Avoid Losing Your Luggage

The most important way to avoid losing your luggage when traveling is to be sure to remove all of the old tags. That includes removing any bar codes from your bag. You want your luggage to go where you're going - not where you've been! Whether you use curbside check-in, or go inside at the airport, wait until the new bar code is attached to your luggage before walking away. Additionally, be sure that you remove shoulder straps and any hanging add-a-bag straps. Anything that might get caught on the conveyer belt will hold up your luggage. Luggage that is damaged should be repaired prior to your trip. You don't want loose ends to get caught in the machines, delaying your bag. You also don't want your clothing to spill out, holding up your bag from making your plane. Additionally, at airports today, there's rarely someone checking baggage claim tickets when you leave. That means that anyone can grab your bag and leave. It's usually done accidentally, so it's important to identify your luggage as "yours!" When traveling, you can't help but notice how much of the luggage looks alike. You will quickly realize how important identifying your luggage is when you see the array of black luggage circling the airport carousel. It's relatively easy to make your luggage stand out as yours alone so it will not be taken accidentally. Begin with those real important luggage tags. You'll notice that most tags today do not have your home address exposed. This is to protect you, in case there's no one at home. No use advertising that the house is empty! The bigger and brighter the color of the luggage tag the better! Additionally, put a luggage tag on the top and the side handle as well. In that way, it won't matter which way your bag comes down the carousel, the tag will be seen. Use the same color tags, or the same combination of colors, so you can tell your luggage at a glance. Luggage tags that are made up of your business card are another good idea. They don't expose your home address on the outside of the tag. One on each handle is the best way again. To be doubly sure or identifying your bag, always add your name and address inside the luggage as well. It's also a good idea to include your destination address inside the luggage as well as your phone or cell phone number. The airlines, or the wrong passenger with your bag can get ahold of you. Some luggage brands like Tumi Luggage and Mosaic Luggage has a tracer program to reunite you with your bag permanently bound inside the suitcase. It offers a toll free number to call, and sometimes a reward. You can also purchase this tracer program separately. Monogramming luggage is another very important feature of identifying your bags. The monogram is permanent and cannot be removed easily. It's generally burned on to the luggage. No one can claim they thought the bag was "theirs" if their initials do not match yours! These monograms will stay on the luggage almost forever and be the best identifying feature. Some brands of luggage have a place for initials on the bottom of the case. Mosaic Luggage has an area on the botton of the luggage which holds their mosaic tiles showing your initials. The luggage can also be monogrammed on the front leather panel. This gives you two areas showing your initials making the case undoubtedly yours! Companies are always designing new ways for you to identify your luggage. One of the smartest ideas is a handle wrap. This changes the color or your luggage handle with a velcro bright colored wrap. You can put one of these handle wraps on the top handle and side handle as well. Once again, try to keep to the same color scheme so you know instantly what to look for at these busy luggage carousels. Travel shields are a luggage cover which go over the entire suitcase. They leave the pull up handle area exposed, and also the wheels. In that way, the luggage can easily be used as designed. Travel shields not only help you to identify your bag, but they protect your case from the elements and the vigors of travel. They are available in bright, instantly identifiable colors. Placing them on and off the luggage is easy!