You did it! You booked your flight, accommodations, searched for restaurants to dine at and picked up some new language skills to prepare for your holiday. What should you do with your luggage? Should you pack a small suitcase and carry it on your flight or should you pack a larger suitcase and have it checked in at the airport or have it shipped to your destination? There are many options and advantages as well as challenges to checking in luggage with your airline compared to using a luggage delivery service. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether to check in or ship your luggage:
Pros of Checking in Luggage at the Airport
You have more space to pack as well as return with gifts and souvenirs such as wine bottles (tip: TSA allows wine bottles to be added to checked luggage)
If you have multiple layovers, you can travel from airport to airport and have your checked luggage delivered to your final destination's baggage carrousel for sooner access
At times, depending on the airline, it costs less to check luggage in at airport than shipping your luggage to your destination (tip: Make sure to check your airline's luggage fees and policies)
Cons of Checking in Luggage at the Airport
Longer time at airport checking in and waiting to pick up luggage at carrousel
Oversized bags can be costly to check in
If you have multiple layovers, there's a greater chance of delayed luggage or lost luggage
Pros of Shipping Luggage
Save time and have less stress while traveling by skipping checking in and baggage carrousels
It can be more cost effective to ship oversized or large suitcases than checking in at airport (ensure to research costs from airline versus a luggage shipping service such as Send My Bag, My Baggage or Luggage Forward)
Some luggage shipping services are environmentally friendly by utilizing efficient routes and packing materials to reduce impact on environment
Cons of Shipping Luggage
Depending on shipping company used can be more expensive than checking luggage at airport
You need to plan ahead for shipped luggage at it can take days until it arrives to your destination
There are restrictions for items that can be packed in your shipped luggage (if you decide to ship luggage ensure to check their restricted item policies to ensure they're not in your luggage)
Luggage Resources
TSA Travel Checklist - List created by TSA providing packing guidance and airport screening policies
Your Go-to Guide to Checking in at the Airport - Comprehensive guide to checking in luggage at the airport including guidance for families traveling with children
The 14 Best Checked Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed - Article by Travel + Leisure with their recommendations of checked luggage
10 Companies That Ship Luggage, So You Don’t Have to Check a Bag - Article written by Afar Magazine with legitimate companies that ship luggage domestically and internationally
The UPS Store - Information regarding packing and shipping your luggage via UPS
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