One quick check before you take to the skies could help keep your luggage safe in transit
Every day, 100,000 bags go missing or are misplaced during flights and at airports. As the busy Christmas and New Year travel season nears, travellers face an increased risk of losing theirs.
To help prevent holiday gifts or Christmas sweaters from going astray, the experts at 1st Move International Removals have shared their most valuable tip to help Brits minimise the chances of their belongings going astray. Easy enough to do, ensuring that the tags on your cases are current and accurate will increase the chance of your baggage arriving at the same destination as you do.
Airport automated systems, which depend on clear tags to navigate luggage through the complex travel network, can be thrown off course by outdated tags harbouring barcodes from previous journeys, reports the Mirror.
With the shift towards self-service kiosks and automated baggage systems in most UK airports and across the world, making sure your tag is up to date is now more critical than ever. Taking a moment to strip your luggage of any old tags from previous adventures is an easy yet effective way to ensure stress-free travels.
The travel gurus also emphasise the importance of this simple measure, saying, “It’s easy to forget to remove tags from previous flights, but doing so can cause confusion for airport staff, potentially leading to lost luggage.”
Top tips for keeping your personal belongings safe on your winter travels
Add your own luggage tag
Adding a luggage tag that is both durable and distinct will help you locate your belongings after a flight and will make it less likely that someone else will mistake it for their own.
This tag should include your name and contact details, with the experts urging “Make sure to keep the contact details on your tag up-to-date as this will also make it easier for staff to return lost baggage to you.”
Include a paper version of your details and itinerary in your suitcase
The experts explain “Occasionally, luggage tags fall off or are damaged during transit. In this case, it’s a good idea to keep a paper copy of your contact information and itinerary inside your luggage. This simple step can help airline staff reunite you with your belongings faster.”
Get a GPS luggage tracker
For extra assurance, buying a good-quality GPS tracker can do wonders.
They say “Airtags or Tile Mates can be easily stored in your suitcase, allowing you to track its whereabouts from your phone. Not only will it put you at ease for your flight, but it will also make it easier to find your luggage in the event an airline does lose it.”
Take a photo of your baggage before check-in
Just in case the worst happens, the experts recommend taking a quick snapshot of your bag. The experts say “This can be a lifesaver if it goes missing. It gives airport staff a reference image of what they’re looking for, helping them identify and return your luggage more efficiently and ensure it’s safely returned.”
Should your luggage go astray on your next adventure, the experts have offered some practical advice on what to do. Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International, said “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.”
He continues “Usually, baggage will be tagged with your flight information, but just in case you want to give the airline a description, be as thorough as possible. How many cases, how big are they, what colour are they, and what brand? Every bit of information helps.
“I would also check your travel insurance policy for coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, and keep receipts for any purchases if you have to replace lost items, even if they might be found later. You may be able to claim these costs back.
“In case of situations like this, it is always advised to try and pack a few days’ worth of essentials in your hand luggage.”
