Shipping holiday gifts, recreational equipment or hefty vacation purchases separately can be a convenient and hassle-free alternative

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Travelers should be thinking about less cumbersome and possibly less expensive methods of getting their vacation "stuff" where it needs to go, now that most airlines are charging extra fees for a second piece of checked luggage, or even a first piece in some cases, AAA says.

"For many consumers, travel frequently includes the need to transport sporting equipment, holiday gifts or the fruits of shopping excursions either to or from a vacation destination," said Tom Wilt, managing director of AAA Partnership Programs. "Now that most airlines are trying to maximize revenue by charging an extra $10 or $20 per checked item, travelers should be re-examining the best ways of getting what they need, where they need it."

"Relinquishing your grip on a favorite tennis racket or fishing rod may be unnerving for some, so go ahead and take these items with you on the airplane; especially if they will fit your carrier's policy regarding carry-on luggage or can be packed in an oversized piece of checked luggage," Wilt said. "If knowing your favorite piece of equipment is on the flight with you is not a priority, however, shipping ahead may make sense. This is because things that may fit in a third bag or a box such as holiday gifts or backpacking gear not only add to the cost of a trip, but are frequently an ongoing juggling challenge when getting to and from the airport."

"Not all airlines are charging extra for checked luggage, so this is the first point to consider," Wilt said. "If you do plan to fly on a carrier that charges extra for bags, then consider shipping items you need directly to your destination rather than dragging them to the airport, going through the necessary security checks and retrieving them after your flight. There are a variety of specialty shipping companies who handle over-sized items such as snowboards, golf clubs, SCUBA gear, surfboards and bicycles. Some even provide door-to-door service. For other items, a package delivery company such as UPS may be your best choice. Regardless of what company you use, insure what you send."

Wilt said two people flying with four checked bags can easily add $40 to $80 to the price of their total trip expense. Charges are usually higher for over-sized items and international shipping typically costs more than items carried on domestic flights. Check with your airline to find out what can be shipped, prices, and any special handling or packing requirements.

While the cost of shipping may exceed the recently imposed checked baggage fees, these charges will at least partially offset a portion of the cost of using a delivery service. Some consumers may also feel the extra shipping costs outweigh the hassle of checking and retrieving multiple items at the airport.

Using the AAA Show Your Card & Save(R) program, AAA members can receive a 15 percent discount on packaging materials and five percent on domestic shipping at the more than 4,300 The UPS Store(R) locations nationwide. In addition to great savings, certified packing experts can also help air travelers pack their items, even if this requires building a custom-made box for an oversized object.

When it comes to worries over the potential of lost luggage, The UPS Store has a variety of options that allow travelers to track their luggage and other "stuff" as it is being shipped, such as UPS Next Day Air(R), UPS 2nd Day Air(R), UPS 3 Day Select(SM), and UPS Ground. By planning ahead and shipping early travelers can choose lower cost shipping options. The other key to making sure your things are waiting for you on arrival is to make relatives, hotel staff or other responsible parties know you are shipping items to them and they are prepared to accept delivery and secure your items.

Another alternative to taking everything you need for your trip to the airport is to rent items you may need at your destination. While it may be comforting to bring your own bicycle, golf clubs, skis or surfboard, renting these items may make the most sense for all but the most avid enthusiasts. Your travel agent can frequently advise you whether rental items such as these are available at your destination.

AAA's Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North American and popular online retailers including Target.com, FTD.com and more. Visit www.AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

AAA operates the largest leisure travel agency network in North America and has unique relationships with the world's most trusted travel providers, allowing AAA to offer exclusive deals and perks not available elsewhere. AAA travel agency services are available to both members and non-members, although members enjoy access to special incentives and rewards.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

AAA news releases, high resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

Stay connected with AAA on the web via:

Twitter.com/AAAnews

Twitter.com/AAAauto

YouTube.com/AAA

MySpace.com/AAAeveryday

AAA fan page on Facebook.com

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Geoff Sundstrom

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=75026

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO )

SOURCE AAA

Back to top