Did you know that U.S. airlines lose around 2 million suitcases a year? To make your journey as worry-free as possible, here are 6 practical tips to help prevent lost luggage:
1. A clean start
A simple, yet overlooked step is removing old baggage tags. As fun as it might be to reminisce about your last trip (or 5), leaving tags from the past can lead to confusion, misrouting or even loss of your luggage. So before you head to the airport, double-check your luggage to ensure that your bag is clean and ready for the journey.
2. Pack smart
One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of lost luggage is to pack a carry-on only (which also helps you avoid overpacking). Stick to the essentials and research your destination’s weather and vibe to see what you should bring. Invest in packing cubes to maximize space and keep your belongings organized. These cubes help compress your clothes, allowing space for the souvenirs you find along the way.
3. Spot your bag with style
A fun strategy that will make your luggage easily recognizable and add a touch of personality is using a bag you can find from a mile away. Make your luggage stand out from a sea of look-alike suitcases by infusing style and creativity. Opt for a vibrant suitcase or choose an eye-catching pattern that matches your personality and travel style.
Or take an existing bag you have and add personalized luggage tags. Having some sort of identifier on your bags will make it much easier for airline staff to find if it does manage to get lost. Make sure to include your name and your contact information somewhere on the bag so it will always find its way home.
4. Arrive prepared
Reduce stress and avoid rushing by giving yourself ample time. You can track your trip’s flights via the Faye app (available in the App Store and Google Play) to see if they’re on time, delayed or canceled. Arrive early at the airport to provide sufficient time to complete the check-in process and drop off your bags. Speeding through this step increases the chances of your bags being overlooked or not properly tagged.
Two pro tips:
- Hang onto or take a photo of your baggage receipts to ensure you don’t lose them. Also, take a pic of your bag and its contents before check-in, so you have them as proof if something goes wrong.
- For connecting flights, opt for layovers of over 1.5 hours. Longer layovers provide airlines with more time to transfer your luggage.
5. Stay connected to your belongings
Harness the power of technology to protect your luggage. Track, locate and safeguard your belongings more effectively by using a Bluetooth tracker that allows you to monitor your bag’s location. Embrace technology, and travel with confidence, knowing that you have the right tools to locate and retrieve your stuff in real time.
6. Be attentive at baggage claim
When it comes to preventing lost luggage, being proactive and attentive at the baggage claim area can make all the difference. Get to the area of the airport where your baggage will be unloaded as soon as you can after your flight lands. Choose a spot that gives you a clear view and lets you identify your bags as they come out. Don’t forget to check the bag tag to make sure it’s 100% yours!
Bonus: Keep valuables and essentials with you
Important documents, medication and other valuable items should always be kept in your carry-on bag. Perhaps even consider taking a change of clothes with you in your carry-on in case things go awry. This way, even if your checked luggage goes missing, you’ll have the essentials with you.
Use a document organizer for your important documents, such as passports, visas and travel itineraries, and safely store your medications and prescriptions in a toiletry bag. If you want to go the extra mile, consider investing in a small travel lock or bag with a built-in lock for added peace of mind.
Stress-free adventure
Travel insurance is the trusty companion you should never leave home without as it can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection. With Faye Travel Insurance, you can be reimbursed up to $2K per trip for lost, stolen or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items and professional equipment like a phone or laptop.
So, before you set off on your next adventure, make sure to pack Faye Travel Insurance.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for how to prevent lost luggage.
