We collect your personal effects from your UK address and ship by air cargo to your destination airport. Door to airport is the most affordable air freight option — ideal for Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya, Jamaica, and beyond.
Door to airport shipping means we collect your personal effects, bags, suitcases, and boxes from your UK address and ship them by air cargo to your destination airport — where you or your authorised representative collect them from the airport cargo terminal or customs warehouse. It is the most cost-effective air freight option for personal effects, removing the cost of last-mile delivery in the destination country.
Door to airport is the standard delivery model for many destinations — particularly across Africa, parts of Asia, and the Middle East — where personal effects customs clearance is handled by the consignee at the arrival airport rather than delivered to the door by a courier. We prepare all UK export documentation and air waybill, and advise you precisely what to do on arrival at your destination airport.
Once your personal effects arrive at the destination airport and are ready for collection, we notify you with the Air Waybill (AWB) number and the cargo terminal details. Some airlines also send an arrival notice direct to you as the consignee.
Go to the cargo terminal at the destination airport — not the passenger terminal. Cargo terminals are separate facilities, typically on the airport perimeter. Bring your passport and the original Air Waybill. Do not delay — most airports charge storage fees after 24-48 hours.
Present your passport, original Air Waybill, and packing list to the customs officer. For personal effects, you will be assessed under the personal effects relief provisions of the destination country. Accurate packing lists and declared values speed up clearance significantly.
Most countries offer personal effects relief for relocating residents — duty may be minimal or zero. Where duty applies, it is assessed on the declared value of the goods. Our packing list format is specifically designed to support duty-free clearance where eligible.
Once customs is satisfied, you collect your bags, boxes, or suitcases from the cargo warehouse. You may need transport — a van or taxi — as cargo terminals are separate from passenger areas and goods can be bulky.
The following destinations are typically served on a door to airport basis for personal effects from the UK. Some also offer door to door for an additional cost — we advise at booking.
The contract of carriage for air freight — prepared by Excess Luggage Co. as part of your shipment. The AWB number is used to track your personal effects and must be presented at the destination cargo terminal to collect your goods. Keep the original safe.
A complete inventory of all items in your shipment with quantities and estimated replacement values. Required by destination customs for assessment and clearance. We advise on the correct format for your specific destination country.
Your original passport is required at the destination cargo terminal — both for customs clearance and to identify you as the consignee named on the Air Waybill. A photocopy is also required by some customs authorities.
For some destinations, particularly those offering personal effects duty-free import for relocating residents, proof of residency or a valid work or residence visa may be required at customs to support duty-free clearance. We advise on destination-specific requirements at booking.
We collect from homes, student accommodation, offices, and hotels throughout the UK for door to airport personal effects shipments. Key UK collection areas:
Get a quote in minutes, or call our UK-based team on 0800 096 38 39.