Baggage fees can really pack a punch this travel season. You can shop and shop and wait and wait for the lowest airfare, then unintentionally blow that savings when you check in with a bunch of bags. That's why the concept of shipping your suitcases, or even shipping your clothes in cardboard boxes, is becoming a popular, lower cost alternative.

"I think this is fairly new. It's come about since the airlines started charging for a checked bag," says the UPS Store's G.I. Woody. "People thinking of ways to save a little bit of money, especially in this economy today. We're all looking for ways to save."

How do you know when it's better to pay the baggage fee or pay for shipping? It depends on the airline and how many bags you're taking. Either way, the lighter you pack, the more you'll save. Keep in mind, JetBlue and Southwest are the only airlines that let you check the first bag FREE. So, if you're flying those 2 airlines, shipping your bags probably wouldn't make sense, but all the others charge between $20-$35 for the first bag, between $25-$40 for the 2nd bag, and between $50-$150 for that 3rd bag. Here's where we help you crunch the numbers. If you're taking many bags, you're better off shipping. One example: if you check 3 30lbs. bags to LA on American, that's going to cost you $210. If you ship those same 3 bags, you'll pay $120. That's a savings of $90, and that's just one example. Bottom line: start running the numbers for your next trip over a week in advance. You may just find shipping is cheaper.SAVING YOU MONEY: Baggage Fees