Skiers sending their equipment by COURIER to beat airport delays and charges

Savvy skiers are dodging airport chaos by sending their equipment to their holiday destination – by COURIER.

Travellers to winter hot spots such as the French and Swiss Alps have traditionally hauled their heavy equipment through check-in desks at airports where it is placed in the plane’s luggage hold.

But as demand soars, carriers are enforcing sky-high charges on bulky skis and snowboards.

Many travellers have also suffered delays receiving their equipment because space in the hold fills up quickly during ski season and airlines must send the extra luggage on different flights.

Holidaymakers are now turning to services such as LuggageMule, which has reported a 38% increase in bookings from skiers this season compared with the same period in 2013.

Managing director Jordan Makin said: “During the ski season, hold space on flights quickly fill up, meaning that often luggage doesn’t arrive with you. We guarantee that your luggage and equipment will arrive in resort the day before you, so you know it’s waiting for you in resort before you’ve even left the UK.

“This means not only can you relax with this peace of mid, but you don’t need to carry your bulky equipment and luggage through two airports and onto the transfer to the ski resort. For most of our customers, this alone is a great convenience.”

Luggage Mule sends bags and ski equipment ahead via their global courier network meaning travellers do not need to carry or check in their bags as they’re sent straight to their holiday accommodation.

Prices to send a 20kg suitcase to France starts from £59.99 for a return service to the UK, and from £77.99 for a return service for skis. Prices for the USA and Canada start from £99 each way for a 20kg suitcase plus skis.

Makin added: “Sending your luggage ahead takes a little more planning than travelling with it, but our on time delivery success rate is 98.9%, higher than any airline. For families with a lot of luggage, this service is a godsend as it means they can travel with hand luggage only and get through airports at both ends quickly, meaning they can be on the slopes in record time.”