Holiday Luggage Tip for Travelers

With most airlines charging passengers for checked bags and imposing restrictions for carry-ons, an increasing number of travelers are looking at alternatives for a more convenient, cost-effective way to get their holiday gifts and luggage to its destination. The UPS Store® located at 1959 E. Greyhound Pass in Carmel is helping to ease travelers’ burdens by suggesting that travelers ship their luggage ahead.

“We’re seeing an increasing demand for our luggage shipping services,” said The UPS Store franchisee Gary Rapp. “There’s also been increased interest in packing services for items such as skis, golf clubs and fishing poles, items travelers would prefer to have waiting at their destination rather than lugging them around an airport.”

In today’s world, people are looking for cost-effective and time saving ways to minimize the hassle of flying and dealing with lost or misplaced luggage. Add to that the new service fees for baggage which can really add up, especially for families with multiple bags to check.

Rapp suggests the following tips if you do decide to ship your luggage:

• If possible, put luggage in a box. Doing this helps protect the luggage and provides a suitable surface for the shipping label. It will also help avoid additional handling charges.

• Another option, in some cases, is to forego the suitcase and place items directly in a box. This can minimize the chances of having to pay oversize or overweight charges. Be sure to pack an extra box, packaging tape and a return label and use them on your return trip.

• By using a shipping option, you can track your luggage all the way to its destination via cell phones, PDAs or other web-enabled wireless devices.

• Plan ahead. This allows you to choose a less expensive shipping option.

• Because of the duties and taxes associated with international shipments, shipping luggage can be cost prohibited.

• Due to restrictions, hazardous materials such as colognes and perfumes, aerosol sprays, nail polish, and cigarette lighters can not be shipped via air.

So if you’re looking for a way to beat the holiday hassles of traveling, you might want to consider shipping your luggage instead of checking it. To find out more give Rapp a call at 317.575.9432 or go to www.UPScarmel.com.