An estimated 30 million bags failed to arrive at their destinations on time last year. WHAT TO DO... Remove old baggage claim tags, then attach a sturdy ID tag to your bag with your phone number, your travel agent's business address and a PO Box or your business address. Don't use your home address, as it may alert thieves to your absence. Include your cell phone number so that the airline can contact you if your luggage is misrouted. Put contact information on the inside of your bag in case the external ID tags get lost. Also, decorate your luggage with stickers to make it easy to identify. Be sure to check bags at least 90 minutes before departure to ensure that they get thru security on time. Items such as jewelry, electronics, furs and negotiable instruments are not covered by the airlines if lost or stolen, so keep those items with you on the plane. Every airline may have a different policy and many even give more priority to first class and frequent fliers over everyone else. STOLEN ITEMS... If you receive payment for stolen items, it's in a depreciated value and a lot of times they will require a receipt (receipts are usually required if items were valued $100 or more.) So what can travelers do to protect themselves from baggage problems? There are several things you can do, some more convenient than others. First, and most obvious, would be to simply pack light and take your luggage on the plane with you. Next, would be to take those items that you will need shortly after getting off the plane, such as toiletries and items needed for meetings or gifts for those you may be traveling to visit. Remember those electronic devices, furs, jewelry and the items not covered by the airlines in case something does happen. Identifying your bag is another important thing to remember if you ever need to file a claim. So, always make sure your name and contact information is located on the outside of your baggage as well as inside in case the tags put on the bags should fall off and the airline needs to reach you. Take a quick picture of your bag before checking in, just in case something is broken off or torn apart during the flight. After you arrive to your destination, take a quick peek inside your bag and make sure nothing was skimmed off the top by thieves with access to your bags. If you really don't want to check in bags and have a little extra money, you can always ship the luggage overnight via FedEx or UPS. It may seem a little over the top, but everyone has preferred methods and many people actually pay the $50 or so it costs just to have that peace of mind and their baggage simply delivered to their door. One out of about 150 travelers ever has a problem with a mishandled bag last year. So if there is one thing to remember, it's always a good idea to simply take precautions with your baggage especially during the holidays and have a great flight.
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