Travel Smart: 12 Ways to Keep Your Luggage Safe
Long-haul flights can be stressful, and the last thing you want is to deal with mishandled baggage. A 2024 SITA study revealed that 36.1 million suitcases were mishandled in 2023—lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen—translating to about 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers. Although mishandling rates have dropped dramatically from 46.9 per 1,000 in 2007 to today’s numbers, travelers can still take proactive measures to safeguard their belongings. Here are 12 expert tips to help you keep track of your luggage and make your journey more pleasant.
1. Use a Luggage Tag Every Time
Even if you’re planning to carry your bag on board, attach a sturdy luggage tag with your contact details—name, phone number, and email address. This simple step can be invaluable if you’re unexpectedly forced to check your bag at the gate. Just be cautious not to include your home address to maintain your privacy and security. Securely fasten the tag so it doesn’t detach during transit.
2. Place Your Contact Info Inside Your Bag
In addition to the external tag, stick a note inside your bag with your phone number and email address. Including a copy of your travel itinerary can help airline staff quickly locate and return your luggage if it gets misplaced.
3. Book Nonstop Flights When Possible
Fewer connections mean fewer opportunities for your bag to be mishandled. Whenever possible, choose nonstop flights, especially on international routes where your baggage must clear customs—this reduces the number of transfers and handling errors.
4. Remove Old Stickers from Your Luggage
Before checking in, peel off any old barcode stickers. Outdated labels can confuse baggage handling systems. SITA found that 4% of mishandled bags result from errors in tagging. Clean, clear, and current tags make a difference.
5. Add an Apple AirTag to Each Bag
For high-tech tracking, consider placing an Apple AirTag in your luggage. The FAA allows AirTags since they contain minimal lithium, and their small size meets safety requirements. With AirTag tracking, you can share a secure location link with the airline if your bag goes missing, streamlining the recovery process.
6. Keep a Detailed Description of Your Bag
Take note of your bag’s manufacturer, color, size, and any distinctive features. A precise description, along with an itemized list and photos of your luggage and its contents, can be extremely helpful if you need to file a claim or report lost baggage.
7. Arrive Early and Check In Your Luggage in Advance
Avoid the last-minute rush by arriving at the airport early. This ensures that your luggage is tagged and loaded properly, reducing the risk of mishandling. Early check-ins allow airline staff ample time to process your bags correctly.
8. Secure or Remove Loose Parts
Loose straps, buckles, or any dangling accessories on your bag can catch on conveyor belts or machinery, potentially delaying your flight or damaging your luggage. Ensure all loose parts are securely fastened or removed before traveling.
9. Make Your Bag Easily Identifiable
Bright ribbons, unique patterns, or distinctive luggage tags can help your bag stand out on the carousel, reducing the chance that someone else might mistake it for their own. Unique, eye-catching markers are a simple way to keep your luggage visible.
10. Be Persistent (But Polite) With Follow-Ups
If your bag goes missing, remain polite yet persistent when dealing with airline staff. A friendly, determined inquiry can sometimes prompt quicker action and help get your luggage returned promptly.
11. Opt for Carry-On Only, If You Can
Skipping checked baggage can eliminate many potential problems. With carry-on only, you maintain control over your belongings throughout the journey. This is particularly beneficial on international flights where mishandling rates tend to be higher.
12. Consider Shipping Your Luggage
For bulky or multiple bags, shipping them via a specialized service can be a smart alternative. Many companies offer door-to-door luggage shipping with guaranteed arrival, insurance, and 24-hour support—ideal for avoiding the hassle of checking bags.
By following these 12 steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering luggage troubles, ensuring that you spend more time enjoying your trip and less time worrying about lost or delayed baggage.
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