6 Ways to Safeguard Your Checked Luggage

It's time to play it safe(r)! Before handing off your precious luggage, follow these six steps to make it easier to get your bags back again.



Choose a Sturdy Tag With Security Flap: No flimsy tags here, purchase a heavy-duty one with a secure fastening method like this one. Some people advise against putting a home address on the bag - suggesting your business address instead - but, no matter which you choose, a tag with a flap increases security. To be doubly safe, add heavy-duty tape reinforcement on any buckled version.

List Your Information Inside: Even if your tag's super solid, there's no guarantee it won't come undone. Such is life. Always include a card with your contact information inside, placed on top of your clothes as the very last thing to go in any checked bag.

Set Yourself Apart From the Pack: The sea of black bags streaming down the conveyor belt consistently causes confusion. Reduce your chances of an accidentally grabbed bag and add an identifying feature like a neon strap. These even double as locks, too.

Remove Old Tags First: Before handing off a bag, make sure you've removed any old travel tags. Sometimes the agent will do so anyway but, during busy times, they may leave this job up to you.

Double-Check Destination Tags: Read the checked tag to make sure it's properly labeled to the destination airport code. Always confirm that any bag will be checked through to your final destination as some airlines will expect you to take and recheck bags especially if you need to clear customs.

Don't Lose Your Claim Ticket : You may not expect an airline to lose your bags, but who expects the unexpected?! Don't just toss the claim ticket in your purse (or, worse, the trash). Check to make sure there's one per bag, labeled to the right destination, and put them immediately in your wallet for safekeeping. Even though the airline has records, you'll speed up the bag location process if you can give them your claim ticket number when reporting the missing bag.

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