FedEx Vacation Hold in 2024: The Complete Guide
Going on vacation used to mean worrying about packages arriving while you were away. But with FedEx‘s convenient and free Vacation Hold service, you can now relax and enjoy your trip knowing your deliveries will be safe until you return.
What Exactly is FedEx Vacation Hold?
FedEx Vacation Hold allows you to temporarily suspend deliveries to your home or business address for 3 to 30 days. Instead of being left unattended where they are vulnerable to porch pirates, damage from weather, or theft, your packages will be held securely at a FedEx facility until the hold ends.
According to FedEx‘s website, over 15 million Vacation Holds were requested by customers in 2022 – a clear sign of how valued this service is.
How Does FedEx Vacation Hold Work?
Placing a FedEx Vacation Hold is quick and convenient:
- Log into your FedEx account online or through the mobile app
- Select "Delivery Manager"
- Choose the shipments you want to put on hold
- Enter the start and end dates for the hold period
- Confirm the vacation hold request
Once confirmed, FedEx will immediately stop deliveries to your address. Your packages will be available for delivery again on the next business day after your Vacation Hold ends.
Key Benefits of FedEx Vacation Hold
Here are some of the biggest benefits that make FedEx Vacation Hold worth using:
- Avoid porch theft – Over 210 million packages were stolen from homes in 2022, up 20% from 2021 according to data from Safety.com. FedEx Hold prevents this.
- Prevent weather damage – Packages left in the elements can be damaged by rain, snow or heat.
- Packages held securely – Facilities have 24/7 security and surveillance.
- Change delivery date/location – Redirect packages if plans change.
- Free service – No extra fees for residential or commercial customers.
- Peace of mind – The #1 benefit customers want from a vacation hold.
| Hold Duration | Number of Days |
|---|---|
| Short Hold | 3-7 days |
| Medium Hold | 8-14 days |
| Long Hold | 15-30 days |
Who Can Use FedEx Vacation Hold?
The FedEx Vacation Hold service is available to any FedEx account holder shipping to a home or business address in the U.S. You just need an account login to access the Delivery Manager and place a hold.
Both residential and commercial addresses qualify. Common situations where a hold is useful include:
- Family vacations
- Business trips
- Holiday travel
- Home renovations
- Avoiding package overload
Which Packages Are Eligible?
Most FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages can be put on hold, including:
- FedEx Express Saver
- FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM
- FedEx Express
- FedEx Ground
In my experience, the key exceptions are:
- Time-critical FedEx SameDay or First Overnight
- Some third-party retailer deliveries
- International shipments
But for average e-commerce and business packages, the hold should apply.
What‘s the Maximum Vacation Hold Duration?
FedEx allows Vacation Holds to be scheduled in advance for up to 30 consecutive days. Here are the hold duration options to choose from:
- 3 to 7 days
- 8 to 14 days
- 15 to 21 days
- 22 to 30 days
If you need longer than 30 days, you‘ll have to place a new hold request. I advise factoring in buffer days on either end of your trip if possible, in case of unexpected delays.
Can I Pick Up Packages During the Hold?
Fortunately, yes – you can opt to retrieve your packages from a FedEx location if needed before your hold ends.
Through your FedEx account, simply redirect your vacation hold packages to a nearby FedEx Office or alternate hold location. Then pick them up anytime with a valid photo ID. This provides flexibility if you end your trip early or have an urgent need.
Is FedEx Vacation Hold Safe for My Packages?
FedEx Vacation Hold is extremely safe and secure. Your packages remain in facilities protected by 24/7 surveillance cameras and security systems while held.
For high-value or sensitive items, a vacation hold is often safer than leaving deliveries unattended at your address where they could be stolen or damaged.
FedEx also allows you to require a signature confirmation upon final delivery once your hold is over. This prevents packages from being left unreceived in your absence.
Tips for a Smooth FedEx Vacation Hold
To ensure your FedEx Vacation Hold goes off without a hitch, I recommend:
- Place hold requests at least 3-5 business days in advance
- Double check hold dates and addresses
- Make sure all eligible packages are included
- Provide valid contact information in case FedEx needs to reach you
- Redirect packages to a pickup location if you return early
Enjoy Your Trip with FedEx Vacation Hold
Next time you plan a vacation or trip, leverage the FedEx Vacation Hold service for real peace of mind. Your packages will be sheltered in a secure facility while you‘re away and delivered promptly upon your return. Have a wonderful, stress-free time off!
