Baggage Claim 101
There is no doubt that misplaced or delayed luggage will ruin almost any trip. And with airports getting more and more crowded, and many travelers checking identical-looking bags, lost luggage may seem inevitable. Here are some tips that might help you secure your luggage and enjoy a more satisfying trip.- Be able to precisely decribe your luggage (type, color, size, shape) in case it's lost or misplaced and you must fill out a claim form. You may even want to take pictures of your luggage and carry them with you.
- To increase the likelihood of your luggage arriving at your destination, check in early and avoid connecting flights
- Check two smaller pieces of luggage rather than one large one. Two pieces are easier to carry, and if one is lost you'll at least have some of your belongings.
- Because so much luggage looks alike, make yours distinctive by attaching tape, a decal, a strap, or a colorful ribbon. Do the same with a carry-on garment bag if you plan to hang it in the airplane's closet.
- Write your name and work address and phone number on your luggage tags; tape a tag inside each bag as well. Don't provide you home address and number -- there's no reason to make you home a target for burglars while you're away.
- To reduce the likelihood of thieves getting into you hard suitecases once you've checked them, consider having them shrinkwrapped (this can't be done with soft luggage). Airports in many developing countries and a few in the U.S. provide this service for a small fee.
- Remove old airline tags from bags to avoid confusing luggage handlers.
- Always check that the tags attached to your luggage by the check-in agent match your final destination.
- Remove hooks, straps, or any items on garment bags or other types of luggage that might become tangled in luggage conveyer belts.
- To reduce the risk of your luggage being picked up by someone else, go to the baggage claim area as soon as possible after your plane lands.
- Don't expect the airline to provide much monetary compensation if your luggage is lost, especially on an international flight. Check whether you have coverage for lost bags through your credit card or homeowner's or renter's insurance.
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