LugLess

LugLess: Door-to-destination luggage shipping with FedEx and UPS rates

LugLess is a luggage shipping platform that has been operating since 2009 and is part of the Luggage Forward group. Its approach consists of comparing FedEx and UPS rates in real time to find the most economical option based on the traveler's route, and issuing a digital shipping label that the customer receives on their phone. The service is designed for those who prefer not to check their bags at the airport and instead send them separately to the final destination or to a nearby pickup point.

What can be shipped

The company accepts suitcases, golf clubs, skis, snowboards, boxes, camp trunks, and most sports equipment. It does not accept hazardous materials, perishables, alcohol, firearms, or valuables such as cash or jewelry. The company summarizes its criteria by noting that any item that would normally be checked at the airport can be shipped through its platform, in many cases at a lower cost.

Notable uses include shipping golf clubs to the course, skis and snowboards to the mountain, boxes for students moving to college, and luggage to camps.

How the service works

The process begins with an online booking. The platform calculates the lowest available rate between FedEx and UPS for the indicated route and sends a digital label to the user's phone. The traveler can take the luggage to any of the more than 10,000 drop-off points in the United States — such as FedEx offices, UPS stores, Walgreens, or Duane Reade — where they scan, print, and attach the label, or pay an additional fee for doorstep pickup. Once dispatched, the luggage arrives at the final destination or is held at a nearby FedEx or UPS office.

LugLess digital labels require no printer and work with either of the two courier companies. The company also offers real-time tracking through FedEx or UPS, with links and email updates when the package is picked up, in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. Enhanced tracking is available as an add-on.

Rates and comparison with checked baggage

Starting price is $25 per bag for domestic U.S. routes. The final cost depends on size, weight, distance, and delivery speed, and the user sees the full quote before booking. The company states that it does not apply fuel surcharges or overweight fees up to 100 lbs. In its comparison with airline fees, it notes that airlines charge $35 to $60 per bag, plus more than $100 for overweight, while LugLess starts at $25 with no weight surcharge up to 100 lbs. It acknowledges that, for a single light bag on a short flight, checking can be cheaper.

Standard ground shipping times are 2 to 6 business days depending on distance. Express options take 1 to 3 business days, and there is a next-business-day alternative for last-minute travelers, at a higher cost. The company recommends shipping luggage at least 3 to 5 days before the start of the trip.

Coverage and luggage protection

Coverage is a paid add-on. The customer can purchase LugLess Value Protection at booking, with coverage up to $3,500 per package, and increase the amount from the edit tab in their account until the label is scanned. Exclusions are detailed on the Value Protection page. Damage claims must be filed from the account within 15 days of delivery, and claims for lost shipments within 30 days of the expected delivery date.

Track record and scale

Founded in 2009, LugLess has shipped more than 1.15 million bags and equipment and served more than 260,000 travelers. The company reports an average rating of 4.4 stars based on more than 18,000 reviews. In 2013 it participated in the fourth season of ABC's Shark Tank. In 2014 it was included in Entrepreneur magazine's 100 Brilliant Companies list and joined its sister company Luggage Forward. In 2019 it added shipping for golf clubs, skis, and snowboards; in 2020 it added box shipping; in 2021 it received the Shyft Conversions Master Award at the ShyftX Awards; in 2023 it surpassed 500,000 bags shipped; in 2025 it reached one million bags and launched tools such as the bag calculator and guides on airline baggage fees, as well as its No Baggage Club loyalty program; and in 2026 it extended service to Canada with a dedicated operation.

Customer profile

LugLess users include individual travelers, families, college students, golfers, and skiers. The company describes its activity as specializing exclusively in shipping luggage and sports equipment, with packing and labeling guidance tailored to suitcases and travel items, and a support team trained to answer travelers' specific questions.