Must-read! Study abroad luggage consignment VS consolidated shipping, a complete analysis of the pros and cons

The school is about to start again for those who are studying abroad! Are you still worried about having too much luggage?

After all, when you go abroad, the luggage is too much and too heavy, and it is difficult to carry it by yourself.

I believe that many new students studying abroad have struggled with this question: Should I choose to ship my luggage abroad by group shipping or by airport check-in?

Today, FLY will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both. After reading this, you will know how to choose!


Airport check-in


Advantages:


1. Immediacy: Airport check-in ensures that the luggage arrives at the destination at the same time as the international students, which is very convenient for international students who need to use the luggage immediately.


2. Unified standards: Airlines have unified standards for the size, weight and quantity of luggage. International students only need to pack their luggage according to the standards without worrying too much.


3. Luggage tracking: Most airlines provide luggage tracking services. International students can keep track of the transportation status of their luggage at any time, which increases the safety of their luggage.

study abroad shipping

Disadvantages:


1. Extra fees: Airlines will charge extra fees for luggage that exceeds the specified size, weight or number, and the fees are very expensive!


*Special reminder: International flights calculate excess based on the weight of a single piece of luggage, and the weight cannot be added together. If the excess weight is only 4kg, you will have to pay 1k!


2. Manually carry luggage: All luggage is carried by family members at the airport, and after landing, it is all up to you. It is very tiring to carry large and small bags to transfer/rush to the apartment.


3. Item restrictions: Airport check-in has restrictions on some items, such as power banks, lighters, sunscreen spray, etc., which are directly confiscated on the spot by security check, wasting money.


Consolidated shipping


Advantages:


1. Time flexibility: Consolidated shipping usually provides more flexible shipping time. International students can send their luggage in advance according to their schedule and avoid the rush of temporary packing at the airport.


2. Transparent costs: Freight forwarding companies generally provide a clear quotation list with transparent costs, and international students can choose the appropriate mailing method according to their budget.


3. Safety guarantee: Professional freight forwarding companies will take multiple protective measures during packaging and transportation to ensure the safe arrival of luggage.


4. More mailing options: There are more types of items that can be mailed, such as food, skin care products, etc. There is no limit on the quantity and weight. As long as it is not a prohibited item, you can send as much as you want.


5. Safe and worry-free: You don’t have to worry about declaration and tax issues. Let the shipping company take care of it. The package will be delivered directly to your doorstep, and you can just wait for the signature.

study abroad shipping

Disadvantages:


Transportation time: Transportation takes time, and luggage needs to be sorted and sent to the warehouse in advance. Compared with airport consignment, the transportation time of consolidated mail is usually longer. International students need to plan their time in advance to avoid delaying the use of luggage.


In summary, it is recommended to make a choice based on your actual situation and needs. If you have enough time, your luggage meets the airline's regulations, and you don't have high requirements for the immediacy of your luggage, you can choose airport consignment; if you want more flexibility, transparent fees, and have high requirements for the safety of your luggage, you can choose consolidated mailing.


Summary: If you want to save time, trouble and effort, choose consolidated shipping; if you have few items, choose consignment shipping


Finally, if you still have questions or you have shipping needs, you can send us a private message~