Be Packing Savvy!

My Tips to Prevent a Baggage Disaster

Arriving at your destination without your luggage is a nightmare scenario for most travellers. It is even worse if you know you are heading off on a cruise, so getting luggage to you when you are on the move becomes even more of a logistical nightmare.  I was reminded of this recently when an unfortunate customer had this very thing happen to them and although they did get the bags back it was four days later having missed a formal night and an important birthday celebration on-board.

So, what can be done to prevent this or make things easier if it should occur? My tips are not just useful for cruise holidays but all travelling to avoid being frustrated on arrival.

1. Take Hand-luggage Only

If you can pack light and travel with hand luggage only, you won’t need to worry about checking in any bags at the airport, and there is no chance of losing them. If you are doing this make sure you are aware of the regulations around what can and can’t be packed in your hand luggage. This includes liquids over 100ml, lighters, Sports equipment. Musical instruments and more.

2. Don’t over-fill your Bag

This is a common issue. If you have to sit on your suitcase to close the zipper, then the chances are you have over filled it and risk the chance of the zip breaking under the pressure of other bags on it in the aircraft. Let’s be honest do you want to be the one collecting your bag from the conveyor belt with your smalls hanging out of a broken case. Not only is it embarrassing but potentially you could have lost items from the case as well. You may want to invest in a strap as added security. In addition, make sure you adhere to the weight and size restrictions applicable to your ticket as excess baggage charges at the airport can be very costly.

Mix your luggage

If there are two or more of you travelling, mix the items in the cases so you both have some in each case. It is far less likely that both suitcases will go missing than just one and at least you will have items in the other case.  the smae goes for you hand luggage. Put some essentials like a change of underwear and perhaps some swimwear or one change of outfit in your hand baggage just in case.

3. Keep Valuable Items with You

Don’t leave anything valuable in the bag you’re checking in – always keep items such as jewellery, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras in your carry-on bag. It is also worth mentioning at this point that any medication should be in your hand luggage too in case of a worse scenario where you lose your case altogether. If this includes liquid medications, you will need to get a doctors letter to take it with you. If you are taking valuable items, also check your travel insurance policy as valuables may be covered up to £1000 or £2000 but most insurances have an individual item limit which is much lower often only £200 – £300. If you are not covered, don’t take it. You should also make sure all your travel documentation for the flight and onward travel is in your hand luggage just in case.

4. Label your Suitcase Clearly

Be sure you write your name and phone number on a luggage tag and attach it to each suitcase. Just in case this gets damaged or ripped off, you may also want to put a copy of this in a small zip pocket as well for identification. You may think your suitcase is unique but it is surprising how alike they can look on a conveyor so something bright and easy to identify when collecting your suitcase on arrival is a good idea. This will also help staff locate your bag if lost. Take a photo of it on your mobile before you check-in as added security.  When you are checking in be vigilant and make sure the check-in staff attach the computerised flight tags and ask what happens to your bags if you have a change of flight en-route. This is not always straight forward so check you know what is happening and if you have to collect the bag at the first arrival airport.  Make sure they attach the Baggage receipt tags to your boarding pass as you will need these to trace bags if they are lost.

5. Keep a list of your luggage contents

In case the worse happens have a list on your mobile phone of the suitcase contents. You may think you know but it is not easy to remember and if you have to make a claim against the airline or an insurance claim it will come in handy.

6. Lock your luggage

Having a lock on your luggage can help to reduce the chances of it being stolen simply because would be thieves are less likely to opt for a bag that’s locked as opposed to one which isn’t. However, when travelling to or via the USA your lock needs to be compliant with regulations to avoid having your locks broken into by security staff. Locks must be approved by the TSA as these have universal master keys that security staff can use to open your bag should they need to. Do not use combination locks for the USA.

7. Give yourself plenty of time

Don’t be last minute getting to the airport. If you can check-in on line the night before then do it, as.this means you only have to go to the baggage drop area and already have your boarding passes. Make sure if this is the case that you see the bags go through onto the conveyors before leaving them. Also, if you are very late you may just make your flight but that does not mean your luggage will. It is ten times more likely to be left behind if you are late checking in and boarding. The same applies to changeover points. Leave plenty of connection time for the next flight even if this means hanging around a bit longer as again it is not just you that has to make the next flight but your luggage.

8. Pack your toiletries with care

As liquids, cannot go in your hand luggage, they must go in the suitcase. So make sure you pack them with a little care.  Having a baggage disaster does not just refer to lost luggage but also spillages leaving clothes ruined for your holiday. A good way to avoid this is to put your toiletries in a waterproof wash bag or a plastic bag, freezer bag or sandwich bag with a zip lock top is ideal or tie it shut if not. If you are unsure double bag it for extra safety and you can always wrap it in a beach towel as well as these are ultra-absorbent in case anything leaks.

What should I do if the Worse happens and my case goes Missing?

Airlines are governed by the Montreal Convention making them responsible for the luggage they transport even though this responsibility is limited.

If your suitcase does not come on the conveyor belt go straight to the baggage claims counter with your baggage claim tags. Here you must complete a property irregularity report and make sure you keep a copy. They will be able to track your luggage via its barcode and should be able to tell you what’s happened to it.  If they trace your case they will make every effort to get it to you as soon as possible. This can typically take 2-3 days.

If your luggage is delayed your can claim for expenses to buy essential items until your luggage reaches you. Check with the airline or your travel insurance for limits on this spend.

If the luggage is lost (Missing for more than 21 days) you can make a claim for the case and contents.

Make sure you do not miss the deadlines. For delays, write within 21 days from when you handed your luggage to the airline. If your bags haven’t turned up after 21 days, they are considered lost but you must claim compensation by writing to the airline within seven days of the luggage being declared lost .

I hope you find this useful and I have not put you off travelling.

Have you got any tips for Packing? If so I would love to hear them.