Using Luggage Shipping Services Instead of Checking
 

With the meltdown in airline luggage handling in Europe and the UK, I am considering doing a carryon and then shipping a large suitcase with one of the services that ships it door to door (which is not cheap). Does anyone have experience doing this?

I've used Luggage Forward to ship skis from Seattle to NZ and Japan. Not since 2017 though. Works well and I did it since didn't want to schlep the skis around at other destinations before needing them. I only use the service one-way. As you said, it's very expensive now so really up to you to have peace of mind.

I only travel to a handful of cities for business these days and stay in the same hotels. I have bags stored at each hotel and know how to get my clothes washed (including the hotel sink method). I buy new clothes locally or ship them to the hotel. In both cases, the hotel people add them to my stored bag. If shipping costs weren't so cheap here in China, I'd probably avoid the shipping drill because stores like H&M are everywhere. I also don't mind checking a bag.

Or you could just buy a $30 AirTag (assuming you have an Apple device) and avoid all of these costly and inconvenient alternatives to what still remains likely a pretty small risk.

My mum uses one frequently within the UK and it works great for her. I can find out the company name if you want.

Thanks. I've got some names. I am planning to fly US to CDG, transit CDG and arrive at AMS. My concern would be less if those were not the airports involved. (I am transiting LHR on the return, but am less concerned about late bags on the return.) Also, I often now use Apple airtags, but those only let you know where the bag is. They do not help much in making the airline handle it timely or deliver it faster.

Artpen100 May I ask what you decided to do, and if you were happy with whichever decision you made?

I'm debating using Luggage Forward to return items from a trip to Nepal, but that feels like an extreme test case, mostly to allow me to overpack on comfort items like bug spray and water purification on my first trip to a developing country...

They have all that in Nepal. Besides that they have drinking water and lots of bug spray for your skin and room. Some of the jungle areas is where you'll need bug spray the most. Otherwise it's no big deal in my opinion. The main thing you need to probably carry is a Luci Solar Light. I've been to Nepal several times, in different areas. The first time I brought everything and the kitchen sink. What I used consistently were solar lights, battery packs, and a heating pad and water immersion heater, both which you can buy there. I've been there covering all the months except summer monsoon months. Enjoy your trip.