The real cost of flying

Tomorrow (Wed 7/9/08) I fly back to the Pittsburgh area. Today, I am agonizing over a box that needs to be shipped back. I shipped it here via US Postal Mail for $45. Via UPS it will cost $60. I am sure all rates have increased in the past 60 days, but damn, that's an OUCH.

My dilemma is to check it as my second checked bag on US Air, or to ship it via USPS or UPS. As a US Air preferred member, I get free checked bags. I don't have to pay the fee that US Air charges.

The big problem is that US Air charges for their "service" of carrying your baggage, but they WILL NOT ensure that it won't be stolen, delayed or damaged. Yet the US Postal Service, UPS, DHL and FedEx WILL guarantee your shipment will arrive as expected and in good shape. At least with everyone but the airlines it appears that you can get insurance on your shipments. US Air and other airlines, absolutely not especially if it's anything of value (like camera equipment).

So I can ship for free, and possibly have my items pilfered from the thieves that work at the airports. Or I can pay $60 to have peace of mind.

We should NOT have to deal with this in the "POST 9/11 era". There is so much damn security EVERYWHERE, yet the least secure areas are actually the airports.