So you've tagged your bags, zipped them close and off you go to the Airport, all excited about that long awaited vacation or business trip to some exotic overseas destination.

Do you really know what is packed in each suitcase???

Think again, because that may be a big clue in finding your lmishandled baggage.

"Did you say mishandled baggage?" I sure did! .....and yes you have now arrived at your destination without one or both pieces of baggage. Believe it or not!

So now you are mad as hell, but verbally abusing the already stressed Baggage Agent will not solve the problem. Sounds familiar????

Here are some tips that will help you avoid that problem or at the minimum, enable you to be reunited with your missing baggage a lot sooner.

1. Be sure to tag all suitcases/bags with name, hotel and destination
2. It a good idea to have identification inside suitcase as well
3. Be aware of specific identifying items in your suitcase (eg: blue Marc Jacobs dress)
4. Keep medication and jewelry in hand baggage
5. Insure your valuables
6. Keep the Airline busy until your bags arrive and track online if possible
7. Ascertain what basic costs will be covered as you will probably end up being out of pocket, for essential items.

Now I guess, you will be asking the question, ‘'why?'' , so I'll just go straight into the answers:

Baggage destination tags sometimes get broken off before they get to the destination, so having your bags tagged inside and out makes it identifiable.

1. Being able to recall specific identifying items in your baggage helps to create more accurate matches in the tracking system.
2. The wisdom of keeping medication and jewelry with you is obvious
3. Airline compensation for lost baggage is minimal and can never replace the value of what you have lost.

In closing, if you have a connecting flight in San Juan to the caribbean islands, you should know that carry-ons are generally taken away airside, as propeller planes are used, and there are no jetbridges for these destinations. This means that you are separated from your hand luggage for a period of time. As such, it is the time to ensure that you keep your medication and valuables with you in the cabin.

A final word to the wise: arriving at the airport early for check-in will go a long way in minimizing the possibility of your baggage going astray.