Don't Lug Your Luggage

By Lisa McLaughlin

Faced with longer check-in lines, lengthy security screening and more airline baggage restrictions, many passengers are sending their bags ahead via luggage-shipping services. Companies such as Luggage Express, Virtual Bellhop, Sports Express and Skycap International will pick up your luggage at your home, office or hotel and deliver it to your destination overnight. A 40-lb. suitcase flown from New York City to Los Angeles costs $98 to $131--less if you can send the bags two or three days before you depart. And if you really aren't in a rush, ship that bag full of dirty laundry home from your trip using a ground carrier. UPS Ground will send your suitcase home in five days for only $41. --By Lisa McLaughlin