My wife and I both need to have two checked bags for our five week trip this summer (lots of photo gear), but our flight from Athens to Milan only allows us one apiece. We will pay 5 E for every 5 K for any additional bag. Would it be cheaper and easier for us to ship two of those bags directly to our hotel in Milan (as we would not need them on the initial, Greek Island, portion of our trip)? Has anyone done this, and about how much would it cost to send a 40 pound bag? Which company would you recommend?

Thank you.

ttt

check if the airline you're using can make unaccompanied luggage arrangements. They may arrive on a later flight, but the rates are usually less than excess baggage highway robbery.

Hi BB,

Also check UPS and FedEx.

PS,

>We will pay 5 E for every 5 K for any additional bag. <

I don't think that you are going to be able to ship for less than 60 cts/lb.

I know of this company; http://www.firstluggage.com but haven't tried it.

I went on the UPS and Fedex websites and found it would cost about $300 to ship a piece of luggage to SML in Italy. I believe that this is correct. I had thought it would also be easier and cheap but apparently not.

just how much gear are you talking about??

Unless you are taking a darkroom I can't see why you'd need more than one checked bag plus a reasonable sized carry on each.