BAA today reports an increase in Christmas travel as a total of 3 million people are set to use their seven airports during the Christmas week, with luggage forwarding services such as First Luggage truly beginning to take off. The average family going abroad over Christmas lugs the equivalent of one and a half fully grown male reindeer on holiday*, surely baggage they would rather avoid carrying to the airport, queuing to check in and waiting anxiously for at the carousel. These statistics are released as airlines announce plans to charge for each piece of hold luggage. From February, Flybe will charge travellers for each item carried in the hold, instead raising the allowance for hand luggage - Ryanair has already revealed similar plans to encourage passengers not to check in luggage. Rival airlines are poised to follow suit, saying they can save millions in costs of getting baggage on to planes and improve turnaround times. Flybe, which flies 5.3million passengers a year, estimates the move will save up to �3.5million annually and allow increasingly lower ticket prices. Ryanair estimates a similar move would save them around �170 million. Ever increasing numbers of bags are already being sent ahead, enabling First Luggage to pass savings on to its customers - a suitcase can now be sent to Germany for as little as �49, or to the USA for �129 - a saving of �20 on last year. With increasing excess baggage charges and security worries, more holidaymakers than ever are choosing to travel luggage free - whether it's suitcases, skis for the upcoming season, dive bags, golf clubs or prams. First Luggage is for everyone who wants to ensure their holiday experience starts before they even leave home with their state-of-the art door to door luggage delivery service. Gideon Kasfiner, Director and entrepreneur behind First Luggage, comments: "'The Luggage Airlines', such as First Luggage are really coming into their own as airlines begin to charge for checking in luggage. Services such as ours have been viewed more as a luxury than essential to date - but this is a huge step which means the concept appeals to consumers even more strongly. Airlines specialise in getting the consumer where they want to go, but we are the experts in transporting their luggage around the globe. Winter breaks are made much more enjoyable when you don't have to lug your skis and suitcases full of presents."

- Ends - Notes to Editors * Statistics based on an average family of four taking around 90kg of luggage on holiday, compared to average weight of a grown male reindeer in January - approx 60kg About First Luggage First Luggage is an innovative new business that enables consumers to send their luggage separately - making the journey to the airport that much easier, check-in times shorter and removing the need to wait at the baggage carousel at the other end. Instead, luggage is delivered direct to the customer's hotel or villa and is waiting for them on arrival. First Luggage was recently recognised as one of the top 10 most promising businesses in the UK (At the coveted nationwide 'Start Up Stars Awards') and has already gained official ambassadors in glamorous Joan Collins and British travel veteran Alan Whicker. First Luggage is the brainchild of Gideon Kasfiner, an entrepreneurial businessman with almost 30 years' experience of the shipping business. The company was established in the summer of 2004 and demand is growing exponentially, as more and more travellers experience its benefits. www.firstluggage.com - Flybe is the fourth largest budget airline in the UK - 20 million bags are lost by airlines each year - First Luggage scans items a minimum of six times during transit - Discounts are available depending on the number of cases booked in - from 5% for two bags, increasing progressively to a 20% discount for five bags or more Media Enquiries, images and interviews: Caroline Parrish/ Emma Johnson The Communication Group plc +44 20 7630 1411 CParrish@TheCommunicationGroup.co.uk