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Avoid high baggage fees - rent clothes from Zero Baggage
Airline baggage fees just keep going up, and there seems to be no end in sight. With few airlines left that don't charge for checked bags, travelers who can't manage to get everything they need into a carry-on bag could end up paying some hefty fees. One Canadian company has come up with a plan to help.
Zero Baggage promises to provide travelers with an "environmentally responsible, anxiety-free way of living and traveling". How? By renting clothing. Travelers select the clothes they need to rent (either pre-worn or, for more money, brand new), Zero Baggage delivers them upon arrival, and the items are returned when no longer needed. Travelers have access to a wider variety of clothes, at less cost, and without having to pack a larger bag and pay checked-luggage fees.
Or at least, that's the plan. The company says it will begin offering service in early 2010 in Toronto, Canada and Gold Coast, Australia.
As someone who has, over time, learned to get by with less and now rarely takes more than one carry-on for a trip of 2 weeks, I don't think I would use the service. And even in an emergency (a fashion emergency), I'd probably just run out and buy something new. But it is an intriguing idea. What do you think?
Filed under: North America, Canada, Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Craig Aug 11th 2009 12:19PM
Can they really rent you a full suitcase's worth of clothes for 2-3 weeks for less than the $25 (or whatever it is, I never check) baggage fee? I don't see how this makes economic sense at all.
I guess it would be useful if you needed fancy attire (with shoes and everything) for just one night of your trip.
Liz Aug 11th 2009 6:56PM
This is silly. If you are at the point where you are travelling without luggage to avoid fees and intend to procure some upon arrival, why wouldn't you just buy a cheap set?
Jenn Aug 20th 2009 4:30AM
I think the idea is more about environmental sustainability and engaging with the local economy.
Not sure if it will take off, but if I could get something I needed only once on my trip by borrowing it, I think it would be of interest!
The process would have to be very effective though.
eileen Aug 17th 2009 3:42PM
For that matter, why not layer your clothes and bumble onto the plane two-sizes larger than you were when you started. Then bring a stuff sack and disrobe as soon as you get on board. No one checks how many bags you get off with. I believe I read that somewhere once.
So yeah, not on the top of my list of new services to try, but I hope it's a concept that works for them, somehow.