Luggage: Ship or Carry Abroad?
Does shipping luggage to your destination make more sense than carrying it with you? Here’s how the options stack up.
Luggage Free
What it Is: A dedicated baggage-delivery company that offers four tiers of service, from the flat-rate domestic Luggage Free Economy to the more expensive Luggage Concierge.
Cost: For economy service, $70 per bag weighing up to 50 pounds, anywhere in the continental U.S.; insured up to $100.
Speed: Overnight to three business days.
Ease of Use: They’ll pick up or you can drop off at any location FedEx serves; shipments can be scheduled 14 days in advance. Track bags online.
Door-to-Door Baggage
What it Is: This partnership between FedEx and United Airlines allows passengers to schedule and pay for bag shipping on united.com for flights in the continental U.S.
Cost: $79 per bag when flying 1,000 miles or fewer; $99 for longer flights. Insurance capped at $3,300.
Speed: Overnight, excluding Sundays and holidays.
Ease of Use: They’ll pick up or you can drop off at any location FedEx serves; shipments scheduled 10 days in advance. Track bags online.
UPS
(Ups.com)
What it Is: The global giant eliminates the need for a suitcase by selling two sizes of cardboard luggage boxes with handles that can be shipped within the U.S. and abroad.
Cost: Varies. A 30-pound box sent from Los Angeles to New York City starts at $41 for a five-day delivery.
Speed: Options range from next-day air to five-day ground service.
Ease of Use: They’ll pick up from any location or UPS Store. Track bags online or via smart phone.
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