A new service can save you from this.
Photo: Flickr.com

by Ondine Cohane

Like most frequent fliers, I would prefer to just bring a carry-on wheelie when I fly, especially given the mounting hassles of checking luggage: lost or delayed bags, excess charges, long lines. But on longer trips I sometimes get hosed on the 100-milliliter cap on liquids, especially for toiletries. Last week I spoke to John Walsh, the vice president of marketing for Flylite, about the luggage service his company provides.

More than just a shipping option (there are quite a few companies that Fedex bags now), Flylite is a "wardrobe manager." In other words, it keeps an inventory of items in storage for you, and you can choose online what you want to have waiting at your destination.

For example, I can send Flylite several business suits, my favorite face wash and sunscreens, bikinis and dresses for holiday trips, sneakers and stilettos, and even my yoga mat and surfboard. Then, by looking at my account on my computer (the list tells you what label and color the items are, in case you forget what you've sent), I can decide what to take with me.

So let's say I have a work trip to Chicago and then want to spend the long weekend in Maine. I can have one case waiting at the hotel for the business leg and another for the vacation segment. In between, Flylite launders everything and refills the shampoos and other essentials that you use. So far, its service has been available only in the U.S., but it is expanding to the UK and the Middle East this fall--with more destinations coming. And with prices starting at $100 roundtrip it seems a worthwhile investment for a frequent traveler. I am definitely considering it.