Bob flew to Dallas on a business trip last week, but Bob’s luggage flew to Denver. Somewhere between check-in and takeoff, Bob’s bags made a wrong turn and ended upon on another flight. He didn’t see them again for two days! Though most of the time airlines manage to load the right luggage on the right flight, around one-half of one percent of the more than two billion bags checked each year are lost or delayed.
WHERE?
Oh, Where
Is My Luggage?
By Laura Quarantiello
© Tiare Publications
Laura Quarantiello is the author of “Air-Ways: The Insider’s Guide to Air Travel” filled with tips and techniques for less expensive, less hassle travel by air.
Here’s how you can make sure your luggage doesn’t take an unscheduled trip.
* Identify your bags. When the luggage from two hundred passengers starts rolling off the carousel, you begin to realize just how many off them really do look alike. Make it quick and easy to identify your bag by using a brightly colored strap or tag that helps it to stand out against the crowd. Best bet: a Velcro strap or band wrapped around the entire bag.
Check the destination tag. Airline agents attach a destination tag to each piece of luggage. The tag displays the three-letter identification code of the destination airport. Make sure your destination and that of your luggage is the same. Never leave old tags on your bags. If you don’t get a claim check from the agent for each bag you check, you may have trouble claiming them later. Know where your bags are checked to and make sure it’s your final destination and not just an intermediate stop.
Select flights that minimize baggage disruption. Luggage is most likely to go astray when you change airplanes or airlines during your trip. Minimize loading and unloading of your bags by choosing non-stop flights or through flights (one or more stops, but no change of aircraft.)
Use only carry-on bags. The best way to ensure that your bags will arrive safely is to tote them with you. Airlines limit the amount of carry-on baggage to two pieces, usually no larger than 21x14x9 on U.S. domestic flights. The weight, size, and number limits of checked bags can vary with the airline, fare class, and country of origin. Purses, cameras, coats, and garment bags usually don’t count as part of the carry-on limit.
If, despite these precautions, your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do, report the loss to the airline customer service desk. Make sure that the airline fills out the appropriate forms and provides you with a copy, as well as a copy of the airline’s “Conditions of Contract” and “Contract of Carriage.” Keep a list of the date, time, flight numbers, dollar amount of the loss, and names of any airline personnel you speak with. Ask if the airline will provide you with compensation until your bags are returned. By the way, if you paid for your ticket with a credit card, check with the card company to see if you’re eligible for lost luggage insurance. And take heart: most lost bags are returned to their owners within 24 hours.
Laura Quarantiello is the author of “Air-Ways: The Insider’s Guide to Air Travel” filled with tips and techniques for less expensive, less hassle travel by air. Filled with travel tips and ticket tricks from airline and travel professionals, Air-Ways gives you the inside story on how to save money on airline tickets, how to choose an airline and find a travel agent who’ll go that extra mile for you. More info can be found at http://www.tiare.com/airways.htm
Click HERE for another way to safeguard your luggage on trips.
Gas Saving Tips * Security issues * Changes since 911 * packing better * Make Your Vacations with Kids More Fun * Tips for Traveling with your pet * Get your toys back * Credit Card Care * parking lot caution * Bags with Wings * Luggage by name * get the right camping clothes * Make Your Own Clothes in an Emergency * Get your RV ready for summer travel * Spring Preparations for your RV.
WELCOME * FREE Vacation Kits from every State * Click HERE for the Best World Wide Travel Destination Web Sites. * Best National links page Travel Tips to make your vacations more fun, safer and easier. Our Site Map