Do You Feel Lucky?
When you fly, do you check in your bags? Watch out: Once that bag leaves your side, anything could happen to it. For every 1,000 bags, the typical airline mishandles 6.
Sure, the odds don't sound too bad. But what if the dice doesn't roll in your favor one day? What do you do if the airline loses or damages your bag? More importantly, how do you prevent your bag from becoming a statistic?
I Know What I'm Talking About...
I've Seen it Happen Over and Over Again
I used to work for an airline as a baggage agent, which meant I had to handle reports on mishandled luggage all the time. Most of the passengers I dealt with were understandably upset, but easy to soothe. Others were practically foaming at the mouth because they had packed a wedding dress, medication, or something else of great value in their missing bag.I have witnessed bags getting caught in the luggage carousel. Once or twice, I had no choice but to whip out a pair of scissors and cut a duffel bag loose.
I have seen bags drenched from the rain. I have seen bags covered in shampoo. I have seen bags with mangled wheels and missing handles.
Considering all the things that can happen, I'm frankly amazed that most checked bags return to their owners unscathed!
How Do Bags Get Lost Or Left Behind?
- Tight Connections - You should give yourself at least an hour for both you and your bag to reach a connecting flight. Even then, things happen.
- Bag Jams - Sometimes a bag will get stuck somewhere on a conveyor belt, causing a blockage.
- Bag Switches - Someone doesn't pay attention and runs off with your bag by mistake.
- Late Check-Ins - Because the bag was checked in late, the airline didn't have time to get it to the airplane.
- Full Flight - If a lot of people are flying and everyone checks in one or two big bags, there may not be room for all of them.
- Weight and Balance Issues - This is a complicated yet very important issue that sometimes leads to bags being left off the plane. This comes up a lot with smaller planes. Too much weight could mean that the plane burns too much fuel or is unable to take off safely.
- Missing Tags - Sometimes the bag tag gets torn off when it goes through the conveyor belt system. Without the tag, airline employees can't determine where your bag needs to go.
- Misread Tags - Baggage handlers who are distracted or in a hurry sometimes just plain misread a tag and load a bag onto the wrong plane.
Best Way to Protect Your Bags: Don't Check Them
Always carry-on your luggage whenever possible. That's the only way to guarantee that the airline won't mishandle your bag.Be aware of the airline's carry-on restrictions: Most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
In general, you're allowed a bag that measures no more than 45" linear inches. That should be the number you get after you add up the bag's width, length, and height. 22 x 14 x 9 is standard.
Weight restrictions vary wildly. Most domestic airlines are generous, often letting you carry as much as 40 pounds worth of stuff. International airlines, however, can be quite stingy: Some international airlines demand carry-on bags to be so light, you couldn't get away with packing a laptop! Make sure you know the airline's weight restrictions ahead of time.
Rising Cost of Checked Luggage
Checked Baggage Fees Going Up!
Airlines are hurting from the rising cost of fuel, and they're passing on those costs to us, the passengers. Not only are the prices of tickets going up, baggage fees are on the rise. Bags add extra weight to the plane, which means they have to burn more fuel, which means it's gonna cost you.It used to be airlines would at least allow you to check one bag for free, but that luxury is probably not going to last... American Airlines is already charging $15 just to check in ONE bag. Many airlines are charging significant fees just to check in a SECOND bag. Heaven help you if your bag is overweight or oversized, because checking it in could add an extra few hundred dollars to your fare.
And no, they probably won't reimburse you if they manage to lose or damage your bag. This is yet another reason to avoid checking in bags. Or a good reason to mail stuff to your destination in advance.
Supporting Links:
Forward Your Bag
If you can afford it, you could always use a luggage forwarding service to have your bag picked up and delivered to your destination. It will likely cost more than $100, but it could be worth it depending on your circumstances. It's worth looking into if you're traveling with a large musical instrument.Do an online search for "luggage delivery," and you'll find companies that specialize in this.
But if You Must Check a Bag...
If you decide to check a bag, there are some things you can do to protect it.First, always put your contact information in your bag. Print out a copy of your itinerary and lay it on top of your clothes. Have your phone number and address on both the inside and outside of your bag. Better yet, include information about where you'll be staying. That way if the bag is ever misplaced, the airline has an easier time reuniting you with it.
