The 2022 holiday travel mess was a major news story around the country. Airlines were canceling flights due to severe winter weather and a poor scheduling system. Thousands were stranded and separated from their luggage. It got me thinking of how to best deal with the hassle of lost luggage and how to prevent it.
Pack a Carry-on with Necessities
When I check a bag, I pack a small carry-on, just in case.
The standard size for a carry-on is 22” x 12” x 9”. One of my flight attendant friends has a rule that your carry-on bag should be small enough to put under your seat if needed.
Amazon has plenty to choose from: HERE
Things to Pack:
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Phone Charger
- Valuables
- Medication
- Snacks
Attach a Luggage Tag
I read a story of a woman at the Tampa airport who reunited owners with their lost bags by texting at least 50 cell numbers she found on luggage tags.
The check-in desk usually has free paper luggage tags. I use luggage tags that I get as souvenirs or gifts.
Add Some Bling!
Make your luggage stand out. If you have a bag that looks like all the other suitcases, you might want to add a sticker, tie a colorful ribbon around the handle or use a bright luggage tag. It will help it to stand out in a sea of luggage. It can also prevent someone with the same type of bag from grabbing yours by accident.
Book a Direct Flight
Booking a direct flight will help prevent your bag from traveling to a different destination than you.
Consider Getting Baggage Loss Travel Insurance or Baggage Delay Insurance
The airlines are required, by The Department of Transportation, to compensate passengers for up to $3,800 for domestic travelers’ lost luggage. International flights have a liability limit of around $1,780. If necessary, you can also purchase a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for lost, damaged, and delayed luggage.
Choose an Airline That Offers Baggage Tracking
Some Airlines offer online baggage tracking through their mobile apps. Enter your bag tag number online to track your bag from the barcode they stick on when you check in.
Future Technology
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has advantages over barcodes and can help airlines to reduce the number of misplaced bags by reducing the amount of human interaction needed.
Purchase a Tracking Device
Here is a short list of some of the top-rated. Read some reviews to find which device is for you.
Apple Airtag is a device that uses the Apple Find My app
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is compatible with Galaxy phones and tablets connected to the SmartThings app
Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker works on both iOS® and Android™
Dynotag SuperTag ID, someone who finds your luggage or lost property can use their smartphone, tablet, or computer to unlock and view your contact info.
Tracki Real-time GPS tracker Supports Android And iOS for International travel.
LandAirSee GPS Tracker Supports Android And iOS and is limited to travel in the U.S.
What to Do if Your Bag is Missing
Report your missing bag to an airline representative as soon as possible. Follow your airline’s instructions for filing a detailed claim for baggage recovery before leaving the airport.
Get Reimbursed
The Department of Transportation requires airlines to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost. They will also reimburse you for a reasonable amount per day for any essentials you’ll need to purchase during the delay of your luggage.