Wow, not much positive response on this subject from our well travelled group. I would love to be able to ship my luggage in advance, but not yet, at almost $500 for a 50 lb. bag, particularly when it comes home damaged and then even Briggs and Riley wouldn't cover the damage. I recently bought a big suitcase from them precisely for what I thought was a lifetime guarantee that I read on LCT. Sounds just crazy to me that there's no recourse when you are paying dearly for SERVICE on both sides, the shipping and the luggage. Sheesh! Maybe not so bad just to get a private driver from doorstep to doorstep and carry a cane as well as your baggage, and tip well along the way.