Travel Tips: Losing Your Baggage
According to the Department of Transportation, the percentage of checked bags that gets permanently lost is approximately 0.005 percent. This means that sooner or later, your lost baggage will show up. Still, losing your baggage while traveling is really inconvenient. In case, this unfortunate thing happens to you, here are some of the things that you should do in order to minimize such inconveniences.
- Since airlines have limited liability when it comes to lost baggage, it will be smart if you avoid bring with you items that are too expensive or too difficult to replace. If you need to bring these items, you should ask your insurance company or purchase extra valuation coverage.
- It is better if you put important documents and items such as jewelry and cash on your carry-on bags so that even if your baggage is lost, you do not have to worry about them. Most travelers find belt bags to be very convenient for this reason.
- Make sure that your suitcase can be easily identified. If possible, purchase one with a slide-in plastic window where you can put in your name and other important details instead of choosing one with an identification tag, which can easily be torn off.
- Before packing your things, you should inspect the locks and zippers of your luggage. There are cases when bags pop open when being handled because they are overstuffed or the locks are broken.
- Keep with you a detailed inventory of all the items in your luggage. This way, you can easily confirm whether you lost any item if your baggage got lost or delayed.
- As soon as you realize that your luggage is not in the baggage claim area, report it to the airline at once. They might have an idea whether your bags have been loaded into another flight. If in case your bags are really lost, you should fill out and complete the required form properly. Ask for a phone number so that you can call them regarding your baggage.
