Is your mom’s birthday in a week, and the gift is still sitting on a shelf in your apartment in Maspeth? A sea shipment won’t make it — you need air freight. The problem is that air shipping has its own rules, weight limits, and pricing traps that few people talk about openly. This guide will explain everything to you in a few minutes.
What affects the price of an air parcel to Poland
The base cost is weight — calculated per pound. The standard rate starts at $2.49/lb, but be careful: if the package is light but large (e.g., pillows, blankets), the shipping company may charge based on dimensional weight, not actual weight. And here is the catch — dimensional weight is calculated based on the dimensions of the box, not what is inside.
A standard air parcel is a maximum of 70 pounds. Above this limit, the shipment is classified as cargo and different rates apply. That is why sometimes it is more cost-effective to split one large package into two smaller ones.
Basic insurance is usually included in the shipping price — e.g., up to $100. If you are sending more expensive items, it is worth asking about extended insurance.
Delivery time — how long does an air shipment really take
The declared time is 5–7 business days. In practice, this means that a package sent on Monday at an office on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn can be with the recipient in Poland by the following Monday or Tuesday. But — and this is important — during the holiday season (especially before Christmas and Easter), the time can extend by even a few days. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute to send it.
Every package receives a tracking number. You can check where your shipment is by entering the number on the shipping company’s website. What does this mean in practice? You don’t have to call every two days asking “has it arrived yet” — the status updates automatically.
Check the Polamer profile in the PolishPages directory
What you can and cannot send by air
The list of prohibited items is longer than you think. Obvious ones: alcohol, weapons, flammable materials. Less obvious: perfumes (they contain alcohol), nail polishes, car batteries, some medications. Before packing, check the current list — different things are prohibited for air transport than for sea transport.
Also, remember about customs restrictions in Poland. Personal (non-commercial) packages with a value of up to 40 EUR pass through without customs duty. Above this amount, the customs office may charge fees, and the recipient will have to settle them before delivery.
What to look for when choosing a shipping company
- Own infrastructure in Poland — a company that has its own customs warehouse in Warsaw will speed up clearance and reduce the risk of delays. You don’t have to wait for an external customs agent to “find time” for your package.
- Insurance included in the price — ask if basic insurance is included and up to what amount. Some companies charge for it separately.
- Polish-speaking office in your area — if you live in Greenpoint, Maspeth, or near Wallington, check if the company has an office within driving distance. Service in Polish is not a luxury — it saves time on explaining what you want to send.
- Online package tracking — in 2025, a lack of tracking is a red flag. Check if the company offers a tracking number with status updates at every stage.
Polamer meets these criteria — check the profile in the PolishPages directory
Shipping an air parcel to Poland doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to pack well, stay within the weight limit, and not wait until the last day. If you have questions about a specific shipment — call for a free quote: 908-352-9100
