United Offers Door-to-Door Baggage Shipping

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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[[United]], in partnership with FedEx, will begin offering door-to-door baggage shipping, with prices starting at $149 per bag. The service includes guaranteed next-day arrival and online package tracking.

This program is convenient for a few reasons. First, obviously, you avoid the hassle of hauling your bags through the airport, and you also eliminate the possibility that your luggage will be lost or damaged in transit. According to the Wall Street Journal, United’s baggage shipping service appears to be a good deal as well, at least relative to other providers. To ship a 50-pound bag between Santa Monica and New York City, the Journal reports United would charge $179, while competing companies would charge well over $300. Between Madison, Wisconsin, and St. Louis, the prices for a 50-pound bag are more even. Clearly you’ll have to compare options, but it looks like United’s rates are at least on par with its competitors.

Of course, at $149 or more per bag, most folks will have to say “thanks, but no thanks,” and take their chances with good old-fashioned baggage checking (and United’s $15 fee). But for those who can afford it, United’s baggage shipping program could take a huge bite out of the stress of flying.

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