The airline industry has a luggage problem, and most travelers have no idea there’s a growing movement of savvy flyers who have completely opted out of the system. What they know that others don’t could change the way you travel forever.
Checked baggage has become one of the most frustrating parts of flying in America. Fees have climbed steadily on major U.S. carriers, with a single bag now running anywhere from $35 to $45 each way, and oversized or additional items pushing costs even higher.
Then there’s the reliability issue: according to industry data, nearly 7 bags were mishandled per 1,000 passengers in 2023 alone. “Mishandled” is a generous umbrella term that covers delayed, damaged, lost, and stolen luggage.
The solution a growing number of travelers have landed on is surprisingly straightforward. Luggage shipping services pick up bags directly from a traveler’s front door and deliver them to a hotel, cruise ship, or vacation rental before departure day arrives.
No wrestling a 50-pound suitcase through security, no waiting at the carousel, no hoping it lands in the same city.
For families checking multiple bags, the economics can actually favor shipping over airline fees, particularly since most services charge per bag at a flat rate regardless of how many are sent. And for anyone hauling ski equipment or golf clubs, the comparison becomes even more compelling.
Here are eleven of the best luggage shipping services for American travelers, ranging from bare-bones budget options to full white-glove treatment.
Luggage Forward
Pricing starts at $99 for a 25 lb. bag, $134 for a 50 lb. bag, and $154 for a 75 lb. bag. Specialty items such as standard skis or snowboards begin at $114, a small golf bag at $124, and a bicycle case at $219, all based on five business days of shipping.
Boston-based Luggage Forward operates in more than 200 countries, but its real specialty is cruise travel. The service is designed specifically to get bags into a passenger’s stateroom by embarkation day, removing one of the more stressful elements of cruise departures.
Pricing covers doorstep pickup and delivery, 24-hour phone support, insurance for lost or damaged items, and pre-mailed shipping labels.
There is also an on-time delivery guarantee: if bags do not arrive by the quoted date, the company promises a full refund plus up to $500 in additional expense reimbursement.
Luggage Free
Pricing varies by route. Sample costs include $95 for a 50 lb. bag from New York City to Los Angeles, $265 from the U.S. to Hong Kong, and $564 from the U.S. to South Africa.
For travelers who want to hand over every logistical detail, New York City-based Luggage Free is the premium option. Pack the bag, and the service takes care of everything else: pickup, drop-off, shipping labels, and customs paperwork.
It operates across 150 countries and carries a guaranteed on-time delivery policy, with fees waived up to $500 if a bag does not arrive on schedule. Every shipment also includes a complimentary insurance policy covering loss or damage up to $500.
Luggage To Ship
Prices start at around $30 and increase based on distance and weight.
Also based in New York City, Luggage To Ship positions itself as the budget-friendly pick and ships suitcases, boxes, and sporting equipment worldwide.
What makes it stand out is a free storage offer: the company will hold any item for up to six months at no charge, after which it applies a $10 per package per month fee.
That makes it a practical choice for anyone relocating temporarily, arriving in a new city before their belongings are ready to follow, or storing bulky gear like ski equipment between seasons.
LugLess
Prices start as low as $15, rising based on bag size, distance, and optional extras.
Boston-based LugLess uses tiered pricing where timing directly affects cost. Travelers willing to send bags five or six days ahead of departure, and wait the same amount of time after returning, can access rates comparable to standard airline checked bag fees.
A 50 lb. bag shipped anywhere within the continental U.S. on the slowest service option costs between $15 and $50.
Speed and convenience drive the price up. Doorstep pickup instead of a UPS drop-off, insurance, customer support, and refundability are all available as add-ons. Note that LugLess does not offer international shipping.
My Baggage
Prices start at £30 for suitcases up to 20 kg (44 lb.), with costs rising based on weight, distance, and delivery speed.
U.K.-based My Baggage is best suited to international moves and customs-heavy routes, and it is particularly useful for Americans relocating or shipping belongings abroad.
When placing an order, customers answer questions about their shipment and the service identifies the relevant customs forms for the destination country, then submits them on the customer’s behalf.
It takes a significant amount of bureaucratic guesswork out of cross-border shipping.
SendMyBag
Shipping within Europe starts at $43 for bags up to 30 kg (66 lb.). From the U.S. to Europe, prices begin at around $173 depending on the destination.
Another U.K.-based service, SendMyBag focuses primarily on European routes and frequently undercuts airline baggage fees on those journeys. Shipping from the United Kingdom to Spain costs around $43 for a 44 lb. bag, which compares well to most carrier fees on that route.
The service handles suitcases, boxes, bicycles, ski bags, and golf bags, and takes care of all customs documentation. That makes it a strong option for Americans planning an extended stay or a move within Europe. Standard delivery takes four to five business days, with express options available for an additional fee.
Ship&Play
Prices start at $60 and vary based on weight, size, distance, and speed.
Florida-based Ship&Play accepts a wide range of items including suitcases, duffel bags, golf bags, ski and snowboard bags, boot bags, boxes, trunks, and bicycles.
A shipping label arrives by email, drivers pick up from a hotel, home, or cruise ship on the scheduled day, and items are delivered to the next destination.
The company operates across 180 countries and territories and offers a money-back guarantee if bags do not arrive on time.
ShipGo
Prices start at $35 and increase based on distance and weight.
West Palm Beach-based ShipGo picks up from homes, businesses, or hotels and delivers to more than 180 countries, including some genuinely remote destinations such as Fiji, Bangladesh, and the Seychelles.
Customers schedule the shipment online, attach the provided labels, and the company handles everything from that point forward.
Every shipment includes an on-time delivery guarantee, free insurance covering loss or damage, and real-time tracking throughout.
UPS, FedEx, and DHL
Expect to pay $50 to $75 for bags under 50 lb. and around $100 for a 70 lb. bag, with four-day ground shipping.
The major carriers can absolutely ship luggage, and for travelers who already have accounts or prefer dealing with established logistics companies, they are a reliable option.
The trade-off is that UPS, FedEx, and DHL do not offer the same amenities as dedicated luggage services. Bags need to be dropped at a shipping center or have a pickup scheduled in advance, and there are no specialist guarantees or cruise-specific delivery options.
What they do offer is a tracking number, extensive drop-off networks, and the reassurance of working with companies that handle millions of shipments a year.
What to Know Before Shipping a Bag
Book early. Most services recommend scheduling pickup at least a few days before departure. Budget services may require a week or more of lead time to offer their lowest rates.
Check size and weight limits carefully. Every service has its own restrictions, and oversized or overweight items often attract surcharges. Measure and weigh bags before booking to avoid surprises.
Review the insurance terms. Most services include some level of coverage, but limits vary significantly, from $500 at the lower end to higher amounts with premium services. If shipping high-value items, check whether additional coverage is available.
Factor in both directions. Shipping bags home after a trip is just as useful as shipping them ahead, particularly for anyone returning with more than they left with or who would rather skip the airport chaos on the way back.
International shipments require customs documentation. Some services, including My Baggage and SendMyBag, handle this on the customer’s behalf. Others expect travelers to sort it themselves. Clarify the process before booking on any cross-border route.