Don't Let Your Luggage Go Missing! Follow These Tips to Keep Track of Your Bags at Baggage Claim. free mixer via Getty Images
Checking a bag at the airport can be stressful. You have to plan extra time for both ends of your trip. Getting to the airport early to check bags and waiting at the carousel after landing can be frustrating. If you've travelled with kids or a group, you know how hard it is to coordinate everything.
The worst-case scenario for any traveller is waiting at the baggage claim only to find out your bag isn't there. Despite many systems to prevent lost luggage, mistakes can happen. If you want to avoid this nightmare, we have tips from travel experts to help you keep track of your luggage.
Top Tip: Use a Tracker
Travel experts agree: that using a luggage tracker like Apple Air Tags or other Bluetooth devices is crucial. These trackers can be added to your items and located through apps like “Find My” on an iPhone. Elad Schaffer, CEO of Faye Travel Insurance, notes that these trackers are affordable and easy to slip into your checked bag.
Summer Hull from The Points Guy highlights that their readers love Air Tags and other airline-provided trackers. These devices let you monitor your luggage via Bluetooth or GSM technology. While a tracker can’t stop your bag from getting lost, it can help you locate it quickly and assist the airport in reuniting you with your bag sooner.
Additional Tips for Keeping Track of Your Bag
While trackers are helpful, there are other ways to ensure your bag stays safe:
- Make Your Suitcase Noticeable
Basic black luggage is common and hard to spot. Schaffer recommends adding colourful tags or decorations to make your bag stand out. Rocky Trifari, a travel expert, suggests using bright straps, ribbons, or stickers to prevent others from mistakenly taking your bag. - Remove Old Labels
Frequent travellers often leave old luggage tags on their bags. Hull advises removing these to give your bag the best chance of reaching its destination. Adding a tag with clear contact information inside your bag can also help if the external tag gets lost. - Choose Direct Flights When Possible
Direct flights reduce the risk of mishandled luggage. Trifari recommends choosing direct flights or allowing ample time between connections if a layover is necessary. - Check the Printer
Simple printing mistakes can send your luggage to the wrong place. Hull advises checking your bag label for the correct airport code, your name, and any priority tags. Stay to ensure your luggage is properly placed on the conveyor belt. - Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
While arriving early is generally good, checking in too early can lead to your bag being placed in a holding area. Hull warns against checking in four to six hours before departure, as this increases the risk of your bag getting lost.
If your luggage does get lost, report it to the airline’s baggage service counter immediately. Provide a detailed description of your bag and any unique identifiers. Trifari suggests contacting the airline on social media for a quicker response.
These measures can help keep track of your bag and ensure it reaches your destination. Safe travels!
