Summer is almost here and millions of people will be heading off on holiday. Whether you’re flying to France or further afield, there is one common mistake people make that could be dangerous.
The irony is, people make this mistake because they are trying to be safer – but in fact, it could be inviting a thief right to your front door. According to Paul Stewart, the founder of My Baggage, writing your address on a luggage tag can be a huge mistake. He said: « It feels completely harmless, you know? You’re just trying to make sure your bag gets back to you.
« But the moment you write your full home address on a luggage tag, you’ve handed a stranger a name, an address, and the knowledge that you’re thousands of miles away. That’s everything a would-be burglar needs. »
Rather than putting your full address on your luggage tag, Paul has recommended some options that will let you get your luggage back if it’s lost without risking anyone finding out your full address.
His first recommendation is to replace your home address with your email address. He said: “An email address is all airlines and handlers actually need to reunite you with a lost bag. It gives them a way to contact you without advertising to anyone who glances at your bag that your house is sitting empty.”
Another option is to put your destination address rather than your home one. This means your bag can be shipped to where you actually are, rather than home to an empty house.
He also recommends putting a second tag inside your luggage in case it goes missing. Luggage tags can be ripped off, but if airline staff find your bag they can check inside to see your details. It’s a safer option and allows staff to reunite you with your bag.
Paul said: « Easter is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and the security gap people don’t think about isn’t at the airport but on the handle of their suitcase.
« Most people will spend time double-checking their locks and setting their alarms, but completely overlook the tag that’s been dangling from their bag for years. Taking ten seconds to fix this could save you from massive regret tomorrow. »
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