Express delivery giant UPS is ready to offer domestic passengers in the United States an alternative to airline baggage charges.
It has unwrapped a “luggage box” through which passengers can ship bags in advance of flying rather than checking them at the airport.
UPS said in a statement that an increasing number of customers have been shipping luggage, particularly items such as skis and golf clubs, since airlines started charging for checked bags, prompting it to offer a tailored service.
It said it is offering two sizes of luggage boxes shaped like standard suitcases at select UPS Store locations throughout the US.
UPS touted its tracking capabilities and noted that customers will be able to get e-mail updates on the location of their luggage.
According to US Dept. of Transportation statistics, US airlines generated $769 million in revenue from baggage fees in the first quarter, up 33 percent year-over-year.
