The Future of Air Travel May Include Passenger Weigh-In

Luggage Forward, the leading provider of doorstep to destination luggage delivery worldwide, today released its third annual report Looking Back, Looking Forward, highlighting emerging patterns and trends observed in empirical data and client interactions. In each of the past three years, this report has provided succinct recaps of years past and effectively predicted trends that have come to impact the way people and luggage travel. Included in this year’s report are the following travel predictions for 2009 and beyond:

• Baggage Fees Are Here To Stay: Travelers headed to the airport this year should expect to pay increasing baggage fees. Despite falling fuel prices airlines have determined that baggage fees do not deter people from flying, and these fees appear to be here for good as evidenced by recent airline executive comments.
• Crack Down On Carry-Ons: Airlines will implement procedures to verify the size of carry-ons upon check in. Airlines must solve the newly developed problem of passengers carrying on too much which is causing delayed departures.
• Fees to Include Total Weight: In the years to come, airline fares may take into account total weight: passenger weight plus their checked bag weight plus their carry-on bag weight. It is the model used by virtually every company who profitably uses airplanes for transport – except airlines.

“Luggage Forward was founded on the principle that travel can be more efficient and enjoyable if luggage travels separately from people,” said Zeke Adkins, co-founder of Luggage Forward. “2008 was a year that moved the travel industry significantly closer to widespread adoption of our model; a trend that we anticipate to continue through 2009, as checking luggage continues to be not only inconvenient and unreliable, but now costly to travelers as well.”

Looking Back, Looking Forward is an annual report published by Luggage Forward, Inc. Written by the founders of the leading provider of doorstep to destination luggage delivery, it is formatted to first give an overview of the year that was and then to share thoughts and predictions for the coming year. To request a copy of the report, please visit www.luggageforward.com/report.

About Luggage Forward

For travelers seeking the utmost in convenience, reliability and predictability, Luggage Forward guarantees delivery of baggage from doorstep to destination. Luggage Forward leverages a worldwide network of shipping partners, innovative technology and honest, unparalleled customer care to give seasoned travelers the peace of mind they deserve. The smart alternative to checking and carrying bags, Luggage Forward is transforming today's travel experience.

Founded in 2004, Luggage Forward has set the standard in the delivery of luggage and sports equipment for travelers. The company is the exclusive luggage delivery provider for many of the world's leading travel brands including Abercrombie & Kent, American Express Vacations, Exclusive Resorts, Holland America Line and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. For more information or to receive an online quotation, visit www.luggageforward.com or call 866-416-7447.