Summary
As you prepare for your upcoming flight, it’s essential to consider the possibility of baggage loss. Rethinking your packing strategies can significantly minimize the impact of lost or delayed luggage.
Use Your Carry-On Space Wisely
Many travelers choose to pack extra outfits in their carry-on bags. However, for numerous travelers, particularly seniors, this might be challenging due to the space taken up by medications, toiletries, and electronics. To optimize your carry-on, ensure you at the very least include a change of underwear and socks. If possible, pack sleepwear and an extra shirt. Wearing your jacket during the flight can help create more space for these essentials.
Divide and Conquer
If traveling with a companion, consider dividing clothing and shoes between your suitcases. This way, should one suitcase be misplaced, both travelers will still have essential items to wear. For solo travelers, it might be useful to look into shipping certain belongings ahead using services like DHL or FedEx, especially if there’s a concern about luggage getting lost.
Carefully Pack Breakables and Liquids
When it comes to packing liquids and fragile items, consider whether they truly need to be checked in. If possible, repackage shampoo into smaller bottles for carry-on. Alternatively, sending fragile items via freight services could save you hassle. If these items must be packed, use protective wrapping like bubble wrap or towels, and ensure liquids are sealed in multiple plastic bags to prevent leaks. While packing, be particularly cautious with colored liquids; using additional layers of protection is advisable.
Burglar-Proof Your Suitcase
To best protect your belongings, it’s crucial to keep all medications, travel documents, valuables, and electronics in your carry-on luggage. Do not risk putting these items in checked baggage, even if secured with TSA-approved locks.
Document Your Belongings
Prior to travel, create a comprehensive list of the items you’re packing, focusing on valuable items. Taking photographs of your packed suitcase can serve as documentation, demonstrating what your luggage contains. This is particularly beneficial if you need to report lost luggage later on.
Assist Your Airline
Facilitate the return of lost luggage by including your destination address and a local or reliable mobile phone number on both the external luggage tag and a note inside each checked bag. Since luggage tags can sometimes detach, providing both external and internal identification will help airline personnel locate your bag more efficiently.
Avoid using your home address on luggage tags to prevent potential theft. Opt for a local address, such as an office, for tagging your bags. Additionally, ensure your luggage is labeled accurately with the airport code during check-in to minimize errors.
