Lost Luggage: 10 tips to help avoid lost luggage
Have you ever stood next to the luggage carousel, while everyone else collects their bags and leaves, and then eventually the carousel stops and you are left there with nothing more than the clothes you are wearing and a sinking feeling?
Of the 20 million+ pieces of luggage that airlines manage to lose each year:
- 52% are lost during aircraft transfers
- 16% fail to load
- 13% are lost from a ticketing error, a bag switch or in security
- 6% are stuck in customs or have weight issues
- 7% have a loading or offloading error
- 3% have an arrival station mishandling problem
- 3% have a tagging error
This is about 1% of all luggage, which means about 2 passengers on per plane. To help you avoid this, TID has prepared some tips to reduce your chances of this:
When you pack
Put your contact details and itinerary inside your luggage, so you can still be located if external tags are lost and your luggage is opened for inspection.
Tag your bags
Ensure all items have clear, sturdy luggage tags that won't tear off. Record your phone numbers for both home and destination. Some travellers prefer to list their office address to avoid suggesting their home is vacant.
Make your bags stand out
A brightly coloured bag, luggage tag or strap reduces the risk of your luggage being mistakenly claimed by another passenger on arrival.
Locks and straps
Locks and straps provide a deterrent to theft, but remember some destinations like the US only allow TSA-approved locks that can be opened by customs inspectors.
When you check in
Ensure all old destination stickers have been removed from your luggage and that staff affix the correct destination stickers at check-in. IMPORTANT: keep your portion of the luggage sticker provided at check-in (usually affixed to your boarding pass) as in the event your bags are lost this will greatly assist in their recovery. Also, try to arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in as a last-minute check-in or tight connection increases the chance of your bags missing the flight.
Flight Connections
Try to avoid tight connections. Ask at check-in whether your luggage is checked through to your final destination or whether you'll need to collect your luggage and re-check while in transit at another
Carry on luggage
For short journeys, consider travelling with carry-on luggage only. For longer journeys, place valuables and a few items of essential clothing in your hand luggage ... just in case. This can make the difference between discomfort and disaster should your bags not be there when you are.
Right there. When you're in need.
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