Check in early for your flight. If you check in late, the airline may not be able to load the bag onto the plane in time.
Remove old airline tags. Otherwise your bag could get loaded on the wrong flight.
Give yourself at least an hour to reach connecting flights. Better yet, try to avoid connecting flights if possible. Connections create more opportunities for something to go wrong.
What Happens to Your Bag After You Check It?
Watch Toy Story 2 for an Educational Experience!
If you'd like to see what happens to checked bags, watch the airport scene in Toy Story 2. Not everything is accurate, but certain scenes ring true. You can tell that those guys at Pixar did their homework.Watch when Buzz, Woody, and the gang suddenly enter a world full of conveyor belts. It's a highway system for bags! It's an amazing system that determines where each bag has to go, just by scanning the bar code on each bag tag. (The bag tags are missing in Toy Story 2.)
Once the bag reaches the end of its conveyor belt journey, it's loaded onto a cart with a bunch of other bags. Then the bags are taken to the airplane.
In the Toy Story movie, watch how the baggage handlers load the bags onto the plane. Or if you prefer, listen for the sound of breaking glass!
Now, the lickety-split departure of the plane... THAT would never happen in real life.
Toy Story 2
Toy Story 2 (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
One of the finest Pixar movies ever... and oddly enough, very enlightening when it comes to certain baggage procedures at the airport!
Why are Baggage Handlers so Rough on the Bags?
Some people are appalled by the sight of a baggage handler slamming bag after bag onto a conveyor belt. Abuse, abuse! How dare they!The thing is, that's how they're supposed to handle the bags. Loading and unloading bags is something that must be done quickly. The baggage handlers might strike you as being rough on the bags, but they have to work fast and follow proper lifting techniques to protect their backs.
A lot of those bags are heavy, sometimes more than 50 lbs. If the baggage handlers were to gently lift each bag and carefully rest it on the conveyor belt, the plane would not be able to depart on schedule. They would also increase their risk of back injury.
Don't Pack Medication or Valuables in Your Checked Bag
Don't ever, ever, EVER pack medication in any bag you plan to check in!!!This one still surprises me, and it always leaves me shaking my head. You are gambling with your life when you pack medication into your checked luggage. Anything could happen to that bag.
For that matter, don't pack any other valuables in your bag such as money, passports, important documents, jewelry, house keys, etc.
In other words, don't pack anything in your checked luggage that you can't afford to lose.
Pack Extra Clothes and Essentials in Your Carry-On Bag
If you'd rather avoid the possibility of having to wear the same pair of underwear for a few days, you'd be wise to pack extra clothes in your carry-on luggage. Just in case. Your carry-on luggage is also a good place for your toothbrush and other essentials.This is especially important if you're traveling to a foreign country or going on a cruise ship, where you may not be able to purchase all the extras you need.
What About Toiletries?
Thanks to a lovely terrorist plot involving British sports drinks and explosive gels that was uncovered in August of 2006, the rest of us have to comply with strict carry-on rules when it comes to toiletries.The infamous 3-1-1 rule: Each passenger is entitled to a clear 1-quart zip lock bag, which will contain 3 ounce bottles of liquids. That's all you can put in your carry-on bag.
But what if that isn't enough? You have a few options:
- Buy your necessities once you reach your destination: Unfortunately a wasteful option, since you won't be able to take it back with you in your carry-on bag.
- Stay in hotels that provide shampoo: Granted, hotels won't provide everything you need, but at least that can free up a little room in your zip lock bag for other stuff. I also like reusing the hotel bottles.
- Buy non-liquid products: Indeed, some companies such as Lush are manufacturing toiletries in bar and powder form. That includes toothpaste and shampoo. There are even sunscreens and bug repellants in towelette form.
Non-Liquid Toiletries on Amazon
Shampoo-Original Old-Fashioned Bar - 3.5 oz. - Bar Soap
Amazon Price: $7.27 (as of 11/10/2009)
Daily Care Tooth Powder Cinnamon 2 oz.
