Luggage - Travel light with Gideon Kasfiner

However much you want to, you simply never seem able to travel light. And you dread ending up carrying tons of luggage from one airport to another. No need for alarm, this burden is about to become feather-light thanks to Concierge Hotels. Our partner, Gideon Kasfiner, and his company First Luggage, will be more than happy to ensure that  all your suitcases reach their destination.

For a good 35 years now, Gideon Kasfiner has been in the English transport industry, mainly in maritime transport, working, amongst others for Argid Shipping Ltd. and WT. This year, his own baby, First Luggage is celebrating its tenth anniversary. It all started after September 11, when there was a substantial increase in security checks which had also become tougher. As luggage restrictions suddenly made travelling more complex, Gideon Kasfiner identified an opportunity on the market. He set up First Luggage, a revolutionary service which takes away all the stress and fuss that usually come with luggage.

Do you usually travel with many suitcases? Do they all seem to be getting bigger and bigger? And, would you rather not even imagine the drama that would unfold if your children’s luggage did not reach the desired destination, leaving them without their favorite toy, be it only for one day? Are you a golf player or a surfer? Is the fact of carrying your equipment giving you the feeling that you are trying to assemble a puzzle with missing pieces? Are you planning wedding in Mauritius or a land faraway? Is it obvious that all your outfits and accessories will by no means fit in a 23-kilo suitcase? We have the solution to all your luggage worries!

You no longer need to have your luggage registered upon your departure ; your check-in will be quick and easy. No need either to squeeze in at the carousel upon arrival; your transfer from the airport to your hotel or home will be done in no time. Your luggage travels on its own and reaches your final destination before you do so. You may therefore hop on and off totally stress-free. As Gideon Kasfiner, founder and CEO of First Luggage explains, 65% to 70% of his clients also use the First Luggage service to therefore have their suitcases delivered to their holiday destination as well as back home. It is however not always possible to send one’s luggage back this way due to the legislation of certain countries.

In spite of this, in 2004, First Luggage became number one for luggage pick-up and door-to-door delivery in the UK. The service is nevertheless not limited to Britain. It knows practically no boundaries.

How does First Luggage work ? Simple. “All you have to do is call us, or email us your request” summarizes Gideon Kasfiner. The date and time of pick-up will depend of the date on which you need your luggage to be delivered. Gideon Kasfiner further explains that, according to the chosen destination, customs clearance procedures and quarantine requirements, the delay for delivery may vary. It may take a few hours in certain cases, and up to a few days in others.

While on holiday in London, you suddenly opt for a quick shopping trip to Paris. Thanks to First Luggage VIP, which was launched this year, you will be sure to get your luggage back on the same day. On the other hand, if you are leaving London for holidays in the land down under, your suitcases will need to be ready for take-off  five or six days before you. This delay is required due to Australia’s 24-hour quarantine policy and complex customs clearance process.

It is also worthwhile to know that for security reasons, all luggage will be scanned before being sent off. They will be thereafter safely key under lock and key between pick-up from your house and final delivery. You can entirely rely on First Luggage for taking good care of your personal belongings. The company’s network covers nearly all destinations. “There are only about 20 to 25 countries which we do not cover”, says Gideon. “This list varies from time to time according to the political and social climate prevailing in these countries”. Six months ago, for example, First Luggage’s service was available in Russia. Today this is no longer the case. But, in six months, this might change once more, according to how things evolve.

Some might think that this door-to-door pick-up and delivery service is simple to manage. This is not always the case. The more routes, and the more combinations you have, the more spicy it all gets. According to Gideon Kasfiner, this would explain why only a handful of companies throughout the world are in this business. When asked what makes First Luggage stand out, Gideon explains that the service offered is “more flexible” than the one provided by competitors, and that the First Luggage is fast. “Nowadays, we are able to propose a pick-up service within a delay of six hours, nearly everywhere in the world. Very few companies are able to do that”, enthusiastically points out Gideon. Moreover for VIP clients based in London, First Luggage offers packing and storage services.

There is also more to First Luggage. The company offers a whole array of services to a diverse client base. It not only provides the VIP service – the delay for pick-up is shorter for customers who choose this option – but may also cater to the needs of everyone. The Luggage Delivery Company, which is available only in Europe, proposes very competitive prices, and is the ideal solution for all those travelling on low cost airlines having restrictive baggage allowances. And, the Student Luggage Delivery allows students to travel with all those things that will help them create their new home away from home.

With First Luggage, there is no set limit on weight nor on the number of pieces of luggage allowed. And, rates are very reasonably priced! To transport, for example, 30 kilos across the Atlantic using the VIP service, applicable charges will amount to £125. And, in order to move 30 kilos from England to a major European city, using Luggage Delivery Company ou Student Luggage Delivery, you should set aside about £25.

One thing is certain : together with its subsidiaries, First Luggage offers to each and everyone a luxury service which will totally transform one’s travelling experience. By choosing Concierge Hotels and its privileged partner, Gideon Kasfiner of First Luggage, you are certain to travel light, and even very light. By mentioning Concierge Hotels when you contact First Luggage, you will also be entitled to non-negligible extras. And, if you are heading to a destination within the Indian Ocean, you may go directly through Concierge Hotels. We will take care of everything.