The Best Ways to Prepare Yourself For Lost Luggage

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Lost luggage can ruin a holiday. You arrive at your destination and are ready to explore but don’t have anything clean to wear. It can be incredibly frustrating particularly when you don’t know when your luggage will get to you. If it’s tomorrow you won’t bother buying loads of clothes new. But if it’s in a few days then you’ll have to.

There are a few ways to ensure you keep track of your luggage and so can act appropriately. Here are a few of the smartest.

Remove Old Tags

Start by taking off any old airline bag tags. Baggage handlers use the barcodes and information on these tags to know where to direct the bag, and while most airline staff will take old tags off before putting on a new one, there’s a chance they might miss it. Also, keep the stubs from your bag tags, so that if anything goes wrong, you’ve got a record handy.

Label Your Bag Clearly

Speaking of tags — and you’re probably doing this anyway — attach one with your first and last name, home address and phone number. Most airlines have luggage tags you can fill in at their desk, or get one custom-printed and in a fun colour that’ll make for easy spotting on the luggage carousel.

Pack AirTags

Apple AirTags (starting at $45) lets you keep track of your belongings and many travellers use them in luggage. Pack one in your suitcase, and you’ll be able to track it in the Find My app, so you can see if your bag made it onto your flight, if it stayed at the airport where you boarded, or if it ended up being rerouted.

Take a Photo of Your Bag

Taking a photo of your suitcase only takes a second, but could make all the difference in getting your luggage back more quickly if it does happen to go missing. If that’s the case, you can bring up the photo when you’re filling out the missing bag form and, as a result, be able to describe it easily.

Avoid Short Layovers

While this is certainly not always in your control, if you can, try to avoid short layovers, as they are more likely to lead to lost luggage. Some online reports suggest ensuring you have no less than 90 minutes between flights — though of course this depends on factors like airport size and how many other flights are also scheduled at that time.

If you do have flights booked with a short layover, you should pack your absolute essentials in your carry-on.

Scroll down to see some of the best carry-on suitcases you can buy now.

Jett Black My JB Series Carry On Suitcase, on sale $209.30

A hard shell, spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock all feature in this carry-on. Another perk? It rolls upright so you don’t need to tilt it to wheel.

Staple Superior Downtown Weekender, on sale $48.99

Prefer to carry your carry-on? Go for this weekender bag from menswear label Staple Superior (though it’s a unisex bag). Made from woven canvas, this duffle has two internal, zipped compartments and a removable shoulder strap.

Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack, $159

The drawstring opening of this backpack lets you easily seal everything inside, while the interior and exterior pockets help keep you organised.

Aidan The Signature Series ‘S’ Case, $495

A light-reflecting ridge design gives this carry-on by brand Aidan an edgy feel. A brake system, a handle with three heights and run-silent spinner wheels make it practical.

Storksak Cabin Carry On Scuba, on sale $209.99

How’s this for a winner of an ideal carry-on? This bag can be carried in the crook of your arm and, when the retractable long handle is up, wheeled. The icing on the cake: it’s made from durable scuba fabric.

July Carry On Light, $245

At just 1.8kg, this carry-on is one of the lightest double-wheel suitcases around. It’s got a hard shell, comes in 13 different colours, and you can even personalise it with your name or initials too.