July 1, 2010 - The UPS Store can ease air travelers' burdens this summer with three luggage shipping alternatives, including a new luggage box that takes the place of a suitcase, to help reduce hassles of long lines, security searches and increasing baggage fees. 

"Not having to carry a suitcase while traveling is a great convenience. Even better is luggage awaiting your arrival at a destination or hotel," said John Minetola, The UPS Store franchisee from Wyoming, Pa.

"You can ship your luggage as is; place it in a box for shipment, or at select locations purchase a luggage box, eliminating the need for a suitcase altogether." 

Both luggage boxes meet airline baggage restrictions for travelers opting to fly with their belongings. The small box can be carried on and the large box can be checked in, minimizing the chance of paying airline oversize or overweight charges. The luggage boxes have been professionally tested. Travelers can visit theupsstore.com to view a luggage box information sheet with details about box dimensions, weight limitations and declared value. 

Luggage solutions from The UPS Store also allow travelers to easily track shipments with UPS mobile apps for cell phones, PDAs or other web-enabled wireless devices or receive e-mail shipment notification. Travelers can visit the online cost calculator to research the most economical shipping option. Planning ahead allows travelers to choose a less expensive shipping option like UPS Ground service.  

The certified packing experts at The UPS Store also specialize in packing odd, oversized items, such as skis, golf clubs and fishing poles - items travelers would prefer to have waiting at their destination. Because of the duties and taxes associated with international shipments, The UPS Store does not recommend shipping luggage internationally. Federal Aviation Administration restrictions prohibit the UPS Store from shipping hazardous materials, including colognes and perfumes, aerosol sprays, nail polish and cigarette lighters via air.