Amazon Price: $4.80 (as of 11/10/2009)
Ipsab Tooth Powder 4 Ounces
Amazon Price: $5.48 (as of 11/10/2009)
SmartShield SPF 30 Towelette w/ Natural Insect Repellent
Amazon Price: $49.50 (as of 11/10/2009)
311 Travel Bag: An Alternative to the Zip Lock Bag
Many travelers hate using those flimsy little zip lock bags for their toiletries, and rightly so. You can't fit much in there and they pop open easily. That's why one woman founded the 311 Travel Bag.Apparently this clear plastic bag is TSA approved, so they shouldn't hassle you about it. (Key word is shouldn't; I wouldn't guarantee it.) It looks better, holds more, and comes with refillable spill-proof pumps.
The 311 Travel Bag costs about $30. If you do a lot of traveling and the dinky little zip lock bags just aren't cutting it, this might be worth looking into.
Skyway Luggage
Skyway Sigma 2 22" Vertical Expandable Carry-On Case EXCLUSIVE
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Skyway Sigma 2 22" Rolling Carry - On Case
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Don't Pack Fragile Items in Checked Luggage
Pack all your fragile items in your carry-on bag. This is the safest place for them.Because of all the things that checked baggage can go through, airlines won't take responsibility for anything that happens to fragile items. If you check in something that's fragile, most airlines will make you sign a form that limits their liability.
If you're traveling with a large musical instrument, you can do what some musicians do when they fly: Buy an extra seat for it.
Travel with a Unique Bag
Bag switches are more common than you might think. In my experience, bags are rarely stolen; most people just get mixed up and grab a bag that looks like theirs.That's not surprising. Most travelers are in a hurry, and most bags look the same. Black, black, black!
To prevent this from happening, travel with an unusual bag. Not too many people are going to be carrying around a mustard-yellow suitcase.
If you already have a generic black bag, dress it up with something unique. Tie some ribbons around the handle, or attach a colorful pompom.
Bonus: If the airline misplaces the bag, they will have an easy time finding and identifying it!
Luggage Tags on Amazon
Don't Travel with Expensive Designer Bags
There are two reasons why you shouldn't check in a Gucci or Louis Vuitton bag: 1) It could get damaged; 2) It's an invitation for thieves.Checked bags get a lot of abuse. Remember the commercial of a gorilla tearing up some bags? That's not too far from reality. Bags are tossed onto conveyor belts, left out in the rain, and buried underneath other bags. That's the way it goes. Unfortunately, no airline employee has the time to baby anyone's bag.
If the bag gets a little scuffed up, the airline is not going to do anything about it. As far as the airline is concerned, the bag serves but one purpose: To protect the stuff inside. That the bag got a little scratched proves that it did its job well!
The only way you can hope that the airline will repair/replace your bag is if it is crushed, mangled, or otherwise rendered useless as a bag.
By the way, most airlines don't cover wheel damage.
Samsonite Bags
Samsonite 5 Piece Nested Luggage Set
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Samsonite 4-Piece Travel Set
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Samsonite L35 Notebook Case
Samsonite L35 Notebook Case
Amazon Price: $159.99 (as of 11/10/2009)
If you don't need a lot of carrying space inside your laptop bag, you'll probably be very pleased with this Samsonite notebook case. It's durable yet lightweight enough for everyday use.
Don't Overpack Your Bag
A heavy bag that's bulging at the seams is more likely to get damaged. Overstuffed bags put more stress on the seams, zippers, and handles. A super heavy bag is asking for a broken handle, a rip, or a popped seam.Something else to remember: If the airline determines that your bag was damaged due to overpacking, they definitely won't replace it or pay for any repairs.
Don't Lock Your Checked Bag
Or Only Use TSA Approved Locks
TSA does not want anyone locking their bags. They want to be able to search your bag easily.In fact, if TSA even sees a lock, they might cut it off. I once had a lock attached to my bag, but the bag was not actually locked. TSA destroyed the lock anyway.
If you want to lock your bag, you can buy a TSA lock instead. This is a lock that TSA will be able to unlock themselves if they feel the need to search your bag. However, this is no guarantee that TSA won't make a mistake and cut the lock anyway. (Apparently this has happened a few times.)
TSA Approved Locks On Amazon
Master Lock 4683Q TSA-Approved Nickel Keyed Alike Luggage/Baggage Lock, 4-Pack
Amazon Price: $10.41 (as of 11/10/2009)
Master Lock 4684T TSA-Accepted Lock in Neon Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple, 2-Pack
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 11/10/2009)
Master Lock 4687DNKL Instant Alert TSA Accepted Luggage Lock
Amazon Price: $6.49 (as of 11/10/2009)
Lost Luggage Comedy
Lens of the Day!
