Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages are becoming increasingly tricky to find as airlines continue to raise their prices on checked baggage. These fees have upset many passengers and lead some to wonder whether shipping bags ahead might be cheaper than paying the airlines to handle them.
Currently it remains cheaper to pay airline baggage fees except if you have an overweight (more than 50 pounds) or oversized bag. Most large U.S, carriers charge $25 to check one bag weighing under 50 pounds and $35 for the second bag each way.
Nevertheless, the convenience of shipping offsets increased cost for some travelers. Many customers value being able to track shipments and not having to deal with baggage hassles at the airport.
Although neither UPS or Federal Express track luggage shipments separately, UPS has reported that there appears to be an increase in luggage shipments at UPS stores, particularly in resort locations.
So long as the bags do not have to be shipped overnight, overweight and oversized bags shipped via a ground service will often cost less than checking the same bags. Major airlines charge between $50 and $215 each way to handle bags that weigh in excess of 50 pounds.
Bags weighing more than 70 pounds cost $100 and up on many airlines. Shipping a 74 pound package via UPS Grounds from New York to Los Angeles would take approximately four days to arrive and cost under $90.
If other airlines decide to follow Spirit Airlines lead in charging for carry-on bags, shipping bags ahead of trips will look increasingly attractive.
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