Loss prevention
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Choose a suitcase with a very distinctive appearance, such as bright colors or an unusual design, to make it easily identifiable in a sea of plain bags.
It prevents accidental theft at baggage claim and makes the bag easier to spot.
- Avoid expensive brands like Louis Vuitton, as marking yourself as wealthy can lead to trouble.
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- Paint distinctive designs on your luggage to prevent theft and loss.1
Use a tracker to prove your bag's location if airline staff claim it is missing or delayed.
It can show the bag is present but forgotten, such as on the runway or in a cart.
one person who lived it
Attach the baggage claim tag or barcode sticker to your boarding pass or document folder.
That sticker is the key to locating lost luggage.
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Avoid checking luggage; pack only for carry-on travel.
You can get by with much less than expected, and it is pleasant to avoid handling checked bags until arrival.
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Tie a garish bandana, ribbon, scarf, handkerchief, or short piece of fabric to your luggage handle to distinguish it from other bags.
It makes the bag easy to identify and may cause others to notice it is not theirs.
- Avoid dangling items that could get caught on conveyors.
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Place contact information inside your luggage, in addition to external tags, so there is a backup if the external tag is lost.
If the external tag is lost, internal contact info is the only hope for recovery.
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- Place a used destination tag inside your luggage.1
Check the name tag on your luggage at the carousel even if it looks like yours, to prevent taking someone else's bag.
One person had to stop another from walking off with the wrong bag after checking the name.
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Ship checked luggage via courier services like UPS instead of checking it with the airline.
One person reported that shipping their stuff via UPS before leaving for their parents' house and back always got there.
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Use bag tags with serial numbers that allow finders to contact you via email.
The serial number enables the finder to send an email when found.
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Ask check-in staff for a fragile sticker for your bag.
These bags are sorted separately and have a lower chance of being lost.
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Allow scuffs on new luggage to give it a worn-in look so it does not appear to belong to a novice traveler.
It helps the bag look less like it belongs to a novice traveler.
one person who lived it
Place a non-valuable but identifiable item inside your bag.
It helps identify the luggage if tags are missing.
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Avoid using external luggage straps as they can get caught in baggage handling machinery.
Straps can cause bags to explode and scatter contents.
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If you struggle with lost luggage, try writing your name and address on your underwear as a backup identification method.
It helps if your bag gets lost or if you get lost.
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Be aware that trackers can help catch internal theft by airport workers.
Workers stealing bags may be caught if they take a bag containing a tracker home.
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Recognize that trackers do not prevent loss or theft; they only aid in locating items after the fact.
Security errors or loss can still occur even if you can verify the item is in the facility.
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Buy luggage with reinforced or strong handles to prevent them from snapping off when lifting.
Strong handles last longer and prevent breakage during lifting.
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Recognize that luggage loss can occur due to similar appearances causing mistaken identity by other passengers.
People may grab a similar-looking suitcase without checking tags.
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