UPS Stores Claming To Take The "Lug" Out Of "Luggage"

Most of us, at least occasionally, have to ride in the back of the airplane, and with that occasionally comes the sinking feeling of standing at the luggage claim carousel knowing that all the bags have come off the airplane ... and yours was not among them. And with airline baggage fees here to stay, along with increasing restrictions on carry-on bags, travelers seem to be at the mercy of their airline for anything more than a quick overnight trip. An alternative, though, if you can plan far enough ahead, is to ship your luggage to your destination, and have it waiting when you arrive. And shipper UPS had designed a re-usable box that looks and acts like a suitcase, but saves the expense of shipping the suitcase its self.

"Not having to carry a suitcase while traveling is a great convenience. Even better is luggage awaiting your arrival at a destination or hotel," said John Minetola, The UPS Store franchisee from Wyoming, PA. "You can ship your luggage as is; place it in a box for shipment, or at select locations purchase a luggage box, eliminating the need for a suitcase altogether."

When shipped UPS Ground service, the shipper says the luggage box is competitively priced with the airlines' baggage fees.

The luggage box, which is not yet available everywhere, comes in two sizes, large and small; has a sturdy handle for easy carrying, and is made of recyclable corrugate. Because it weighs less than an empty suitcase, packing directly into the box can help lower shipping costs. Travelers also can include packaging tape and a return UPS shipping label for use when returning home.

"We've seen more customers shipping golf clubs and skis ahead over the past few years as well as more 'snow birds' packing items for annual travel to warmer climates," Minetola added. "Luggage shipping picked up when the airlines began increasing fees for checked bags and carry-ons."

Both luggage boxes meet airline baggage restrictions for travelers opting to fly with their belongings. The small box can be carried on and the large box can be checked in, minimizing the chance of paying airline oversize or overweight charges. Travelers can visit UPS online to view a luggage box information sheet with details about box dimensions, weight limitations and declared value.

FMI: www.theupsstore.com