Shipping your bag will save you time, money, and the hassle of airports. However, checking your bag is the wiser option if your airline offers a free first checked bag. But what if you have extra or overweight baggage? Is it cheaper to ship luggage or take it on the plane?
Years ago, shipping your bag could take days or even months and would cost a lot of money to get your bag to its destination.
Nowadays, in just a few days, your bag will arrive on time. A plethora of baggage services are ready to offer the best options, an easy process, and affordable prices.
American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Delta are slightly increasing their baggage fees, raising the first checked bag fee to $30 (up from $25) and the second checked bag fee to $40 (up from $35). However, fees depend on the destination and the weight of your baggage.
The debate between luggage shipping vs. checking bags never seems to end, so In this post, I will answer all your luggage shipping questions, from “Is it cheaper to ship luggage or take it on the plane?” to “What’s the cheapest way to ship a suitcase?” and “How much does it cost to ship a bag?” We’ll also share some of the best shipping companies with a wide range of options.
Related: How to take extra luggage in flights ?
Can a suitcase be shipped?
Yes, many shipping companies can pick up your suitcase and ship it to your desired destination. Even if you’re not meeting it at its destination, you can collect your suitcase at the company’s location or have it delivered elsewhere.
Your luggage will be waiting for you at your destination, eliminating the time you spend waiting at baggage claim as you breeze through the airport. Shipping luggage before your trip can save you time and help avoid those additional airline charges.
Related:
Check or Ship Your bag?
Nowadays, airline baggage fees are on the rise, and you may end up paying as much as double your ticket price just for baggage.
Here is an example:
The first checked bag on United Airlines costs $35, and sending a bag with LugLess starts at $19.
Let’s unpack this:
Check:
Checking your bag, or traveling only with a carry-on, is the cheapest and best option. If you aren’t always on time due to business or other circumstances, checking your bag will be the right option.
This way, you won’t miss the delivery of your baggage or have to pay hotel fees for receiving your bag.
Ship:
If you have a heavy, overweight, or oversized bag, you could pay dearly in airline penalties making shipping a more economical option.
Even if you pay checked baggage fees, there’s always a risk of losing your baggage or it being delayed.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll have to wait in the boring line at the baggage carousel.
When choosing the right service, your luggage departs and arrives at the same time you do, no matter the time or day of the week.
How much does it cost to ship a suitcase?
Shipping your luggage costs depend on the destination, number and weight of your bags, and the speed of service you choose.
For example, FedEx luggage shipping charges from New York to Chicago for a 40-pound bag in two business days is $49.70. If you want fast delivery, the cost jumps to $311.45.
If your bag’s weight increases, your fees will rise as follows:
- Base Rate: $2 – $6 per pound
- $6-$12 Pickup Fee
- 5%-19% Fuel Surcharge
- $4 Residential Surcharge – per bag
- $11 Additional Handling – per bag
- $5 Value Protection – per bag
- Packaging: $10+ per bag
- Dimensional Weight + 30% or more
How can I ship a suitcase cheaply?
There are many luggage shipping services, such as LugLess, MyBaggage, SendMyBag, and LuggageToShip, that offer low and affordable rates.
The cost varies widely based on the size and weight of your bag, the distance it needs to travel, and the speed of service that you select.
For example, FedEx luggage shipping charges $49.70 to send a 40-pound suitcase from New York to Chicago in two business days.
Want it there overnight? The price may skyrocket to $311.45.
Can you ship luggage through UPS?
Yes, UPS Store has options to ship your baggage to all destinations at reasonable rates.
You can ship almost all kinds of items with UPS, including oversized or overweight items, antiques, artwork, electronics, furniture, golf clubs, and sports equipment.
This will help you avoid getting caught at the airport with overweight or extra luggage, which can lead to additional fees.
Take your suitcases to The UPS Store, where we will weigh and ship them for you.
Can I ship a suitcase through FedEx?
Yes, FedEx Express or FedEx Ground can handle your luggage and deliver it wherever you need it: a residential address, your home, or a hotel.
If you want to avoid possible handling fees at the hotel, you can also pick up your luggage at a FedEx location.
FedEx has affordable charges when it comes to shipping luggage.
By using FedEx Ground and bringing your suitcases to an eligible FedEx location a few days before your travel time, you can check the transit time for your luggage to reach its destination.
FedEx Express can ship your luggage where you need it overnight.
How Do I track my shipped suitcase?
You can use the online tracking feature for the company you shipped your bag with. For example, if you ship your bag with UPS, the online tracking will show where your bag is once you enter your tracking number.
Other companies like LuggageToShip and SendMyBag also have tracking pages where you can follow your bag.
Final Thoughts
When deciding whether to ship your luggage or check it on the plane, there’s no one size fits all answer.
The right choice depends on your travel preferences, the size and weight of your suitcase, your destination, and the convenience you’re seeking.
Shipping luggage can save you time at the airport and help you avoid hefty baggage fees, especially if you have an oversized or overweight bag.
It’s also a great option if you want to skip the baggage claim hassle and have your luggage waiting for you at your destination.
However, checking your bag might still be the best option if your airline offers a free checked bag or if you’re traveling with lighter luggage.
With airlines regularly changing baggage fees, it’s wise to weigh the costs and benefits of each option.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
