Wednesday May 21, 2008 - Pack More, Pay Less

A growing number of airlines are charging customers for the privilege of traveling with a suitcase. American Airlines has just announced they’ll charge $15 for the first checked bag, and $25 for the second. Delta charges extra for curbside check-in and United has joined the ranks of airlines that will charge for an “extra” bag. In the past a traveler was allowed to check two bags for free, now the trend is to allow only one.

What are the fees for an extra bag? Of course there is no consistency, which will allow the carriers to “feed” off of each others increases until the damage to travelers becomes unbearable. Spirit Airlines charges for every bag; $20 each for the first two, $100 for the third. Larger carriers such as United and Continental are charging $85 and $100, respectively, for that third bag. Delta charges $75 and American, $80. And of course, if you return home with your bag, you’ll have to pay the fee again.

Costs are rising, and the rate of mishandled baggage is also rising, so travelers are paying more and getting less.

The alternative is to have your personal belongings shipped ahead to your destination. CarryOn offers this service to people who travel frequently and with the same items so that they never have to check a bag. Let’s compare the two alternatives on a trip to Dallas via American Airlines.

No Packing

With CarryOn, you don’t even have to pack; just access your account online and choose which articles of clothing, shoes, electronics or personal hygiene items you’d like to have with you at your destination. CarryOn ships your items in sturdy boxes rather than a heavy suitcase, so you pay only to transport what you’ll actually need.

Lower Cost

The total weight of a package containing a gentleman’s wool suit, belt, dress shoes, casual shoes, two pair of slacks, four shirts, two ties, undergarments and toiletries is approximately 15lbs and will cost $10 each way to ship via Ground. A total of $20 for the shipping, and your package is waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel, instead of you waiting for your luggage when you arrive at the airport.

On American, you’ll pay $15 each direction for your suitcase, which you’ll have to bring with you and hope that the airline doesn’t lose or otherwise mishandle it. You’ll have to wait for it at Baggage Claim, and then carry it with you to and from your hotel, then pay to check it on your return flight for a total cost of $30.

More Convenient

In addition to making your travel days easier, CarryOn also fees up your time on days in between trips. We’ll take care of the packing and unpacking, dry cleaning or laundering of your clothing, whichever you choose, at reasonable rates and 1-day turnaround.

Make travel as simple and worry-free as possible! Join the Business Travel Revolution and say “no more!” to high cost and bad service.