Save Money when Flying and Learn How to Ship Luggage

Shipping luggage may seem costly, but in all actuality this practice will save money. Heavy packers get hit with over-the-weight or second item charges that are considered standard for airlines. Even if you pack lightly, souvenirs or items purchased during the trip add weight for the flight home, adding to the possibility of paying an airline charge. Instead of paying these hefty fees, try shipping luggage a week in advance to the destination hotel for a minimal postal charge. Learning how to ship luggage makes it easy to use this technique every time you travel as a way to save money and time.

Before shipping luggage, visit the local post office for information. How long will it take the package to arrive? What are the charges associated with the specific weights and sizes of the luggage? How much does insurance cost and what does it cover? Once the standard fees are figured out they will likely be the same very time, so this step is only needed the first time you ship luggage.

After packing up the luggage and getting it ready to be shipped, phone the hotel. Tell them the date you are arriving and that you will be shipping your luggage. Make sure that they allow this practice and will hold your luggage until your arrival. Most hotels have a room near the front desk where they store luggage for guests that are waiting to check in to a room that is not yet ready. Your shipped luggage will usually be placed there until you arrive.

Schedule the delivery so it coincides with your arrival. You don't want to ship luggage to arrive too soon, and you also don't want it to arrive too late. Speaking with the post office is the only way to estimate this information, which can vary depending on the location. Upon arrival, also be sure to ask the concierge where the nearest post office is so you can send your items home using the same method. Some hotels may even ship the items for you (for a fee, of course). Deciding to ship even some of your luggage will save money and time, especially if you made a lot of purchases while on vacation.

Rather than take it on the airplane, in addition to saving money choosing to ship luggage saves time and potential hassles. Airlines have strict rules about what can and cannot be packed, but shipping luggage eliminates this problem. Standing on line to check luggage takes time, sometimes hours, and is completely avoided by shipping luggage. Standing on line for so long is difficult for some people and can cause undue strain on legs and back muscles. Additionally, you never have to worry about the hassle of being chosen to have your luggage searched. Upon arrival, waiting for the luggage to leave the airplane can take at least an hour or more. By shipping the luggage you simply get off the airplane and head directly to your destination. If you really want to save money and time the next time you fly, try shipping your luggage.

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