When you’re traveling, moving abroad, or sending goods overseas, one common dilemma arises—should you ship your items as excess baggage or use air freight?
While both options get your goods to their destination, they differ in cost, speed, convenience, and suitability. In this blog details information about excess baggage shipping and air freight and which one is better option
What is excess baggage shipping?
Excess baggage shipping refers to sending your personal belongings via an airline when your luggage exceeds the standard free baggage allowance.
Instead of paying heavy airline penalty charges at the check-in counter, you can book an excess baggage service in Pune that transports your bags at a lower rate.
📌 Example:
Ravi is relocating from Pune to London for studies. His airline allows 30 kg, but he has 55 kg. If he pays the airline directly, it might cost ₹1,000–₹1,500 per kg extra. Instead, he books an excess baggage shipping service that collects the bags from home and delivers them to London for almost 40% less.
Advantages of Excess Baggage Shipping
- Cost-Effective: Usually cheaper than airline excess baggage fees.
- Door-to-Door Service in Pune: Many providers collect from your home and deliver to the destination.
- Travel Light: You can fly without carrying extra heavy bags at the airport.
- Customs Assistance: Some services help with clearance at the destination.
Disadvantages of Excess Baggage Shipping
- Longer Transit Times: May take a few days to a week, not provide same-day flights.
- Limited Flexibility: Suitable mainly for personal items, not commercial goods.
- Weight/Size Restrictions: Some items may not be accepted (e.g., liquids, restricted goods).
What is Air Freight?
Air freight is the shipment of goods via commercial or dedicated cargo planes. It’s used for both personal items and commercial goods and is faster than sea freight.
Air freight can be booked as airport-to-airport service in Pune or door-to-door.
📌 Example:
A company in Pune needs to urgently send 500 kg of electronic components to Singapore for a trade show. They choose air freight, and the shipment arrives within 2 days, ensuring they meet the deadline.
Advantages of Air Freight
- Speed: Fastest mode of international transport.
- Large & Heavy Shipments: Can handle pallets and bulk cargo.
- Global Reach: Kathat Logistics connects to almost 250 countries.
- Suitable for Commercial Use: Ideal for time-sensitive goods.
Disadvantages of Air Freight
- Expensive: Higher cost compared to sea freight and excess baggage shipping.
- Customs & Paperwork: More complex documentation.
- Size/Weight Limits: Aircraft cargo space is limited compared to sea containers.
Differences Between Excess Baggage Shipping & Air Freight
Feature |
Excess Baggage Shipping |
Air Freight |
Purpose |
Personal belongings |
Personal + commercial goods |
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Speed |
3 to 7 days |
1 to 3 days |
Booking Type |
Door-to-door mostly |
Airport-to-airport or door-to-door |
Weight Handling |
Small to medium (20–100 kg typically) |
Small to very large (up to tonnes) |
Customs |
Simplified for personal goods |
Detailed, commercial documentation |
Best For |
Travelers, students, families moving |
Businesses, urgent high-value goods |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Excess Baggage Shipping if:
- You’re a student, traveler, or family moving abroad with extra luggage.
- You want a cheaper option with home pickup and delivery.
-
- You have urgent, high-value, or bulk goods.
- You’re a business with strict delivery deadlines.
Choose Air Freight if:
Future Scope
With global travel and trade expanding, both services are evolving:
- Excess baggage shipping is becoming more tech-enabled with online tracking on the Kathat Logistics website, flexible pickup slots, and customs pre-clearance.
- Air freight is adopting automation, AI-powered logistics, and eco-friendly aircraft to reduce carbon emissions.
- The hybrid model—where customers can send personal belongings via consolidated air freight—is expected to grow, offering speed at reduced cost.
Conclusion—
Choosing between excess baggage shipping and air freight depends on your specific needs, whether it’s affordability, speed, or shipment size.
If you’re a traveler, student, or family relocating, an Excess Baggage Service in Pune can save you money and make your journey hassle-free. On the other hand, if you’re a business dealing with urgent or large shipments, an Express Cargo Service in Pune ensures your goods reach their destination quickly and securely.
At Kathat Logistics, we specialize in both offering reliable excess baggage solutions for individuals and fast cargo delivery options for businesses. With door-to-door service, real-time tracking, and competitive rates, we make sure every parcel—whether personal or commercial—is handled with care and delivered on time.
Whether it’s a Rakhi gift for your loved ones or bulk goods for your clients, Kathat Logistics is your trusted partner for seamless, secure, and speedy deliveries across India and beyond.