Unaccompanied Air Freight (UAF) / Unaccompanied Air Baggage (UAB)
entry by Millie McDevitt, International Executive Life Coach and Founder of Calmer Waters Coaching UK
UAF or UAB is a term used to describe personal belongings or household goods which are transported by air cargo on a separate flight to the passenger. Usually contains essential items for short-term living while heavier items are transported over a longer period (sea or air).
Comparable terms
Unaccompanied baggage (aviation / customs); starter kit shipment (destination services); air express personal effects (logistics)
Why this matters
The terms UAF and UAB are used consistently in the diplomatic world and more widely but may be not known to those expatriating for the first time or among those dealing with expats.
Cross-references
Soft Landing (Transitions & Mobility), Destination Services Provider (Professional Support Roles), International Assignment (Transitions & Mobility), Departure Cycle (Transitions & Mobility). These entries together situate UAF/UAB within the broader relocation process soft landing describes the arrival quality UAF/UAB helps create, destination services providers often advise on what to include, international assignment provides the structural context in which UAF/UAB entitlements are set, and the departure cycle highlights the emotional and practical preparation phase when UAF/UAB packing decisions are made.
Sources
Law Insider (accessed 30/06/2026): Unaccompanied Air Baggage
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