Business Travel Tips

With increasingly airlines charging for a second checked bag, flyers start to consider a luggage delivery service. orbitz.com listed advantages and compared costs of the shipping option.

- A luggage delivery service pick up your packed luggage at your door, wrap and ship it, track it, ensure it gets to your final destination in perfect condition.
- However luggage shipping is an option suggested for domestic travel. Delivery to international destinations could suffer delay, because of customs matter. Just few shippers guarantee an international delivery date.

orbitz.com also compared service and cost of some luggage shippers for shipping a 30-pound bag going from NYC to Miami via the slowest route.
It found Luggage Free– one of the most popular shippers, would cost you $50 for a 30 pounds bag shipped domestically for 5-business-day arrival; the cost includes $1,000 coverage in the event of loss or damage.
FedEx and UPS would cost only $20.15 (including home pick-up, but it has to be packaged by you).
orbitz.com found Luggage Free is the cheapest full-service option. It charges only $1.65 per pound for 5-business-day shipping.

However expedited shipping (1-2 day) would be at least double or triple the cost of the slowest shipping listed above.

Finally, the article also suggests some key questions to ask if you ship your luggage:
- How much is my bag insured for if it is lost, stolen or damaged?
- Are there any contents that are not covered (e.g. gift cards, jewelry, electronics equipment)
- What is the process of being reimbursed for loss, theft or damage? How long does it take from the time my claim is filed to reimbursement?
- How do you help me if the bag is lost or delayed on its way to my destination? Do you cover the cost of critical replacement items?
- What guarantees do you offer for timely arrival (if international, be sure to include customs delays)?
- Are there any hidden or extra fees that are not included in the quote?
(source)