Lost luggage can be a real holiday nightmare, but the experts at 1st Move International have some top tips to help you avoid this common travel mishap.
They suggest packing your flight itinerary and contact information in your suitcase – even though most of these documents are digital now, having a hard copy can help airport staff get your bag back on track if it goes astray.
They also recommend adding a sturdy, distinctive luggage tag to your bags to make them easier to spot on the carousel and deter others from accidentally picking up your bag instead.
With an up-to-date luggage tag, the worst-case scenario is your bag being delayed rather than lost, as airport staff can easily contact you and return your belongings.
Packing a GPS luggage tracker, such as Tile Mates or Airtags recommended by the experts, can provide additional peace of mind, allowing you to track your bag wherever it goes.
Luggage can sometimes end up in the wrong destination for various reasons, one of which is within your control. The experts advised travellers to ensure they have removed any old stickers and tags from previous flights.
These paper bits can be easy to overlook, but airport staff rely on them to match bags to flights and cargo holds.
Confusion on the luggage belts could potentially delay your bag getting on the plane, and if the hold is too full or your bag is too late, it might not make the flight at all.
Lastly, it’s advisable to take a photo of your bag just before you drop it off at the airport. If it goes missing, this reference photo can mean the difference between getting it swiftly returned or potentially losing it altogether as airport staff wade through endless aisles of luggage matching the same ‘medium-sized black bag’ description.
Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International, added: “The first thing you should do is report the issue to the airline’s baggage claim officer or customer service desk before leaving the airport, as this initiates the tracking process.
« In case of situations like this, it is always advised to try and pack a few days’ worth of essentials in your hand luggage.”
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