Traveling can be a lot of fun if you pack the right items and are aware of the regulations. Conversely, traveling can also become a nightmare if you are unaware of airline rules and restrictions. Lost baggage, check-in hassles, and stolen luggage are a few common problems that plague travelers every day. These problems are avoidable however, especially if you follow some basic traveling tips.
Lost Luggage
Always make sure your rolling suitcase has the proper tag for the correct destination. After checking in your bag, the airline personnel will place a sticker on your suitcase. This sticker specifies the destination of your luggage, namely the airport and flight numbers. Computers process this information, so it is usually accurate. However, there may be mistakes made for luggage stamping, whether it is human error or a programming problem. Always check to make sure your luggage has the right stamp before leaving for your flight.
If your luggage does get lost, you can prove ownership by using a stub that the airline gives you after checking in your bags. This stub is very important for proving ownership, especially if you want compensation for lost luggage. In many cases, the airlines are obligated to financially reimburse you if it is their fault for losing the baggage.
Lost luggage should be reported immediately. Wait until the baggage convoy has stopped sending suitcases from your flight before filing the claim. Sometimes baggage comes late, especially if there is a problem with the convoy. Wait at least fifteen to twenty minutes before notifying airline personnel. Each bag has a unique tag, so the airline should be able to track down your bags and resend them. It may take a few days to send the bags, especially if it has been sent to another airport. In the meantime, you could buy cheap Costco suitcases and use them to pack belongings until your other bags arrive.
