Anyone ever shipped luggage?

[Hidden_Mickey]

We are flying to Yellowstone in July and DH wants to ship the luggage... for 4 people

How do we estimate how much it will cost? How far in advance do you mail it? Do you use USPS or Fed Ex?

My worst fear is that it won't be there when we get there. We will only be in the first hotel for two nights, then going to 4 other hotels during the 9 day trip. We really can't drive back to the first one once we leave.

If anyone has ever done this, please give me some advice!

TIA!

 

[NotUrsula]

It would depend on whether you use a luggage shipping service, or just send them via FedEx or another freight shipper.

Luggage services tend to run approx. $75 per bag each way for domestic shipment of a pullman suitcase up to 50#. These are most popular with folks who are sending sporting equipment such as golf clubs or skis.

FedEx is going to charge it's usual rate, but I think that they will require that the luggage be boxed for security reasons. I just put in the numbers for a typically-sized 29" suitcase at 50# to Jackson, Wyoming from where I live in the midwest, and it came out to $44 sent 3 day FedexGround. Second-Day Air freight was a LOT higher -- $203.

Barring major weather delays these services usually do deliver when promised, and you could send the packages ahead by a few days to be sure. However, if your intent is to save money over the airline fees, you almost surely won't be able to -- you pay for the convenience of shipping ahead.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It is doable, it is just going to cost you a pretty penny. Shipping your luggage is not going to "save" you money if that is the goal as the PP said.

 

[Tinkermommy]

Are you just shipping clothes or heavy equipment?

If it's just clothes, I would try to fit it all in a small suitcase you can take on the plane (you get one per person plus a small personal item backpack, briefcase, etc). You can get a lot of summer clothing into a small suitcase. Then plan to do wash mid-way in your trip.

That way you are guaranteed to have your stuff with you. I think packing light is the best option.

If you do need to check bags, doing it online ahead of time will save you money as well.

 

[gator75]

We did in nov 09 when we flew home from hawii there where 5 of us it cost around 1000.00 but you have to remember it was also considerd oversees.

 

[boysmom5150]

I use luggageconcierge(dot com). You can plug in your info at their site and you get an instant price quote.

 

[FedEx Al]

This is FedexAl. Here's a link that can help you ship luggage through FedEx: fedex.com/us/packaging/guides/GrlPkgGuidelines_fxcom.pdf . If you want to determine how much the shipping would cost, here's a link that can help: fedex.com/ratefinder/home?cc=US&language=en&locId=express .