Lost Luggage Summer Travel Woes

Lost luggage is our current travel horror story. Airlines are having trouble connecting travelers with their luggage. Baggage is all over airports or being delivered to airports other than the one you’re at. In addition, there are staff shortages, which results in luggage getting left on the tarmac. 

The situation has gotten so bad that pilots at Heathrow Airport were told not to check their luggage on their flight. The risk of their bags going missing was too great for them. Whenever pilots are at risk of losing their bags, you know it’s bad. That’s crazy!

Avoid Checking Your Luggage

What should you do to ensure your luggage is not lost; you will have to fit everything into your carry-on. Using packing cubes and the KonMari folding method will also help. Clothes can also be rolled to save space. The KonMari method and packing cubes are our favorites. When packing you need to make sure you use every bit of space you have, and I mean every little space. Place socks or personal items inside a pair of shoes.

Unless you absolutely have to, don’t bring oversized toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are usually available in hotels. Your wardrobe will have to be accessed, and you’ll have to change how you pack. Develop the skill of packing light. Try using the Rule of 3 Method

| Check Out  10 Best RFID Wallets to Protect Your Identity When Traveling

Checking a Bag: What You Need to Know

These are some things you should know if you just have to check your luggage: 

1. Apple AirTags is a great investment. These things are awesome. You can put one in your suitcase to track your luggage. If your luggage gets misplaced, just sync it with your iPhone so you’ll at least know where it is. #IJS 
2. Attach a luggage tag to every piece of luggage you check. Be doubly safe by printing out a sheet of paper with your contact info and putting it inside your suitcase. Have you ever taken your luggage off the conveyer belt and your luggage tag was torn off? I have.
3. If your luggage gets lost and airport personnel needs some idea of what your luggage looks like, make sure you take a picture of your luggage before it is placed on the conveyor belt. Here’s where that Apple AirTags will come in handy! 
4. Before your luggage goes on the conveyor belt, make sure your name and the airport code on the label are correct; do this for EVERY piece of luggage. When you check your luggage curbside, make sure the luggage cart is loaded with your luggage. 

Last but not least, keep your sense of humor and be patient. It’s not our new normal, but it’s our normal right now. 

* Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.