Luggage delivery: only 30% of holidaymakers know about a service that could save them £100s

15th May 2025

Travelling with loads of luggage can be very stressful. Worse still, if holidaymakers get their suitcase's weight or size wrong, excess charges can run into £100s.

The international delivery expert Parcelhero was recently named in a list of 20 leading competitors in the luggage delivery market. It says 70% of travellers aren't aware that some international couriers deliver luggage direct to hotels or residential addresses.

Dragging our holiday luggage around airports, only for it to get lost or delayed, is all too often part of the vacation experience. So too is paying potentially £100s in excess baggage fees. Yet, new research from the home delivery expert Parcelhero reveals only around 30% of holidaymakers realise they can avoid problems by sending their luggage in advance by courier to their hotel or any residential address.

While many travellers remain unaware they can send on their baggage in advance, Parcelhero says this ‘silent’ service is actually a fast-growing option among travellers in the know.

Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘Given the stress and potential expense associated with transporting your own luggage on holiday, it’s very surprising that 70% of holidaymakers are unaware that several leading international couriers offer an inexpensive and easy alternative.

‘Parcelhero’s latest analysis of recent industry research also reveals that 32% of Brits have been caught out by unexpected or hidden baggage charges. That’s a statistic supported by the financial services company Confused.com’s survey last year, which found that one-third of holidaymakers have been hit with charges for overweight baggage, paying an average of £55 on top of their ticket price. Just over one in seven (16%) ended up paying more than £100 in excess fees.

‘A sizeable 42% of passengers feel that airlines catch them off guard with hidden or unexpected charges, with resulting hefty fees. For example, according to the travel planning site Skyscanner, Virgin charges up to £200 for an oversize case. Similarly, KLM can impose fees of up to 240 euros and Air France up to 300 euros per bag in excess baggage fees, depending on the route.

‘Using a luggage courier service, whether it’s for a short trip or an extended stay abroad, is a convenient way to send baggage ahead. These services can also be attractive for holidaymakers who want to travel light or those who simply prefer the convenience of having their cases delivered directly to their destination. In particular, luggage delivery services can be great for travellers who have limited baggage allowances or need to ship extra items that won’t fit in carry-on bags.

‘While hotels are typically well-staffed, this may not be the case if your luggage is travelling to a smaller guesthouse or a holiday let. Parcelhero’s hot tip is to always make sure someone is available to receive your delivery.

‘Even though it’s not a service that everyone is familiar with, the luggage delivery market is actually growing fast. According to The Business Research Company (TBRC), the value of the international luggage delivery market is set to rise from $5.63bn in 2024 to $6.09bn this year - an 8.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). It’s a trend that looks set to continue. TBRC forecasts the market will be worth $8.25bn by 2029.

‘The USA is currently the largest luggage delivery service market and is likely to remain so. That’s despite the recent fall in international visitors to the US owing to President Trump’s stricter immigration policies and trade-related issues.

‘In its Luggage Delivery Service Market 2025 report, TBRC lists 20 "top competitors and leading players" in the luggage delivery service market. Parcelhero features in this list of "major players", alongside international aviation support companies such as India’s InterGlobe Aviation and Japan’s JAL ABC services. Parcelhero is the only UK-based parcel comparison site to appear on the list.

‘Using Parcelhero’s specialist luggage booking service, holidaymakers and business travellers can have their baggage delivered globally to 220 countries and territories via the services of our partner international carriers.

‘As well as suitcases, it’s also easy to send awkwardly sized items such as golf clubs, skis, bikes and other sporting equipment direct to the holiday destination. With timed pick-up and delivery services, tracking and a money-back guarantee, the service should help take the strain out of holiday travel.

‘For more information about how to book a baggage collection direct from your own home, plus tips on how to pack your luggage correctly to withstand the rigours of international shipping, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/courier-services/luggage-courier