Archive for January, 2011

Question: What’s cheaper : shipping or taking extra luggage on the plane?
I’m going away to college and I just want to know what’s more economic. I looked up both for estimates, I just want to know your experience or what you think is best.
luggage shipping

Best answer:

Answer by arsanlupin
The recent changes in baggage fees that some airlines introduced makes this a horribly complicated question. You mentioned neither origin, destination, nor airline – let alone the type of ticket you bought to fly to college. You haven’t even stated what countries are involved! The rules in Minnesota are a little different than the rules in Moldova – or Mongolia. The 1st link is just an example of how ridiculous the rules have become.

The fact that you used the word “college” instead of “university”, and you used the word “economic” ungrammatically, both lead me to believe you are American, so I’ll try to answer based on that assumption. Just try to remember in the future that “assume” is spelled A5S-U-ME. Try to supply all the required details in the future.

You will need a certain minimum of personal effects with you; how minimum will be dictated by the airline’s baggage policy. In the example with Delta Airlines, the US$ 15 fee for a 50 lb (23 kg) suitcase with up to 62″ total dimensions is a good bargain – I would use it. Weigh and measure your bag before leaving and make sure you stay under the weight limit, or the $ 15 fee will become $ 105. Overweight and oversize both will cost you $ 280. I would also make full use of the carry-on bag: put a couple days’ staples in that – your checked bag might get lost for a day or 2. The max weight of 40 lb is less important than the max dimensions: approximately 22″x14″x9″.

Anything extra I suggest shipping. Again: I cannot make specific recommendations because you gave us too little information. Use links 2, 3, and 4 to calculate the cost of your packages. Have weight and dimensions available, as well as the zip code of origin and destination.

All of this assumes domestic moving within the 48 conterminous states of the United States. Anything else will change the answer – especially if there is any international travel involved.