Shipping luggage

[Carlajohnfl]

Has anyone shipped luggage ahead internationally ? Did it work out for you?

I am considering doing this because I will have two  flights on separate tickets the same day due to a cancellation of my original flight by the airline.  This was the only way I was able to make work.  Now I will have to pick up my luggage after my first flight ,recheck it and go through TSA. I only have a three hour layover so I’m very concerned about being able to get that all done and make my flight.  Shipping my bags ahead seems like a reasonable solution to that problem. I am just concerned about how reliable the shipping companies are.

[VMax1700]

Its a big world out there, so it would probably help if you stated to where you would want the luggage shipped. 😉

However, at first glance 3 hours seems a comfortable time to complete the recheck, but again more information such as ( which airport? what day of week? different airline? different terminal? different airport?) would assist posters to offer guidance.

[Donald]

More and more cruisers are opting for shipping luggage ahead - despite the fact that it is expensive.

From the ship side, for international shipping, we are seeing about a 50% success rate.

It is a great idea, but there are too many people and organizations involved in this to allow it to work well.

Customs officers in far too many countries do not like it.

Ship Agents who should be receiving the bags are too often too busy or just not interested in following through.

The bags usually make it to the ship, but too often arrive mid-cruise, or after the cruise is over.

Edited August 11 by Donald

[Carlajohnfl]

1 hour ago, Donald said:

More and more cruisers are opting for shipping luggage ahead - despite the fact that it is expensive.

From the ship side, for international shipping, we are seeing about a 50% success rate.

It is a great idea, but there are too many people and organizations involved in this to allow it to work well.

Customs officers in far too many countries do not like it.

Ship Agents who should be receiving the bags are too often too busy or just not interested in following through.

The bags usually make it to the ship, but too often arrive mid-cruise, or after the cruise is over.

Thanks! That’s what I was afraid of.  I guess I have about 50% chance if I take it with me so I might as well save my money.  

[Carlajohnfl]

2 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

Its a big world out there, so it would probably help if you stated to where you would want the luggage shipped. 😉

However, at first glance 3 hours seems a comfortable time to complete the recheck, but again more information such as ( which airport? what day of week? different airline? different terminal? different airport?) would assist posters to offer guidance.

I’m flying from Palm Beach to Philadelphia around 3:00 pm. Arriving around 6:00 then leaving for Nice , France around 9:00pm.  It seems like a decent amount of time, but with the possibility of delays and problems with luggage handling it makes me nervous.  That’s why I was considering the option of shipping. It looks like that might not be any better ,so I guess I’ll take my chances hauling it with us.  I will pack as much as I can in my carry ons.  

[zqvol]

25 minutes ago, Carlajohnfl said:

I’m flying from Palm Beach to Philadelphia around 3:00 pm. Arriving around 6:00 then leaving for Nice , France around 9:00pm.  It seems like a decent amount of time, but with the possibility of delays and problems with luggage handling it makes me nervous.  That’s why I was considering the option of shipping. It looks like that might not be any better ,so I guess I’ll take my chances hauling it with us.  I will pack as much as I can in my carry ons.  

Are you by chance on the same airline? If so they might check it through for you. Never hurts to ask. 

[CruiserBruce]

50 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Are you by chance on the same airline? If so they might check it through for you. Never hurts to ask. 

I think the OP is on separate airlines...but I think the more important question is are they allied airlines. Are they both in the same airline alliance.

[Carlajohnfl]

36 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

I think the OP is on separate airlines...but I think the more important question is are they allied airlines. Are they both in the same airline alliance.

I forgot to mention. Yes it is the same airline (American).  Before I I made the reservation, I asked if they could link the flights and was told yes.  Afterwards, I was told there was no way to do that and there was no way to choose an option to have my luggage flown  my final destination without my picking it up and rechecking. When I check in at PBI, I am going to ask if they will forward my luggage to my final destination since I am on the same airline. I’m hoping they will do that but I’m not sure if that’s a possibility. 
Originally I was flying to Boston staying overnight to get a morning flight. My morning flight was canceled and the best they could do was change my flight 350 miles. They wanted me to take a flight out of Boston, which meant another layover and an overnight stay in Boston that was unnecessary if  I wasn’t going to get a daytime flight.     

[donaldsc]

Sounds like you are flying in on the day before the cruise.  If so - why?  

 

DON

[Carlajohnfl]

No I’m flying in 3 day before, but I don’t want to miss a day of my vacation and my hotel is expensive.

[mom says]

If you will be in Nice for 3 days before embarkation,  I wouldn't hesitate to re check my bag. And who knows- the agent at your first airport may agree to check the bag all the way through. But in the unlikely event that your luggage doesn't arrive in Nice with you, you have ample time for the airline to get it to you. Likely on the next flight.

[Essiesmom]

I don’t see why you would need to claim and recheck for a flight going overseas.  I have had to do it when returning from overseas and continuing in the US.  There were instructions where to take the bag after customs.  But this has been a few years.  EM

[CruiserBruce]

26 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I don’t see why you would need to claim and recheck for a flight going overseas.  I have had to do it when returning from overseas and continuing in the US.  There were instructions where to take the bag after customs.  But this has been a few years.  EM

It might be required because the OP booked their flights on two different PNRs.

[Carlajohnfl]

Thanks. I do plan to recheck.  I’m just concerned about getting it in time to make it through TSA and getting to the gate in time to board. If we don’t have any delays, it shouldn’t be any problem, but you know how flying is these days. Also if I make it in time to catch my plane but not collect my baggage not sure what I will do…. Leave my baggage and see if they will forward it or wait till the next day scenario is not the best.😂

Of course we’re never guaranteed anything so I will just have to make the best of it.  I’m just trying to cover all my bases.
Thanks all for the suggestions.

[Carlajohnfl]

52 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I don’t see why you would need to claim and recheck for a flight going overseas.  I have had to do it when returning from overseas and continuing in the US.  There were instructions where to take the bag after customs.  But this has been a few years.  EM

It’s because I’ve booked two separate flights even though it’s with the same airline.
You know how it is ,back in the day things like this weren’t a problem, but it’s not as easy now😬😂

[ldubs]

15 hours ago, Carlajohnfl said:

I forgot to mention. Yes it is the same airline (American).  Before I I made the reservation, I asked if they could link the flights and was told yes.  Afterwards, I was told there was no way to do that and there was no way to choose an option to have my luggage flown  my final destination without my picking it up and rechecking. When I check in at PBI, I am going to ask if they will forward my luggage to my final destination since I am on the same airline. I’m hoping they will do that but I’m not sure if that’s a possibility. 
Originally I was flying to Boston staying overnight to get a morning flight. My morning flight was canceled and the best they could do was change my flight 350 miles. They wanted me to take a flight out of Boston, which meant another layover and an overnight stay in Boston that was unnecessary if  I wasn’t going to get a daytime flight.     

 

Of course there is always a chance of delays.  I would be good with that layover.   

 

We once found ourselves on a flight out of SFO with a connection in Zurich that was on a separate ticket (long story).  And, as luck would have it we missed that flight.   The airline was under no obligation to rebook us on another flight the next day.   But with a little persistence and a lot of sweet talking, they made an accommodation for us.   

[Carlajohnfl]

Yes being persistent, but still nice is helpful.