Unaccompanied luggage, often referred to as "luggage shipping" or "unaccompanied baggage," is a service where your suitcases are transported to your destination separately from your person. In 2026, this is increasingly handled by specialized companies like Luggage Forward, ShipGo, or SendMyBag, rather than the airlines themselves. When you book the service, a courier collects your bags from your home or office. The bags are then transported via ground or air freight, bypassing the airport check-in and carousel wait entirely. This is particularly popular for international travelers who want to avoid high airline excess baggage fees or the physical burden of hauling large bags through train stations. For international shipments, the shipping company provides the necessary customs documentation (usually declaring the items as "Used Personal Effects") to ensure the bags are not taxed as new imports. The bags are typically delivered directly to your hotel or residence at the destination. While it is more expensive than checking a bag on a flight, the convenience of traveling "hands-free" and the guarantee of door-to-door delivery make it a favored choice for luxury travelers and students moving abroad.