Offers Relief To Beleaguered Air Travellers

With the current heightened security at UK airports placing major restrictions on hand luggage and recent reports of over 20,000 bags going missing, air travellers’ confidence in the system has been severely shaken. This could explain why centres run by international delivery specialist, Mail Boxes Etc. ( MBE – http://www.mbe.co.uk ), are reporting an increase in the number of packages containing valuable items – traditionally carried in aircraft cabins – which are being sent overseas by holidaymakers.

Dave Tester, franchise owner at MBE Brighton, says: “Usually we take suitcases full of clothing which we package in large cartons and send on, most typically to long-haul destinations such as the USA and Australia. Over the last week, however, we have been taken aback by the number of smaller bags being sent, even to nearby European destinations including Spain and Germany.”

Frank Bigley, of MBE Sheffield, adds: “Since reports of an increase in theft from baggage, many air passengers are switching to parcel carriers to ensure the safe handling and arrival of their valued personal items. We have packed and shipped via UPS, FedEx and Parcelforce Worldwide everything from contact lens solutions to cameras, Ipods and laptops in the last few days.”

Simon Cowie, chaiman of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited, comments: “While insurance companies and airlines continue to argue over customer compensation, travellers are taking matters into their own hands. Our centres saw a similar sharp increase in the shipment of valuables after ‘9-11’.”