Another Charge from the Airlines Edit

United Airlines has announced that it is the first of the major U.S. airlines to follow British Airway’s lead and limit passengers to one free checked bag per economy ticket.  (reference article – WSJ, Feb. 5, “Another Reason Not to Overpack).  United stated that, for travel starting on May 5, they will charge passengers $25 for their second bag checked on flights and $100 per bag beyond that (each way!).  In addition, United announced that they will double the charge for an overweight bag to $100 from $50.

Look for this trend to continue as all airlines attempt to reduce expenses and create additional revenue by unbundling the services they provide and charge customers for the services they are willing to pay for.  Luggage delivery is one of the airlines’ most expensive services for which they currently receive no compensation, and United estimates savings and additional revenue of more than $100 million from this move. 

Is it just a matter of time before all airlines will charge their customers for additional baggage transported on every flight?  Others major airlines have stated that they are contemplating the move and are monitoring the situation.  With the number of airline passengers expected to increase significantly over the next ten years, and the airlines without the profits and resources to improve their baggage handling systems and technology, something has to give. 

One recent trend that is gaining popularity among savvy travelers, and will help alleviate the airline’s luggage handling burden (and, more importantly, the traveler’s frustrations), is shipping your luggage prior to your flight.

A number of service providers, such as The Luggage Club, offer to pick up your luggage at your home or office prior to your flight and deliver it directly to your travel destination, whether it be a hotel, condo, golf club or residence.  The service allows the traveler to breeze through the airport without their luggage and provides the traveler with the peace of mind that their luggage will be waiting for them when they arrive. 

The service has gained popularity over the last few years, especially among affluent travelers, celebrities and professional athletes and those traveling with golf clubs, skis and other sporting equipment, but the pending baggage charges from the airlines are driving more and more average travelers to explore the service.

One such traveler is Frank Pacific, an IT Specialist for a New York-based Fortune 500 company.  Pacific, a frequent customer of The Luggage Club, states “The main reasons I use The Luggage Club are for convenience, ease of use and the extra insurance, plus I dislike the hassles associated with checked baggage”.  Pacific goes on to say “And now that more airlines are starting to charge for checked bags, The Luggage Club’s service makes even more sense; it’s an absolute no-brainer.”

The Luggage Club is positioned to meet the needs of this growing segment of travelers who have decided to travel stress-free by shipping their luggage in advance of their trip. Travelers’ baggage can be picked up at their home, office or location of choice and delivered to their final travel destination, and returned again at the end of their trip. Plus, The Luggage Club has no limits on size, weight or number of pieces that can be shipped.

To learn more about shipping your luggage in advance, contact The Luggage Club by going to their website at www.theluggageclub.com.  You can also call Toll-Free 877-231-5131 to speak to a live person 24/7.