This lens received the honor of being Lens of the Day on December 20, 2007. It was a great day. Special thanks to everyone who rated this lens and left great comments! What If The Airline Loses Your Luggage Anyway?
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Going somewhere? Here's a suitcase full of helpful tips and links for a great travel experience. It all starts with your suitcases. Tell your story! If you have a BAG-related lens, add it here!
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Guestbook
I hope this lens was helpful. Feel free to leave your comments and baggage horror stories here!
souvenircollector wrote...
After reading your lens I was inspired to find some high quality luggage tags on the internet. I just got some excellent ones that say "My Bag" from a nice website called souvenirandgiftshop.com. Really stylish and heavy duty. Here is the link: http://shop.1asecure.com/index.cfm?DeptNo=5&StID=10033
Posted October 02, 2009
NAIZA wrote...
Terrific lens and tips in traveling. I enjoyed reading it. Congratulations on your purple star as well. Very well deserve.
Posted August 02, 2009
Nluggage wrote...
excellent lens with very useful tips and really good 5 stars
Posted April 01, 2009
amandaryan wrote...
Travel light and always bring an additional bagpack--that's my policy. This is a great lens with very practical information. Bravo!
I have my own tips on how to fly coach in comfort at http://www.squidoo.com/fly-coach-in-comfort
God knows with today's economy most of can can't afford business class...or lost luggages.
Posted March 31, 2009
Victoria_Neely wrote...
in reply to utsire I suggest this from the point of view of a former airline employee who had to deal with anonymous bags that had their tags ripped off by machinery. Having no identification at all made it hard if not impossible to reunite anonymous bags with their owners.
Posted March 30, 2009
utsire wrote...
"Print out a copy of your itinerary and lay it on top of your clothes." - That made me laugh. I thought it was just me that was so obsessive!
Excellent lens. Clearly well-researched and thoughtfully laid-out.
Posted March 29, 2009
thewishpearl wrote...
As a current airline employee, reading this lens brought a smile to my face. I totally agree with the advice of not checking in any bags and have trained my family accordingly.
Posted March 24, 2009
bluezamboo wrote...
Some very valuable tips and information. Thanks for sharing with it the traveling community.
Posted August 10, 2008
TopStyleTravel wrote...
This is a very informative lens for anyone comtemplating travel. Congrats on the top 100! See my lens on paid travel.
Posted July 25, 2008
PleasantValley wrote...
Nice work! Can you create a lens on how to pack efficiently for vacations?
Posted June 27, 2008
estherjane13 wrote...
Fantastic lense - I just wish I'd read it before my surfboard got lost on the way to New Zealand!!
Posted June 11, 2008
crosland wrote...
Travelling can be a stressful experience at the best of times. It doesn't matter if you're flying to Barbados, you still have to get through security, put your toiletries into irritating 100ml
plastic bags and sit for ages in the departure lounge as your flight gets delayed again and again. You think it's over at the other side? Maybe for some, but not if you're one of the 42 MILLION people who have their luggage lost ever year (helllooo Terminal 5).
All the baggage handlers have to identify your bag is that silly little sticker they put on it, which can easily fall off/tear/disintegrate. And whilst your stuff is really valuable to you, who else would cherish those comfy but cracked heels in size 7? The Trace Me luggage tag is a durable plastic card with a serial number printed on it. There is a bar code which links to your personal details on a secure website, so you don't need to compromise your security by writing your name on your bags.
£12.50 from
Trace Me Luggage Tracker
Posted June 11, 2008
TopStyleTravel wrote...
Very well done lens with useful info for travelers. Congrats on the Top 100!
Posted June 07, 2008
Curious100 wrote...
Right on the money! I lost my bags on a trip to Australia, and as a result bought an entire new travel wardrobe (ugh, not the plan). This lens summarizes everything I've come to know and more, when it comes to not losing luggage. As a former frequent traveler, I'm most impressed! Great, great lens.
Posted June 05, 2008
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by Victoria_Neely
As a former airline employee, I've collected a few baggage horror stories. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from such nastiness.
May you...
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