Mary Dorice Wills for ConventionTrip.com
Posted: July 24, 2008

“As domestic and international airlines continue to feel the ‘squeeze’ of sky-rocketing fuel prices, they continue to pass increased costs on to consumers. Most of us can make it through a 2-hour flight without paying two bucks for a bottle of water. Few of us, however, have the luxury of traveling with only luggage that is considered “carry-on”. If you must check any luggage, most domestic carriers now charge a fee.

So far, Alaska, Continental and Delta are allowing travelers to check their first bag free of charge (Southwest still allows two checked bags for free). American, U.S. Airways, Northwest and United are charging $15 for the first bag you check. The second bag checked will cost you $25 on most domestic carriers. And, the prices just go up from there for each additional bag you check. If you are a business traveler and must carry displays, heavy A/V equipment, be forewarned: the over-limit (weight and size) fees can be astronomical. Some carriers charge as much as $250 for shipping one over-sized piece.

So, what’s a traveler to do? Whenever possible, travel light; very light. For those for whom traveling light is not an option we began to wonder if there were cheaper ways to ship your luggage than via the airlines. What we found was very interesting; there is no shortage of firms and services that will happily ship your luggage – for a fee – sometimes a hefty fee. ”

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Luggage Ahead’s foundation was built on decades of experience in the transportation industry. We ship much more than just luggage. Trade show materials, displays, golfbags, random boxing, and quite literally anything else can be shipped for you. Let us make your travels easier, while puting money back in your pocket.