Planning a dream holiday or important business trip? Travel expert Joanna Hall, the editor of the Ultimate Travel Magazine, reveals simple ways to ensure your luggage doesn’t go awol.
Given how often I’ve travelled over the years, I consider myself truly fortunate that my luggage has only gone missing once and was quickly recovered. For many people, however, delayed, lost or stolen luggage and possessions can be a disaster.
If you’re starting a much-needed holiday in Fiji, for example, how are you supposed to think of winding down if your new bikini and sunscreen are heading to Los Angeles without you? And in the case of a hairdresser I knew who was relocating to London, a lost suitcase for her also meant the loss of the tools of her trade – her valuable scissors.
The bad news for Australian travellers is that lost and delayed luggage is reportedly on the increase. Travel Insurance Direct, a leading online insurer, recently said that luggage loss, damage and theft represented the biggest single type of travel insurance claim. They say that, of the 90,000 or so bags that are mishandled daily in airports worldwide, around two percent – a staggering 1,800 – are never recovered.
Top tips for keeping your luggage safe:
So what can you do to ensure your precious possessions arrive safely at their destination? Top of the list is making sure that any bags you check in for a flight are clearly labelled with your name and contact details. And don’t rely on the flimsy paper ones the airlines provide; invest in a set of strong plastic or leather ones, which won’t tear off easily.
As many suitcases look similar these days, tying a coloured ribbon or scarf, or adding a personalised tag, will help to prevent someone mistakenly claiming yours at your destination.
And to deter thieves, secure bags with locks or straps, bearing in mind that some countries such as the US only allow TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by customs inspectors.
It’s also important to give yourself plenty of time when travelling, as checking in late, or attempting tight connections can increase the chances of your bags missing a flight. And if you have to travel with valuables, such as jewellery or documents, keep them with you in a carry-on bag.
Finally, make sure you have adequate travel insurance, which covers loss as well as theft. Hopefully you won’t need to call on it, but should your bags go walkabout never to return, at least you will be able to replace your favourite pair of shoes.
