Frontier charges $50 -$60 to check a 40 lb bag. An extra $50 if the bag weighs 41-50 lbs.
Www.luggless.com
leverages their Fedx and UPS discounts.
it's around $45 to ship a 50 lb bag from NYC to LA; around $28 NY to FL. You have to drop off your suitcase days in advance. Drop off locations include Walgreens (FedEx) and Staples(ups)

Only big issues is if your hotel charges a $$$ package acceptance fee. Other issue is if you cancel your trip after you drop off your luggage.

You avoid baggage claim.

I've never shipped luggage. Does anyobe have any experience? Thoughts?

JMO but it makes less sense if your airline charges reasonable fees for checked luggage

A family member is about to try something like this. It could certainly be an alternative -- although it also has some unique problems like the ones you mentioned.

I will report back with their experience.

FWIW lugless seems to have the best prices.

Does Lugless over the option to ship to a FedEx or UPS location for customer pickup? That could be an alternative if staying at a hotel that charges high fees for package acceptance.

Yes.

I just used them. Frontier wanted $79, online in advance, to check a 40 lb bag from NY to Orlando. Lugless was $23, including a new customer $10 discount. I dropped of the suitcase on Monday. Delivery was expected on Friday. It was delivered on Thursday. I think the extra day is intensional. I used an airtag.

My outlook...I used Lugless discounted FedX account to ship. I didn�t need any extra services. The rate is bare bones, unbundled. Unlike Frontier the extras are reasonable.

The basic rate requires printing the shipping label and dropping it off at a manned Fedex location, including most Walgreens. Extra cost if you want Lugless to mail you a label or want Fedx to print your label. An extra cost if you want a pick up or delivery to a residential address.

MISLEADING checked bag is a marketing term. A 62" check able bag is oversized and will be billed at weight of 51 lbs, regardless of scale weight. Use a box or duffel bag if your suitcases are too big.