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Updated May 2026
Best Luggage Shipping Services 2026
— Skip Airport Baggage Entirely
Frontier and Spirit gate fees now reach $99 per bag each way.
Shipping luggage to your hotel before you fly can be cheaper and far less stressful.
Here is how Luggage Forward, SendMyBag, and Ship Sticks compare in 2026.
← Back to Baggage Fee GuideAirport baggage fees have increased every year since 2008. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit now charge up to $99 per bag at the gate. Even on Delta and United, a family of four checking one bag each on a round trip pays $280–$320 before boarding. For the right traveler and trip type, shipping luggage directly to the destination is not just convenient — it is frequently the cheaper option.
Luggage Forward
Best for International & Cruises
Domestic from ~$49/bag · International from ~$99/bag
Luggage Forward operates in over 200 countries and is the preferred luggage shipping partner for several major cruise lines including Viking and Holland America. They offer a 100% money-back on-time delivery guarantee — one of the few services to do so. Pricing is premium but the reliability and international coverage make it the top choice for complex itineraries.
Strengths
✓ Widest international coverage
✓ On-time delivery guarantee
✓ Cruise line partnerships
✓ Up to $1,000 standard coverage
Limitations
✗ Premium pricing
✗ Book 5+ days in advance
✗ Higher for domestic vs. direct shipping
SendMyBag
Best Value International
Domestic from ~$30/bag · International from ~$60/bag
SendMyBag offers competitive international pricing with door-to-door collection and delivery. Particularly strong for European routes, where their rates frequently beat budget airline carry-on fees. Standard coverage is included with additional insurance available for valuable items. A student discount is offered for university relocations.
Strengths
✓ Strong European network
✓ Competitive base pricing
✓ Box shipping available
✓ Student discount offered
Limitations
✗ Less cruise integration
✗ Basic coverage included
✗ Broad delivery windows
Ship Sticks
Best for Golf Equipment
Golf bag shipping from ~$39 one-way domestic
Ship Sticks specializes in golf club shipping and has become the dominant service for golfers wanting to avoid airline golf bag fees ($35–$75 per flight) and baggage carousel damage. They also ship skis, bikes, and regular luggage to over 100 countries. Deep relationships with golf courses and resorts mean bags often arrive before you do.
Strengths
✓ Golf industry specialist
✓ Also ships skis and bikes
✓ Course/resort partnerships
✓ Competitive domestic rates
Limitations
✗ Less competitive for regular bags
✗ International pricing varies widely
Shipping vs. Checking — Cost Comparison
| Scenario (Round Trip) | Airline Fee | Shipping Est. | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bag, Southwest | $0 | ~$98 | Check the bag |
| 1 bag, Frontier (gate) | $198 | ~$98 | Ship saves $100 |
| Family of 4 (1 bag each, Delta) | $280–$320 | ~$392 | Airlines cheaper |
| 2 bags, Frontier (gate) | $396 | ~$196 | Ship saves $200 |
| Golf bag, domestic | $70–$150 | ~$78 (Ship Sticks) | Ship saves $0–$72 |
📋 Checklist — When to Ship vs. When to Check
Ship your luggage when:
✓ Flying Frontier or Spirit and adding bags at the gate
✓ Traveling with golf clubs, skis, or oversized sports equipment
✓ Cruising and want bags delivered directly to the ship
✓ Traveling with young children and want to move freely through the airport
Check your bags when:
✗ Flying Southwest — two bags are always free
✗ You have a travel card that covers the baggage fee with its annual credit
✗ You need items immediately upon arrival and cannot wait for delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is luggage shipping safe?
All major luggage shipping services use established carriers including FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Loss rates for properly packaged bags are very low. When issues occur, the insurance claim process through shipping services is typically faster and more straightforward than filing a lost bag claim with an airline.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Most services require 2–5 business days for domestic and 5–7 days for international. For cruise departures, 7–10 days in advance is recommended to ensure on-time arrival at the port. Rush services are available at a premium on some routes.
Can I ship luggage to a hotel before I arrive?
Yes. Most hotels will hold luggage shipped ahead of your arrival. It is good practice to notify the concierge in advance and confirm whether a receiving fee applies. Larger hotels and resorts in markets where Luggage Forward and SendMyBag operate regularly have established procedures for this.
Is shipping golf clubs cheaper than the airline fee?
On most domestic routes, Ship Sticks starts at around $39 one-way — comparable to or lower than airline golf bag fees of $35–$75 per flight each way. The financial advantage grows when factoring in the risk of damage at the baggage carousel and the convenience of having clubs waiting at the course before you arrive.
Can a travel credit card also help cover shipping costs?
Yes. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide a $300 annual travel credit that applies to any travel-related purchase. Depending on how each card defines eligible purchases, luggage shipping may qualify. Always verify with the card issuer whether shipping services are included under the travel credit terms.
Go Back to the Beginning
Review Southwest’s full baggage policy, weight limits, and how they compare to every other U.S. airline.
← Southwest Baggage Guide
Last updated: May 2026 · MyVirtualBlog.com · Travel Guides
This content is for informational purposes only. Prices and services are subject to change — always verify current rates directly with each shipping provider before booking.