KB101799

Has anyone shipped luggage ahead of time before flying within the US? I'm curious if it's reliable and worth it.

tomfuller

I do remember sending a flat rate USPS box with a heavy item we bought wrapped in dirty clothes. We mailed it home rather than pay for an overweight bag on the plane. Saved a little money.

suze

It's cheaper to take it on the plane with you.

RoamsAround

There are several companies that specialize in shipping luggage. The one we use is Luggage Free (www.luggagefree.com) but there are dozens more - google "shipping luggage" for website links.

It's not cheap though - depending on weight, size, number of pieces and destination it can be somewhat close to purchasing an extra plane ticket.

laurie_ann

Within the USA I have used UPS and FedEx ground for sending ahead items I needed for travel that I didn't want to carry around with me. Example hiking equipment for a little holiday at the end of a long multicity business trip.

You just take it to a UPS or FedEx outlet and arrange to send it to your hotel. (I usually make it clear in the address it is for me by name c/o the hotel and write "GUEST - for arrival [date]" so it is clear.) Then on the return trip I have either shipped it all back home or checked the same box as luggage for the trip home. (It doesn't have to a "suitcase" to check as "luggage" so long as it meets the size and weight restrictions of the airline.)

That flat rate shipping at the post office wasn't yet available last time I needed to do it but that sounds like it could be a good choice too.

Whether it is economical or convenient depends on what you are sending and why.

I have noticed more recently that some hotels charge to receive a package for you ($5 or $10) so it would make sense to ask about that too before you make a final decision.

julia1

Haven't shipped luggage (I'm always carry-on only) but my husband always ships his golf bag/clubs/shoes for his semi-annual golf outings on the other side of the country (i.e. Oregon to Missippi, Alabama, Carolinas, Florida, etc). He usually ships with UPS or FedEx, ships ground, not air. They provide the carton and package everything up for him. Last time it cost around $40 and his clubs and other gear were at the hotel waiting for him when he arrived. The hotel didn't charge anything.

KB101799

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful!

HappyTrvlr

I do it all the time when going to visit family or friends in the US. FedEx Ground has boxes that fit my luggage.

MissGreen

Not quite what you're doing but I shipped a suitcase of my bosses clothes to the US from Australia as she didn't want to travel with too much luggage for a 4 month trip. It was a nightmare to organise. I had to list every item on the customs form, what it was, what it was made, size and condition. It cost about $800 to send the suitcase. For a fraction more I could of carried it personally!!!

MarySpencer9

Hi everyone,

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