Holidaymakers from the UK are being advised to shun baggage delivery services where luggage can be sent ahead to many popular sunshine destinations. The facility enables travellers to have bags transported in advance to most locations enabling passengers to avoid baggage check-in queues at airports.
It is especially useful for holidaymakers who may have excess baggage with delivery operators claiming their service is cheaper than extra charges imposed by low-cost airlines like Ryanair.
Many passengers choose budget airlines in a bid to save money, only to discover that they have to pay extra in order to bring anything other than a small item of hand luggage. Fees for a standard item of luggage delivered to many holiday destinations usually start at around £35.
The facility is particularly useful for passengers travelling outside the EU for skiing or golfing breaks who may find that their sports equipment is subjected to a hefty airline excess baggage charge.
There have also been many recent reports of exasperated passengers waiting hours to collect suitcases from their flights and some even leaving the airport without picking up their bags. Incidents such as these have prompted many travellers to consider sending their luggage ahead.
However strict EU customs rules, imposed after Brexit, have caused unexpected delays through red tape with items held up on arrival in Spain and other resorts.
Travel expert Alexandra Smith, who runs the Mallorca Under The Sun website, said she advised against using the service for holidays because of issues linked to Brexit. She said: "Avoid using the type of bag services where you can send your bag ahead of your journey if you’re flying to Majorca from the UK.
"I’ve heard reports of holidaymakers’ suitcases sent from the UK to Majorca being caught indefinitely in customs and the contents being subject to customs charges."
Baggage delivery specialist sendmybag.com has admitted there have been delays since the UK left the EU. It states on its website: "Time critical shipments (e.g. baggage for a holiday) should not be sent and all shipments should be given additional time to clear customs.
"Brexit related delays continue to affect UK - EU logistics networks and until further notice holiday baggage shipments between UK and Europe should not be booked."
