It’s rather embarrassing  – and can be quite costly – to reach the airport check-in counter only to find that your bags are too heavy.

These days, airlines strictly enforce the amount of checked Baggage and carry-on luggage on international flights; and any more than your ‘free’ baggage allowance may incur additional charges.

It happened to us once at Berlin – causing us to frantically re-pack our carry-on bags and jettison heavy paperwork.

However, the silver lining behind all this may be the advent of so-called ‘Delivery to Door Couriers’.

These services apparently collect baggage from your door and deliver it to your destination – leaving you to enjoy a hassle-free journey.

It’s an interesting idea, especially if you are travelling in Europe where distances between destinations can be short.

Firms operate in Europe and the US; we know of at least one that sends that type of box by air or sea from Australia; and there are operators that advertise a world-wide service.

What’s involved?

The service generally includes air freight, customs clearance, terminal fees, and local delivery costs to your international address.

Like normal airline baggage, there are, of course, restrictions on dangerous goods.

But it does avoid the hassles of being laden down with back-breaking baggage; constantly weighting your load in fear; and the boring ritual of standing with crossed fingers at airport baggage carousels.

We’re yet to try one of these services but, like everything else, it seems that the widespread adoption of the idea would probably have a lot to do with cost and convenience.

From all reports, it appears that the cost, naturally, depends on how much luggage you want shipped and where.

And, ‘Delivery to Door’ couriers certainly seem to have convenience covered.

So, if you are are concerned about the possibility of excess baggage, these couriers may be well worth a look.

If you do use one of these firms, let us know how it works, so we can share details of the experience.