HELP PLS. Ship or excess baggage?

[Manileña Heart 0]

I'm confused on what's the more affordable way of moving my stuff to the US. I thought that it will be cheaper to ship from Manila to Texas, but based on what I've understood so far, it may be cheaper to pay extra baggage. Anyone who's experienced this? I might exceed the alloted two luggage and one carry on that most airlines allow. What should I do with my extra big box? Appreciate all the help, thanks so much!!!

[SennaBrigante 92]

Airlines usually measure baggage by weight so the price of your excess baggage will depend on how heavy your two luggages and extra box will be. Each airline has their own rates for excess baggage so check your airline's website to compute. I think most international flights allow 20 kilos (or more) before they start charging for excess.

[Cathi 5,849]

You are usually allowed one checked bag on international flights in economy class weighing up to 50 pounds(23 kg). The rates for additional baggage vary from airline to airline. You can find allowances and rates for additional checked bags for most airlines here http://www.netflights.com/baggage-allowances.aspx

[Bill & Ivy 6]

Its totally dependent upon the airline. I have flown on Saudia and Korean Air, from VA. to Cebu , and have always been allowed 2 -23kg bags every time. I always book on Kayak website and you can access from there, what each airline charges per extra bag and weight limits also. When returning from Cebu there are always lots of people carrying what I would call the large size Balikbayon box and checking them. I asked a lady once how much they charged her for the box, and she told me $150.00, that was last year on Korean. Saudia has been having some great rates for travel, less than $1,000 round trip, if you happen to be able to use one of the cities they fly to.

[Manileña Heart 0]

Thanks Bill & Ivy, that price on the balikbayan box was really helpful. I have yet to find a shipper from PH to US that charges less than $150, so it's really looking like adding an extra box is much better than shipping it thanks so much! thanks too Mimolicious and Sentabrigante

[Darnell 8,479]

ya, what is it ? 130 to 150 for the next 23 kilogram checked-luggage. How much stuff can you shove in to 69 kilograms of luggage ?

I'll suggest if it's food or cooking gear, it can all be had in the USA. Best to bring extra underbritches and bras, not bring the food, as smaller undergarments are not so common in the USA.

[altonbebe 48]

Please remember, that when you ship freight, you cannot simply look at only the freight charges.

If you ship ocean, you will have multiple destination (here in the United States) fees that can easly add up to 800 to 1,000 USD regardless of the weight.

You will have to use a Customs House Broker to clear your goods through U.S. Customs depending on the content and value. Only U.S. Customs can determine that once you present documents to U.S. Customs. The officer will advise you if you are required to retain the services of a U.S. Customs House Broker (CHB).

If you have to retain the services of a CHB, their fee alone will be around $ 200.00. Remember this, the entry (paper work) process is the same if your cargo weights 40kgs or 400,000 kgs. There is no difference in the price structure for CHB.

In addition, the warehouse where you pick up the cargo will charge you min. $ 50.00 up to rate / kg depending on the weight.

In addition, the receiving forwarding agent will add on their fee ranging from min. $ 50.00 up $ 125.00.

In addition, you may need a formal entry bond. This will be around $ 125.00 depending of the value. Most personal effects are NON-FORMAL entries and do not require a bond. Like I said, it is up to the Customs officer.

So you see, there are alot hidden fees that are not discussed on the origin to the shipper.

Now here is the really weird part, if your items are less than 1 cubic meter actual weight or diminsional weight, it is actually cheaper to send them by air freight ( not checked in luggage) than it is to ship ocean freight.

Have any question, just let me know.

[Manileña Heart 0]

Hi Darnell and altonbebe, thanks sooo much and happy new year!

Altonbebe, that is wayyyy too complicated for me to do the shipping route. Thanks for the warning.

Darnell, thanks for the tip, yeah only clothes n shoes mostly. I was told that clothes cost much more in the US than in the PH, that's tire right? I'm going to Texas I was told it would be cheaper if I buy clothes and shoes here coz I can get good quality for a significantly lower price, your thoughts?

Thanks!!