How can I deal with a ton of luggage when traveling alone?

Question

I'm leaving China soon, and I have to take 3 extra large bags of luggage, a backpack, and at least one instrument (about the size of a guitar). How do I deal with all this luggage? I doubt I can even fit everything in 1 taxi, let alone move it myself... What are the restrictions and fees at the airport? I'll probably have to take a long distance train to HK, a plane to Taiwan, and then finally to the US. Advice? I live in Shanxi province.

Answer 1

If you say that your instrument is around the size of a guitar then no you can not take it as carry on baggage. you will get away with the backpack and laptop as carry on, but every other piece will have to be checked. keep in mind there still are many airlines that will allow more than 2 pieces, but you will pay a lot for it. the only other option is to send your excess as freight, which is also very costly. for specifics you will have to contact the airline your traveling with

Answer 2

I'm only intimately familiar with the US policies, but most airlines will not permit 3 carry-ons. Your best bet will be to very carefully pack and pad the instrument to avoid damage. Do this a day ahead of time so you have as much time to make it perfect as you need.



A backpack and laptop, as long as they aren't oversize, should not be a problem, but the guitar-sized-instrument will probably not be permitted as carry-on.



Additional luggage is usually only permitted as checked luggage - they probably will not permit additional carry-on, even if you are willing to pay for it. The US has been particularly stringent on this issue lately, with some airlines charging even for the first and second checked bag these days, but generally your fees for additional checked luggage will be high - here in the US it is usually around $50 per bag, with the cost rising steeply with extra bags, and if the bags are overweight. (50 lbs in the US, usually, 25 KG in the UK -- varies by airline)



As for transporting it, that depends on you and your resources. Got anybody who can help you move it? The skycaps here have huge carts for moving luggage, and with a good tip they will practically walk it to the plane for you. If there are airport personnel to help people with their luggage, seek them out when you arrive. If there aren't any such people, there usually are carts that the airport can provide to help you move your luggage.



The last option is to ship your luggage in a more conventional way. Is there a friend or a hotel that can accept and hold packages at your destination? It may be much less hassle, and especially if you're moving permanently, it may also be much, much less expensive.

Answer 3

I think you should call the airline or check online for excess baggage fees and also cargo fees. It may be cheaper and easier to send some of the luggage on ahead as unaccompanied baggage.

Answer 4

No doubt you will be paying excess at the airport....most airlines allow 20-25kgs max..the rest they will charge...keep in mind flyiny to the U.S they go by piece which is 2 pieces per passenger...im sure the taxi driver would help you and when arriving at the airport they should have trolleys...good luck

Answer 5

Can you mail some of your luggage? Pack it up tight and send it on its way? I have friends who do that when coming back from afar.

Answer 6

Fed Ex.