Pack light so you don’t have to check in your luggage
This is the only guarantee that everything you need will always be with you. You really don have to bring a ton if you will only be gone for three days or so. Just bring the essentials.
Tag your luggage properly
Make sure that you have the right information on your bag. Make sure you have a contact number there and the place where you will be staying. Make sure that you also remove old tags other airlines. Put a keychain or a colorful ribbon that you will notice even your on the other end of the world.
Avoid connecting flights
If you can avoid connecting flights, avoid them. Connections can sometimes make things complicated. There are also airlines which share codes with other airlines but sometimes they don’t have accreditation for the same luggage service. And somewhere in that sentence, you lost your baggage. J
Check in early for the flight
Getting to the airport on time allows you to have some space for security checks and gives the airport crew enough time to place your bags onto the right plane.
Worse comes to worst, what do you do when your baggage is lost?
Complete all the forms needed
Act promptly if you don’t see your luggage on the carousel. Most likely the airline crew will have an explanation. There are times that they will be able to locate it immediately but there will be times that you need to wait. If you can wait for your baggage, by all means, wait. If you are pressed for time, fill out the necessary forms so the airline can get the baggage to your hotel or house.
Ask how the airline can help you
Some airlines will extend a helping hand like they can give you some petty cash so you can buy some essentials like toiletries. They can also give you coupons so you can get some clothes or equipment. In case you have a damaged luggage, ask how they can address that since some will go out of their way to have your bag repaired. Some also give a replacement luggage so problems of damaged suitcases are solved on the spot.
File a claim
When you can not really trace your bags, file a claim but remember that the liability can be limited for domestic flights and even smaller fees for international flights. There are credit card companies and travel insurance that covers lost or damage luggage.
