Shipping to Spain: Should You Check Luggage or Ship Your Belongings?

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I’ve seen people in these groups say that instead of shipping to Spain their stuff for their move, they just checked their luggage. I’m looking at the restrictions for checked luggage on airlines, and it says that you can only check a couple of bags.

Am I missing something? Also, how did you get so many bags from the airport to your rental place if you moved in town somewhere?”

Answers

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

“We moved as a family of three—my spouse, our 4-year-old daughter, and I. We packed ten heavy-duty boxes, two checked bags, and three carry-ons. The boxes counted as checked bags on our flight with American Airlines.

Fortunately, I have status that allowed three free checked bags per person, which helped reduce costs. We reinforced the boxes with duct tape, labeled them clearly, and kept an inventory list.

Upon arrival, we used luggage carts and had two vans waiting to take us to our rental. The process wasn’t as difficult as expected.”

“Our family of four brought 11 checked bags, including oversized duffel bags and storage tubs. We upgraded to first class for a short domestic leg to get an extra-free checked bag.

This saved us hundreds in baggage fees. At the destination, we used a van service to transport everything to our apartment.”

“I brought eight overweight suitcases, two carry-ons, and a purse on American Airlines for an extra $600. Upon arrival, I used two carts to manage the luggage and had a friend pick me up in a car.”

“When we moved, we packed three checked bags per person and paid for extra luggage. It was cheaper than using a shipping service. We rented a one-way car from the airport to our rental and returned it the next day.”

“We shipped a container for $4,000 but also flew with 20 pieces of luggage, including bikes and musical instruments. We used a baggage delivery service at the destination to transport everything to our Airbnb.”

“Airlines like Iberia allow up to nine checked bags per traveler, though additional bags come with fees. We found it more cost-effective than using shipping companies, which often have weight and size restrictions.”

“We hired a large van to take our luggage from the airport to our rental. It cost around €65 per van and was worth it for the convenience.”

“Using services like SendmyBag is another option. However, you’ll need documents like your TIE and padrón to avoid customs charges. Be aware that customs can return shipments if not picked up quickly.”

“Most people radically pare down their belongings before moving. I traveled with only three checked bags and found it manageable.”

Conclusion

When deciding whether to ship belongings or check extra luggage when moving to Spain, many members recommend checking extra luggage as it is often the cheaper and more efficient option.

Airlines typically allow multiple bags for a fee, and some travelers use their frequent flyer status to reduce costs. Reinforcing boxes, labeling them clearly, and keeping an inventory can make the process smoother.

Upon arrival, hiring a van or using luggage delivery services can help transport belongings from the airport to your destination.

Shipping services like SendmyBag are an alternative for items not immediately needed but may require additional documentation to avoid customs issues. Ultimately, careful planning and consideration of your specific needs can help make the move more seamless.

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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