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Tarshis started his company 12 years ago primarily as a commercial shipper. Airlines' steep baggage fees are bringing new customers to his store.

"We don't eliminate the charge, but we do make the experience more convenient," Tarshis said.

Airline baggage fees were instituted in 2008, as airlines looked for ways to temper high fuel prices. Fuel prices since have dipped, but baggage fees haven't.

Delta and Continental kicked off the latest increases two weeks ago, raising checked baggage fees to $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, up from $15 and $20 respectively. Their higher fees matched those set by US Airways in August.

Last week, US Airways raised baggage fees for travelers who pay for checking their luggage online. US Airways charges $23 to check the first bag online, and $32 to check the second, up from $20 and $30, respectively.

Renee Hall and Tonya Holcomb, both of Rochester, Beaver County, checked four bags Wednesday in Pittsburgh International Airport. They shelled out $100 for the privilege. Neither woman said she had heard of baggage shippers but now is open to at least investigating the option.

"I would definitely look into the service. I don't like checking bags," Hall said.

David and June Drury of McCandless were going overseas and were not subject to baggage fees. A colleague of David Drury uses a baggage service regularly and likes the service, Drury said.