<p>RE: Southwest. They are one of the few airlines that allows 3 bags of checked luggage…must allow two, and charge for the 3rd. Even if parents don’t want to “put up” with Southwest…it should be OK for 18-21 year olds!</p>
<p>Travel light.<br>
My kid went to CA. I got his 1st ticket with credit card points.
I mailed a couple boxes (which I didn’t have to do–I was trying to expedite his trip since he was late for orientation/tends to lose things/unsure about wrestling large bags,catching shuttle, etc.) with bedding, toiletries, bulkier clothes, etc. for about $30. S flew alone with a laptop and carry on. I got a cheap ticket (about $200) to a neighboring airport instead of LAX for his 2nd semester trip. After Xmas break S took back a large empty suitcase and empty duffle bag so he can bring back all his stuff when he comes home in May. I don’t know if he can store anything on campus, but he probably won’t have to. He could ship a couple boxes if necessary. S stayed on campus for Thanksgiving and will stay for Easter break, so along with the airport shuttles and postage his total transportation and shipping costs will be about $400 max for the year. (BTW, S is at an isolated campus, no car, so couldn’t count on buying stuff when he got there).</p>
<p>I admit that this system wouldn’t work for someone who had things like bulky sports equipment, etc.–but what do most kids need but clothes, linens, school supplies and laptop? (IMO most people just have too much stuff-- think of the immigrants who came with one trunk for the whole family. . .)</p>