02/ 04/ 2007
Save time and a trip to the doctor's office by using a luggage-shipment service
For frequent fliers, hauling luggage across airports can be a pain in the neck--literally. If you're still feeling neck, back or shoulder strain from lugging bags through the airport on your last business trip, you're not alone. Doctors and chiropractors are seeing a rise in patients with pulled muscles, strains and other injuries caused by overloaded suitcases and carry-ons. Hospitals and physician offices treated more than 51,800 luggage-related injuries in 2003, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's most recent report on the subject.
Luckily, relief is in sight. Some travelers are shipping luggage ahead rather than checking it through airlines--and several new companies are tapping into this trend to help commuters avoid a backbreaking experience at the airport.
The Luggage Club, for instance, picks up your luggage at your home or office, delivers it to your final destination and returns it to your doorstep at the end of your trip. The company has no limits on size, weight or number of bags and offers its service in 220 countries.
