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It's
estimated that two million bags cruise through airport carousels each day, with only a small
percentage of those being "mishandled" or routed to the wrong airport. And the majority of
bags are returned to their rightful owner within 24 hours. But still, loss does occur and it's
well
worth the effort to try to minimize the chances that your bag will be lost or misdirected. Read on to
find out how:
Start by anticipating a worst-case scenario when you pack
your bags. Avoid carrying cash, important documents, medication, jewelry, cameras, and breakables in
your luggage. Instead, bring those valuables and a change of clothes with you in a small carry-on.
After you've finished packing, place the appropriate
identification tags on all of your bags. Clearly indicate your name, phone number, and work or home
address on the tags. Also, slip a copy of your travel itinerary inside your bags in case the outside
tags are ripped off while in transit. While you're at it, remove all straps and hooks from your
garment bags and suitcase as they can get caught and damaged in the machinery.
When making reservations, avoid changing airlines or
reserving flights with connections--the more complicated your itinerary, the more likely your bags
will get lost in the shuffle. Also, avoid showing up late for your flight. Though you may narrowly
make it onto the plane, your bags may be left behind. And when you check your bags, make sure to
obtain a claim check and verify that the tags correspond with the correct airport code for your
destination.
If the contents of your bags exceed the maximum amount
the airlines will reimburse you for if your bag is lost for good, you might want to look into
purchasing "excess valuation" upon check-in. Though it's not insurance, it will increase
the amount of money owed to you by the airline if your bags are lost. While the cost to obtain it is
usually minimal, the airline can refuse to sell excess valuation on items such as expensive jewelry,
antiques, medicines, and the like. Better to check your home owner's or renter's insurance to see if
it covers losses incurred away from home.
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Preventing Your Bags From Getting Lost
