Send Excess Baggage from Australia to UK, USA & NZ

Tired of paying hundreds in excess baggage fees at the airport? If you're an international student, frequent traveller, or relocating overseas, those extra kilos can cost more than your flight. Airlines often charge $50 to $200+ per bag, and that’s before surprise fees and weight limits kick in.

The good news? You don’t have to check your bags at all. With Couriers & Freight, you can ship your luggage, boxes, and bulky items directly to your destination, affordably and stress-free.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to send excess baggage from Australia to the UK, USA, and New Zealand, and how to avoid airport queues, lost bags, and inflated airline charges.

Quick Summary: 3 Best Ways to Send Excess Baggage

Sending excess baggage from Australia to destinations like the UK, USA, or New Zealand can be far cheaper and easier with courier or freight services. Airlines often charge $50 to $200+ per bag. This could be an expensive choice for travellers, students, and expats. The best option depends on your budget, urgency, and the size of your shipment:

• Courier & freight services offer door-to-door delivery, full tracking, and customs support for boxes, luggage, and bulky goods.
• Postal services work well for small, non-urgent parcels.
• Sea freight is ideal for larger, non-time-sensitive items.

Couriers & Freight helps Australians compare quotes instantly and book reliable excess baggage shipping online, often at a fraction of airline costs.

Ship Excess Baggage Without the Airline Fees

Cut costs and avoid the stress of excess baggage charges. Get fast, affordable international shipping with Couriers & Freight.

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How to Send Excess Baggage from Australia

Shipping baggage overseas doesn’t need to be complicated or overpriced. Whether you're relocating, travelling for study, or sending personal belongings ahead of a trip, choosing the right shipping method can make a significant difference in cost, convenience, and delivery time.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways Australians send excess baggage to major destinations such as the UK, USA, and New Zealand:

1. Airlines

Best for: Travellers with only one extra bag

Most airlines allow you to check in additional baggage, but this option often has steep fees and weight restrictions. Expect to pay between $50 and $200+ per item, depending on the airline and destination. You’ll also need to handle your luggage at the airport yourself, which can be inconvenient for those with heavy or bulky items.

2. Courier & Freight Companies

Best for: Students, expats, families, business shipments

Courier and freight companies offer a cost-effective, flexible alternative to airline baggage fees. Services like Couriers & Freight provide door-to-door delivery to the UK, USA, New Zealand, and beyond.

You can send boxes, suitcases, sports equipment, or even large household goods with full tracking and optional insurance. Plus, customs support and clear pricing make it a smart choice for international shipping.

3. Postal Services

Best for: Small parcels and non-urgent items

Postal services like Australia Post offer international parcel delivery. However, they come with size and weight limits. Delivery times can also be slower, especially with economy options. While this may suit smaller packages, it’s generally not ideal for large or heavy items.

4. Sea Freight

Best for: Non-urgent relocations or bulk shipments

Sea freight is the most budget-friendly option when sending large volumes of excess baggage overseas. It's often used for international moves when you’re not short on time. Transit times typically range from 4-12 weeks, depending on the destination.

You’ll need to manage packing, documentation, and possibly customs clearance on your own, but the cost per kilo is much lower than air freight. The table below gives you a quick comparison of the different methods of shipping excess baggage:

Why Choose Couriers & Freight

Skip the hassle of airline baggage fees and complicated shipping processes. Couriers & Freight makes it easy to send excess baggage overseas with flexible, affordable solutions tailored to your needs.

Our platform allows you to compare rates from trusted carriers and book door-to-door delivery in just a few clicks. Whether you're relocating, studying abroad, or sending items ahead of your trip, we’ve got you covered with:

• Fast, reliable delivery to destinations like the UK, USA, and New Zealand
• Service options for individuals and businesses with clear, competitive pricing
• Real-time tracking, customs support, and optional insurance for peace of mind
• No airport queues, no hidden fees, just smooth and efficient shipping

What You Can Ship as Excess Baggage

Extra luggage doesn’t just mean suitcases. It can also mean other items that are packed properly and meet carrier guidelines. Common items that are designated as excess baggage include boxes, standard luggage, musical instruments, sports gear, and even household goods.

Most courier and freight services accept items up to 30kg per piece. This will depend on the destination and provider, so measure and weigh each item accurately before booking. Oversized or irregular items will require special handling.

Tips for Sending Excess Baggage Overseas 

Follow these tips to keep the process smooth and hassle-free.

Tip #1: Label Everything Clearly

Use a durable, waterproof label on each item. Include your full name, destination address, and contact number. For extra safety, place the same details inside the box or bag.

Tip #2: Use Proper Packaging

For safe delivery, use strong boxes or hard-shell luggage. Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and seal everything securely. Regardless of what you’re shipping, proper packing is essential to prevent delays and damage. 

Tip #3: Follow Customs Guidelines

Check the import rules for your destination country. Accurately list what you're sending and avoid restricted items. Mistakes on declarations can cause delays or extra charges.

Tip #4: Consider Insurance

Consider getting insurance if you’re sending valuable or fragile items. Many courier services offer it as an option for those who want the peace of mind if items get damaged or lost.

Tip #5: Check Transit Times

Delivery times will depend on the service you choose. Express courier options can take 2-7 business days, while economy and sea freight take longer. Always allow extra time for customs clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Excess baggage can be confusing if you haven’t dealt with it before. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask:

How much is the excess baggage fee?

Excess baggage fees vary by airline and route. Most airlines charge anywhere from $50 to over $200 for an extra bag. If you’re travelling long haul, the fees can be even higher. These charges are often non-refundable and paid at the airport.

How much is extra baggage per kg?

Many airlines charge between $10 and $30 per extra kilo, depending on your destination. Some airlines charge a flat rate for a range of extra weight. Always check the airline’s baggage policy before flying so you know what to expect in terms of cost.

What happens if my luggage is 1kg over?

If your bag is even 1kg over the limit, airlines can still charge you the full excess fee. They may round up your baggage weight or ask you to repack on the spot. To avoid this issue, weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

Can you send unaccompanied baggage in Australia?

Yes, you can. Courier and freight services allow you to send unaccompanied baggage across Australia or overseas. This is ideal for travellers, students, or movers who want to avoid airline fees and send items ahead of their trip.

Send Your Excess Baggage the Smarter Way

Skip the stress and cost of airline baggage fees. Couriers & Freight connects you with affordable, door-to-door excess baggage shipping from Australia to top destinations such as the UK, USA, and New Zealand.

Get instant quotes, track your items in real time, and enjoy full support with customs and delivery. Thousands of Australians trust us to move luggage, boxes, and bulky items safely and on budget.

Get your free quote today and make shipping simple with Couriers & Freight.

Ship Excess Baggage Without the Airline Fees

Cut costs and avoid the stress of excess baggage charges. Get fast, affordable international shipping with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Free Quote