Nothing spoils the good feelings caused by snaring cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms quicker than having your checked baggage not arrive on the plane when you land.
Complaints concerned lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags through October of this year were 26% lower than last year for the same time period.
Of course this year it is easier for airlines to properly handle luggage since they are processing fewer bags because air travel is down and fliers are carrying on more luggage to avoid fees. Through September airlines have handled 20% fewer bags this year than last year.
The following are a few tips you should follow to help prevent your luggage from being lost:
When possible, and when not too much more expensive, take non stop flights.
By tying a colored cloth or ribbon on your luggage you make your bags easy to identify and helps prevent someone else from mistaking your luggage for theirs.
Leave a copy of your itinerary in your bag. This should help the airline find you in the event your luggage arrives later.
When packing luggage you plan on checking keep medicines and valuables in your carryon bag as well as a change of clothes.
If your airline can not locate your lost luggage, federal regulations state that the airline is responsible for all expenses caused by lost or delayed baggage up to $3,300 per traveler on domestic flights.