| How to Protect Your Baggage |
From Theft
Theft is more rampant than the traveler would like to believe, particularly on longer flights. Here are a few ideas to protect your checked in, and carry on luggage.
- Replace the locks that came with your suitcases with a stronger lock. A combination lock is preferable so that you don't have to worry about lost keys. Consider this for carry on items as well.
- For checked in luggage, add a few strips of colorful tape like electrical tape or hockey tape to help indicate whether your luggage has been broken into if the tape is all torn.
- Keep your most valuable items at the bottom of your carry on in order to reduce easy access for a would-be thief.
- When possible, place carry on items under the seat in front of you, where it is more difficult for someone else to access.
- If your flight stops at another airport before continuing you are often given the option to take a break in the airport terminal. If you do, bring your carry on with you. Otherwise, you have provided a thief with an open invitation to steal.
- For longer flights, try placing any items for overhead storage in the bins across the aisle from you so you can keep an eye on anyone rifling through your things.
- Do not leave keys, important documents, or your wallet in your coat. Whether it is hung in the wardrobe or tucked in the overhead storage, this is easy prey for a thief.
- Vital documents like passports and tickets should be kept on your person at all times if possible. Wearing a neck pouch that can be tucked under your shirt while you are sleeping is a good option.
- Keep your wallet on your person at all times.
From getting Lost
More than two million bags cruise through airport carousels each day, with only a small percentage of those being "mishandled" or routed to the wrong airport. And the majority of bags are returned to their rightful owner within 24 hours. But still, loss does occur and it's well worth the effort to try to minimize the chances that your bag will be lost or misdirected.
- Start by anticipating a worst-case scenario when you pack your bags. Avoid carrying cash, important documents, medication, jewelry, cameras, and breakables in your luggage. Instead, bring those valuables and a change of clothes with you in a small carry-on.
- After you've finished packing, place the appropriate identification tags on all of your bags. Clearly indicate your name, phone number, and work or home address on the tags. Also, slip a copy of your travel itinerary inside your bags in case the outside tags are ripped off while in transit. While you're at it, remove all straps and hooks from your garment bags and suitcase as they can get caught and damaged in the machinery. Another hint: Add a colorful sticker or ribbon to your bag to distinguish it from the others.
- When making your reservations, avoid changing airlines or reserving flights with connections--the more complicated your itinerary, the more likely your bags will get lost in the shuffle. Also, avoid showing up at the airport two minutes before the flight is ready to depart. Though you may narrowly make it onto the plane, your bags may be left behind.
- When you check your bags, make sure to obtain a claim check and verify that the tags you've been given correspond with the correct airport code for your destination.
- If the contents of your bags exceed the maximum amount the airlines will reimburse you for if your bag is lost for good, you might want to look into purchasing "excess valuation" upon check-in. Though it's not insurance, it will increase the amount of money owed to you by the airline if your bags are lost. While the cost to obtain it is usually minimal, the airline can refuse to sell excess valuation on items such as expensive jewelry, antiques, medicines, and the like.
- If you're still worried about your bag, there is a way to make sure the airline doesn't lose it: Ship it. E.g. Virtual Bellhop is a company that specializes in door-to-door transportation of your luggage. For a price starting at about $65, the company will pick up your packed bag at your home a day or two before the flight. It will be waiting for you when you arrive. On the way home, your bag will again be picked up at your hotel room, and will arrive at your home or office a day or two later. You will have to put up with not having your suitcase for a few days on either end of the trip, but you will have the peace of mind that comes from always knowing where your bag is.
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