To ship or to check? That is the luggage question

The convenience of shipping comes with a cost. But under some circumstances, it may be worth it—and there may even be some savings if you factor in other elements

- ELAINE GLUSAC

S NOT JUST fees that deter fliers from checking bags; it's the time and hassle involved in reclaiming them as well as the risk they will be lost, damaged or delayed. Nearly seven in 1,000 airline passengers globally experience mishandled bags, according to SITA, an air-technology provider. Promising to reduce travel friction, luggage-shipping services have flourished in recent years, offering unburdened transit and the delight of finding your bags waiting for you at your destination. The convenience often comes at a cost above a checked-bag fee. So, we wondered, is it worth it?

How shipping works