bromleygirl

As we all know the airlines have cut back the free checked baggage allowance to 1 per person. I had been of the mind to pay for a piece of excess baggage each on our return so we can bring back as much as possible but then it occurred to me instead of paying the $60/bag I could UPS instead. The limit for weight is 50lbs - has anyone shipped using UPS or FedEx instead of paying for excess baggage and how did it compare in terms of cost, time and service?? Thanks

Also, has anyone claimed VAT at the airport when leaving the UK??

Bob

Not worth it...depends on the shop bothering to take part and unless you're buying something pricey such as a laptop, it'll not get you much of a return.

As for excess, ask the airlines, some limit it to the day depending on how busy the flight is, and costs vary, so sometimes it is a great bargain, others, not so, or even doable.

If you aren't bringing over perishables, such as tea bags, bottled goods, chocolates, you could just ship it slow boat with the post and it'll be cheap as chips. Usually takes 10 weeks, but sometimes as quick as a month.

DHL might be another option as they can sometimes be pretty cheap.

Bluegrass Lass

I asked about this once at the local UPS store. They mentioned that its great if you are going domestic, but if you want the luggage shipped international, that's a whole different ball game. This was awhile ago though, so you may want to look into it more just to make sure it's affordable for an international shipment.

bromleygirl

Yes, that's what I'm thinking - how much would UPS charge to ship the equivalent of a 50lb bag to me instead of paying the $60 excess baggage fee to take it on the plane with me.

Besides the cost the pro would be not having to lug 3 extra bags to and from the airport. Con is the risk of shipping and waiting for it to arrive.

May well e-mail UPS in England and pose the question to them.

Bluegrass Lass

Another thing, would Royal Mail think you are trying to import your clothing and charge you customs/VAT fees on it?

bromleygirl

I'd be sending them from the UK to the US so RM may think I would be exporting my personal items and US customs may decide to open up the boxes.

I'm leaning towards paying the excess baggage costs and stick the lot on the airplane with us going back..

Vimto

There is a company in the UK called Excess Baggage who use UPS 2 day service http://www.excess-baggage.com/
maybe they could offer an alternative?

Rose tea

Take a look at flymycase.com as well. I'm planning to use this service this month, and I'll report back on my experience.

Ozzidoc

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ght=airfreight

Might be of use.