We've all been there: finally making it to our dream destination just to realize there is still a bus, Uber, and a long walk on cobblestone streets with a hefty checked bag between you and your hotel. Whether you're planning a destination wedding, an adventurous trip that needs bulky objects like tents or skis, or are just an extreme overpacker like me, consider trying out a luggage shipping platform the next time you travel. On a recent trip, I turned to Luggage Forward, a door-to-door luggage shipping company that picked up my suitcase from my apartment and had it waiting for me at my hotel by the time I arrived at my destination. As someone who refuses to check a bag while traveling because I find it too cumbersome to lug it around to and from the hotel, a luggage shipping service is exactly what I need. I was able to pack everything I wanted (and then some), and was still able to comfortably drift through airport security without getting held up. Plus, I didn't have to fret about the size of my liquid toiletries.
This was also a great chance for me to use one of the most gorgeous and luxurious suitcases I have in my arsenal, Tumi's 19 Degree Aluminum rolling trunk. I had been hesitant about taking the trunk on any trips other than train rides or road trips because it's simply too beautiful to risk in the hands of TSA. Luckily, with this white-glove service, I was able to send my suitcase on its way without fear that it would arrive back to me looking like it fell out of the sky.
How it works
It's recommended that you set up your luggage shipping order as early as possible. I, however, was heading on a last-minute trip and didn't have time to schedule it ahead. Even so, I was able to schedule my order pickup for the next day. Luggage Forward overnighted my shipping label, and by 3:00 p.m. the next day, my suitcase was ready and waiting for pickup. The process is exceptionally easy, making any form of user error nearly impossible. First, you use the website to put in the pickup location and drop-off location of your bag, and include important information like whether the bag is small, standard, or oversized. Then you are able to select the time of pickup: Choose either a free pickup window between 1:00–7:00 p.m. or a specific time for an extra cost. I chose five-day shipping, but there is also three-day, two-day, and one-day shipping available for an extra cost. There are also special options for shipping golf bags, skis and snowboards, or bikes.
After placing the order, the brand sends you a shipping label that you can attach to the handle of your suitcase as instructed. If you don't have a doorman, make sure you'll be home and ready for someone to come grab your bag during your selected pickup window. Once my bag my picked up, I received an email letting me know it was on its way, and I was able to use the real-time tracker to keep eyes on its location throughout its journey.
It's worth noting that while I was testing this service, I did not book any form of express shipping and expected my bag to arrive a week (or five business days) after it was picked up. Much to my surprise, 48 hours after it shipped, my trunk arrived at its destination. Luckily, this was my parents' house, so they were happy to hold it for a few days before I arrived. I got an email that morning that my delivery was going to arrive early, and the brand let me know that in most cases, there doesn't actually need to be someone there to pick up the bag when it arrives. My parents were both home when my bag arrived, so they were able to collect it. However, it's worth keeping in mind that when it comes to luggage shipping, the timing isn't as exact as checking a bag on a flight is, so if you're staying at a hotel or vacation rental, you may have to call ahead to ensure that they're able to store your bag for a few extra days in advance if it arrives early.
Who is luggage shipping best for?
While I used Luggage Forward on a long weekend to visit my family, luggage shipping seems best suited for long-term stays. It's a great option for those who are moving temporarily (study abroad students, those visiting family for a few weeks at a time, or bi-coastal folks), those who are bringing more than they could possibly carry alone (destination wedding hosts), or anyone who needs big and bulky items for their trip (like tents, skis, or golf clubs). While you won't receive your luggage immediately upon arrival at your airline gate like you would if you checked it, you can rest easy knowing that your bags will be waiting on your doorstep once you arrive at your final destination. This means no lugging heavy golf clubs or large trunks around the airport, onto buses, and through city centers. Also, if you plan on traveling with multiple bags, luggage shipping can limit stress levels on your travel day, since you'll be able to arrive at the airport with just a personal item and not worry about getting there early to check any bags. I don't recommend using a luggage shipping service for a short trip or a multi-leg vacation since the timing can be difficult to predict, but I would consider it for longer treks abroad.
Luggage Forward is especially good for cruise-goers, since you can schedule your pickup or drop-off directly from your cruise, making it easy to get your bags exactly where you need to go with no extra hassle. Simply check the “pick up from cruise” box, select the correct cruise line and port, and enjoy knowing that your bag will get to where it needs to be safely.
More luggage shipping options
| Shipping service | Starting price | Shipping distance | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luggage Forward | $99 | Domestic and international | White-glove service, live tracking | Pricey |
| Lugless | $25 | Domestic | Affordable, digital shipping label | Must bring bags to carrier location |
| Shipgo | $35 | Domestic and international | Affordable international rates | Must print labels yourself |
| Luggage to Ship | $29 | Domestic and international | Can store luggage at its warehouse for up to six months for free | Bags might arrive late sometimes |
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler's third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.
