Airline Starts Bag Delivery

American Airlines will begin testing a new service that allows passengers to bypass baggage claim and have their luggage delivered for a fee.

It will run you anywhere from $30 to $50 depending on the amount of luggage. If the delivery address is 40 miles or less, the bags should be delivered somewhere between one and four hours. For addresses further away, it will cost $1 per extra mile and take longer.

American says its perfect for business people who need to get to a meeting, want to save time by not having to stop at baggage claim, don’t want to take their luggage with them, and don’t have time to go to their hotel. Or for families who don’t want the hassle of worrying about bags with little kids in tow.

While it’s not stated, I believe the delivery fees do not include the checked baggage fees.

I hope there are lots of people who take advantage of this service—especially business people who usually have wheeled carry-ons. Why? That would leave more overhead space for those of us who onebag it.

Comments

[Alan B]

For some business travelers, whose first appointment of the day is not proximate to their hotel, potentially this sort of service could save both time, and money, and end up as at least a break-even proposition. My own "business travel" typically is a medical meeting, held at the hotel where I am staying, or close by, so it would not help me, but for a "road warrior" in commercial sales, it could make sense. There are some of those who DO travel with a roller carry-on, who still might be interested in a variant of the service, since showing up for an appointment with even a carry-on suitcase doesn't fit the role.

[Ralph]

Interesting idea, and especially since a lot of business travelers take morning flights vs night flights on the outbound. I could see this for people checking in their bags, not not those who already carry on.
But I'm not sure how this saves significant space in the overhead "business people who usually have wheeled carry-ons". If a wheeled carry on is the standard size of 22x14x8, I would assume this type of traveler will still carry on. And this size is the same as a non wheeled carry on like an aeronaut or any other mlc sized carry on. If you are trying to compare to a smaller non wheeled carry on, then you use apples to apples and compare to a 20 or 18 inch wheeled carry on. I usually put my tristar and aeronaut onthe side vs standing up in the overheard because its a tight squeeze otherwise. The airline gives that allowance, and its not like lifeboats, there is not enough space period if everyone carrys on. Its first come first serve. If someone doesn't take the allowed space, so be it. No different than some people don't recline out of respect of the person behind them. But its their entitlement to recline if they so choose. many fliers then look for ways to ensure they board early, or their carry on can fit under the seat in front of them vs the overhead.
If the gripe is people who carry oversized carry on, then i totally agree with this. few things are more annoying than someone whoe puts their luggage in side ways. But I also see boxes and long sports duffle bags on every flight I'm on.
The other real annoyance is people putting their overhead before they reach their seat.

[Frank@OBOW]

My point is that there may be some business people who normally carry-on but may partake of the delivery service instead. If they do, the bag is checked thus freeing up overhead space.

The delivery service must be booked no less than two days prior to the flight. Passeners can't just walk up to the baggage desk upon arrival and ask for their bag to be delivered.