it feel odd to you to ship your personal effects across the country as if they were an unwanted sweater or pair of shoes heading back to the warehouse, there are multiple luggage-shipping services for you to choose from. They have names like Luggage Free, Luggage Concierge, Sports Express, and The Luggage Club. (You might be sensing a trend here.) They are very expensive (see chart), but they do provide door-to-door service and packaging.

The chart pits two services — Luggage Free and Luggage Concierge — against traditional shipping methods and what it would cost to put your bags on board two very different airlines: Delta, with its never-ending parade of new fees, and Southwest, the low-fee airline.

As you can see from the chart, Southwest has moderate luggage fees compared to legacy carriers such as Delta. FedEx Ground is your best bet if you don't want to schlep your belongings yourself, since it will take heavy and oversized luggage, which the Post Office won't.

Helpful hints

● Whether it’s overpaying for cheap boxes at the post office or paying your luggage concierge to pack it in feathers (or whatever), remember to protect your belongings.

● If you can’t ensure that you’re going to be at your destination when your luggage arrives, make sure someone is there to sign for it, such as the bell desk at your hotel, or the receptionist at the branch office.

● Staying in one place at the other end? Ditch the suitcase: It is added weight you don’t need to be paying for. Ship it in boxes and, at the end of your trip, just repack your stuff in the original boxes and ship it home.

● One of the benefits of using a dedicated luggage service is that, where necessary, packaging tends to be included in the charge. This is not generally the case when shipping via the delivery companies.

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