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Companies offer option to ship luggage instead of checking; is it worth it?

Posted at 3:21 PM, Apr 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-24 15:36:01-04

Traveling can be stressful, and the last thing you want to think about is not having your checked luggage show up at your destination. On top of that, checking a bag can range anywhere from $30 to $50, depending on the airline.

That’s why Aaron Kirley started LugLess.

“We think it’s very inefficient to travel the old-fashion way, which is packing up your luggage, hauling it to the airport, waiting in the check-in line, paying baggage fees, then waiting at the baggage carousel,” Kirley says.

With all that hassle, Kirley says don't check your bag, ship it.

“My mom, for example, uses our service. Not just because she’s my mom, but she’s older and it’s harder for her to get around,” Kirley says. “And this enables her to travel, when it might otherwise be difficult to travel.”

Here's how it works:

First, you book a trip on LugLess.com. Then, you print out a shipping label.

Next, you can opt to pay more for door pick up or you can save money and take your bag to a FedEx or UPS store.

Starting rates for a regular size bag begin at $18. They ship anywhere in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.

If you are taking an international flight, Ross Stamford, with Luggage Free, says their company is your best bet.

The starting rate is $99, but they are one of the only few companies that ship overseas and do a lot of business with cruise ships. Plus, they too have door-to-door service.

Other luggage shipping companies that work relatively the same way include Send My Bag and Airportr.

However, you can even go to FedEx and ship your bag yourself. FedEx says people do it all the time, without the assistance from a luggage shipping company. A regular size bag will cost around $30 to ship.

All the companies, including FedEx, says to ship your bags three days to a week in advance. Something to keep in mind is, just like checking your luggage at the airport, those prices are just one way.