Tips for not Losing Luggage When Traveling

1. Take a Photo of Your Luggage Before Checking It In

In case of a worst-case scenario, you should take a photo of your luggage before checking it in. The photo will help airport staff find your luggage faster and more efficiently.

Suppose your luggage is unfortunately lost on your next trip. In that case, the first thing to do is to report the incident to the staff in charge and the airline’s customer service department before leaving the airport. This notification will initiate the process of tracking and finding your lost luggage.

Normally, luggage is tagged with flight information. However, to shorten the search process, you should describe details such as color, size, and brand. Every little bit of information helps.

2. Removing Old Luggage Tags

Removing old luggage tags from your suitcase will reduce the risk of it being lost or misdirected. Airlines’ luggage systems rely on accurate and clear tags to send your suitcase to the correct destination. Tags left over from previous flights can cause automated scanners to misread old barcodes and send them to the wrong location.

Many self-service kiosks and automated luggage systems are being applied, so you need to proactively remove the old tag to avoid trouble on the trip. Experts say this is easy to do but also easy to forget, leading to incorrect information and lost items.

3. Add a Separate Luggage Tag

You should have an additional high-quality, easily identifiable luggage tag to quickly find your belongings after the flight, avoiding being mistaken for others.

The information on the tag should include the name and contact information. The information should be constantly updated so that staff can easily return the luggage if it is lost.

However, luggage tags can also be lost or damaged during transportation. In this case, you should add a paper copy of the contact information and flight itinerary in your suitcases. This helps airport staff quickly connect with you if your luggage is lost.

Always double-check that your luggage tag has the correct information, including your name, phone number, and email address. Avoid putting your home address for safety reasons. This ensures that if your luggage is misplaced, it can be returned to you promptly.

4. Label Your Luggage Inside and Out

In addition to external tags, label your contact information inside your luggage. If the external tag gets lost or damaged, airline staff can still identify your bag and contact you using the internal label. This dual labeling system increases the chances of your luggage being returned to you promptly if it gets misplaced.

5. Use a Bright and Unique Luggage Cover or Strap

Using a bright and unique luggage cover or strap can make your bag stand out on the carousel, reducing the chances of someone else mistakenly taking it. This also helps you spot your luggage quickly, ensuring you can grab it before it gets lost.

There are many choices of unique luggage covers or straps that surely fit your style. You can easily find and buy them on Amazon.

6. Use Technology to Track Your Luggage

For added safety, a good quality GPS tracker is essential. These devices like Airtags and Tile Mate can be easily placed in your suitcase so you can track your luggage with your phone.

Besides that, many airlines now offer apps that allow you to track your luggage in real-time. Use these apps to monitor your luggage’s journey and get updates on its location. This can provide peace of mind and help you act quickly if something goes wrong. Additionally, some apps offer features like luggage claim notifications and delay alerts.

7. Use a TSA-Approved Lock

Using a TSA-approved lock on your luggage can deter theft and ensure your bag remains secure during transit. TSA agents can open these locks without being damaged if they need to inspect your bag. This added security measure helps protect your belongings and reduces the risk of your luggage being tampered with or stolen items.

8. Book Nonstop Flights Whenever Possible

Booking nonstop flights reduces the chances of your luggage getting lost during transfers. Fewer connections mean fewer opportunities for your luggage to be mishandled or misplaced.

9. Arrive Early and Check In Your Luggage Promptly

Arriving early at the airport and checking in your luggage promptly gives the airline ample time to process and handle your bags correctly. This reduces the risk of leaving your luggage behind due to last-minute rushes.

10. Other Tips for Not Losing Luggage

You should also check travel insurance policies regarding lost or delayed luggage. If they have to buy replacements, keep the receipts for claims.

Additionally, you should pack a few essentials in your carry-on luggage, enough to last a few days, to cover any eventualities.