How and why to ship suitcases

The advantages of shipping suitcases and how to get your luggage to its destination safely

Planning a trip calls for careful evaluation of all the costs, including how much luggage you’re going to check in, so you don’t incur excess baggage charges. Sometimes, the charges associated with transporting your luggage can exceed the cost of the flight ticket, forcing travellers to explore alternative solutions that may compromise comfort, such as travelling with just hand luggage. 

Checking in your baggage isn’t always a great option: according to a report by Sita, a global technology provider for the air transport sector, the rate of mishandled baggage (lost or diverted from destination) increased by 24% in 2021.This resulted in more than four lost or damaged suitcases per thousand passengers, while in 2023 the percentage of bags lost or damaged by airlines and airports rose by 75% compared with the previous year.

This data doesn’t only relate to short-haul flights but also long-haul, on which – according to Sita’s statistics – the likelihood of inadequate baggage handling is around 4.7 per cent higher than on domestic routes. This is why it’s so important for passengers to look at effective solutions to make sure their baggage is protected. One option could be to entrust the shipment of your suitcases to experienced shippers who offer professional services that give you greater peace of mind.

•The rate of bags lost or damaged by airlines or airports in 2023 increased by 75% compared to the previous year.

•On a global level, the likelihood of mishandling baggage is approximately 4.7 times higher on international flights in comparison to domestic routes.

The pros and cons of shipping your baggage

Before deciding who to trust with the task of shipping your luggage, it’s a good idea to consider the following:

Added costs. Depending on the type of service and the courier selected, luggage shipping costs may vary. You could be faced with unexpected or additional expenses such as fuel surcharges, home delivery costs, or the deposit service if you decide to send a suitcase directly to your accommodation.

Weight. The weight of your baggage is a crucial factor influencing the overall shipping cost, which is calculated on an estimate of the package dimensions, taking into account its length, width and height.

Packaging. Choosing safe, high-quality packaging can help protect your luggage, preventing any unforeseen costs associated with damage, which can slow down transport times or even halt the delivery of the goods altogether.

Delivery times. Depending on the chosen method, shipping a bag can take up to five or more days. These times may vary according to the type of service selected, making this an essential factor to consider before your journey begins. Choosing to work with a specialist shipping partner lets you streamline and speed up the shipment and delivery of your luggage, avoiding the risk of unexpected inconveniences that could seriously impact your travel experience.

Why it makes sense to ship your suitcases separately

Regardless of your destination, leaving home without having to worry about your luggage can offer many advantages:

More comfort and less stress. The main factor that pushes people to ship their luggage when they travel is the avoidance of the stress associated with transporting it themselves, as well as avoiding additional expense in the case of loss or damage. Particularly when it comes to bulky objects like pushchairs or sports equipment such as bicycles, skis or snowboards - often subject to restrictions – relying on a professional service offers significant advantages. It’s an ideal solution for sports enthusiasts and discerning customers who prefer to use their own equipment rather than hiring it.

More security. Thanks to the tracking service, specialist shippers can offer a detailed picture of the status of every shipment, providing constant updates on the location of your baggage during its journey. Working with professional shippers minimises the risk of loss and ensures that you have support throughout the transportation process. And the use of expert packing techniques that mitigate the risk of damage helps ensure your luggage arrives at its destination in mint condition.

Time optimisation. Shipping a suitcase with a professional service can give you considerable time benefits at each step, avoiding queues during check-in or collection and allowing you to reduce the costs associated with checking luggage into the hold and transporting it from the airport to the hotel. Using a dedicated service can help you avoid customs-related issues, too, thanks to specialised packaging that ensures compliance with international regulations.

Punctual planning. Simple and quick scheduling can help ensure smooth transit. By communicating the destination address, number, weight and dimensions of the luggage, you can have your suitcases delivered to their destination without problems, even selecting the most convenient day and time for pick-up on arrival and departure. 

You can also opt for home collection on request, which allows you to hand over your luggage in complete comfort from home or from an agreed location, offering even more flexibility and convenience. 

For seamless and stress-free travel, it makes sense to ship your baggage separately, particularly if you prefer to travel light. The MBE luggage and sports equipment forwarding service includes the transportation of bags and suitcases but also bicycles, windsurfing equipment, skis, golf equipment and more, to help you enjoy your hobbies while on vacation.

With just a few clicks, you can ship your luggage and protect it from despatch to delivery, as well as arranging collection from your home and delivery to your hotel. MBE’s service centres are ready to support you with tailor-made solutions that meet your specific needs. 

You can trust our experts to help enhance your travel experience and provide peace of mind while transporting your valuable belongings.

Discover more about MBE’s world class solutions here.