Should You Check or Ship Your Suitcase?

In Addition to Your Carry-On…

The Essential Overnight Bag from Madewell

When we travel, we want to maximize our packing storage, so why not opt-in for this beautifully affordable duffel from Madewell?

Checking Bags

Who: All major airlines

Price: This varies by airline. On domestic flights, most airlines charge passengers to check a single bag. These airlines include American, United, Delta, JetBlue, and Spirit, all of which charge anywhere from $25 to $100 each way for the first bag you wish to check. (You will sometimes pay less if you prepay the fee online at the airline’s website.) Southwest continues to allow passengers to check one bag free of charge.

Beyond that first bag, you’ll have to pay a fee on every airline except Southwest. The fee varies from $35 to $50 each way depending on airline, itinerary, and whether you check your bag at the airport or online.

Spirit’s carry-on fee applies to any bag that won’t fit under the seat in front of you and ranges from $22 to $100 depending on whether you’re a member of its $9 Fare Club and whether you pay the fee online, over the phone, at check-in, or at the gate. Allegiant charges $10 to $75 for carry-ons, depending on the circumstances, while Frontier charges $30 to $60.

In most cases checked bag fees do not apply to elite flyers, passengers who have paid full fare on a particular route, and travelers flying to some international destinations. Check your airline’s baggage policy for exact terms and conditions.

Pros:

• Despite the fees, checking your bags is usually still the cheapest option for travelers bringing only one or two pieces of luggage.
• If you are a last-minute packer, checking bags is convenient since you don’t need to make advance arrangements for dropping off your bag or having it picked up.
• When the system works properly, your luggage departs and arrives at the same time you do, no matter what time or day of the week it is.

Cons:

• Even if you pay a fee to check a bag, there’s no guarantee that the airline won’t lose or mishandle your luggage.
• You’ll have to wait in line to check your bags before your flight, and then wait again at the baggage carousel after you arrive.
• Schlepping your own bags to and from the airport can be tiring, and it’s less convenient than having a luggage shipping service do all the work for you.
• If your bags are overweight or you’re checking more than two items, you could pay dearly in airline penalties—making shipping a more economical option.

Get a Carry-on or Suitcase That Does More

Three words: lightweight, durable, and multi-functional. The Carry-On from Away makes traveling that much easier, especially with its removable, TSA-approved battery for your electronics.

Luggage Shipping Companies

Who: Luggage Forward, Luggage Concierge, Luggage Free, LugLess, and others

Price: Luggage Forward charges $99 for a small bag (25 pounds) or $139 for a standard bag (50 pounds) for shipping within the U.S. in three business days. To get a 25-pound bag from New York to Chicago, Luggage Free estimated a rate of $74.99 for for a carry-on-sized bag. Rates go up from there based on the weight of the bag, shipping speed, and pickup and delivery specifics. It offers an on-time delivery guarantee. (Additional fees apply for Saturday delivery and/or assistance with packaging and labeling your suitcase.)

The LugLess estimate to get one carry-on bag (under 25 pounds) from Philadelphia to New York was $24.99 for three-day delivery. Compare that with the $99 that its owner and market leader Luggage Forward would charge, and LugLess seems like the cheapest way to ship luggage domestically. It’s cheaper than the standard $30 airline baggage fee as well. (Note: LugLess does not operate worldwide, so you’ll have to choose another service for shipping outside the U.S.)

LugLess works by sending your bag with UPS or FedEx, depending on which is offering the best price. For the minimum cost you’ll have to bring your bag to a drop-off center. Having it picked up at your house, office, or hotel may cost more.

Pros:

• Because these companies are fairly small, you’ll get a lot of personal attention. If your itinerary changes, an agent will handle the details of rerouting your luggage.
• These companies are experienced at dealing with luggage in all shapes and sizes, including skis, surf boards, golf clubs, bicycles, and monster-sized bags.
• The luggage shipping services generally guarantee that your bags will arrive on time and unscathed—which is more than you can expect from an airline.
• As with the standard shipping companies, using these luggage shipping companies will allow you to bypass check-in lines and baggage carousels. Instead, your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive.
• For parents juggling kids, car seats, strollers, diaper bags, and such, not having the additional burden of suitcases is a great relief.
• You can go online and get an immediate quote. You can see how fees change based on luggage weight, destination, and shipping speed and see what works best for your travel plans.

Cons:

• Personalized service comes at a price. These companies are usually the most expensive option.
• Like the standard delivery companies, these agencies typically do not deliver on weekends (though some Saturday services may be available).
• You’ll need to plan ahead enough to pack early and arrange for a pick-up time before you leave for your trip.

Would you rather skip the hassle altogether by simply packing lighter? See A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing and Ultralight Travel: How to Pack Light Every Time.