Press

How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees in 2026: 9 Proven Tricks That Actually Work

For extended trips, ski vacations, or travel with specialty equipment, shipping your luggage ahead via services like ShipGo or Luggage Forward can actually be cheaper than airline bag fees — and far more convenient. You drop off your bags days before departure and pick them up at your hotel or destination.

The best luggage sets of 2026, tested and reviewed by editors

Soft-side bags should be made with fabrics in the 600–1680 denier range — higher denier numbers mean thicker, more tear-resistant material. Ballistic nylon, at the upper end of that range, is particularly strong and durable, says Audrey Kohout, travel expert and co-CEO at Luggage Forward.

A Savvy Skier’s Guide To Renting And Buying Gear

26 Practical Tips For Smarter, More Responsible Travel In 2026

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, says: “With airlines deprioritising the traveller as operational efficiencies and costs increase. In 2026, thoughtful travellers will consider volunteering their carry-on at the gate when prompted, or even consider luggage shipping services to send bags ahead of time via a third-party delivery service.”

Airports And Hotels In Japan Are 'Overwhelmed' By Tourists' Annoying Bag Habit

Audrey Kohout described Japan as a 'wonderful place for souvenir shopping'. The co-CEO of Luggage Forward told The Mirror: 'People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn't plan ahead.'

Hotels And Airports Overwhelmed As Visitors To One Country Dump Their Bags

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror: "A few things in Japan have led to this trend there as opposed to other surging places. Japan is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping. People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn't plan ahead. "You combine that with checking a bag on an airline, and it leaves people a bit squeezed and not wanting multiple bags. The dollar is strong there. You merge that with Japan having a lot of high-quality, affordable options and fun knick-knacks. It lends it to be a strong souvenir destination.

United Airlines' New Checked Luggage Policy Could Be A Big Improvement For Travelers

Game-changing luggage courier services like LuggageFree, LugLess, and Luggage Forward help savvy travelers skip airport hassles — though the price can be steep — while luggage accessory brands offer space-saving compression bags that help fit more in carry-ons. Read More: https://www.islands.com/1988772/united-airlines-new-checked-luggage-policy-improvement-international-travel/

I Tried Luggage Forward, a Premium Luggage Shipping Service - Here Are My Thoughts

On a recent trip, I turned to Luggage Forward, a door-to-door luggage shipping company that picked up my suitcase from my apartment and had it waiting for me at my hotel by the time I arrived at my destination. 

Flying Southwest? Here's The Secret To Free Checked Bags Every Time

“We are in a new era, where free perks are sold to us as premium add-ons,” said Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO at Luggage Forward. “These frustrating sales models will give way to a change in customer behavior, like booking services to ship bags ahead to save time.”