Can You Avoid Losing Your Luggage?

As you can surely imagine, having your luggage lost, stolen or delayed on a volunteer trip is a real drag. Sure, things are replaceable, but wouldn’t you rather not go through that process?

To avoid losing your luggage, implement these five tips into your next volunteer trip.

1. Luggage tags

Don’t just settle for the paper luggage tags that the airlines offer you at check-in. Ensure that all of your bags have an obvious and sturdy luggage tag that won’t tear off. Make sure you list up-to-date contact information where you can be reached even while traveling.

2. Lock it up

Placing even a small lock on your luggage will act as a deterrent to thieves. If you’re flying, make sure you use a TSA-approved lock that can be opened by customs inspectors.

3. Make it stand out

A brightly colored bag or luggage tag or strap reduces the risk of your luggage being mistakenly claimed by another passenger.

4. Timing is everything

Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to get your bags checked. Avoid tight connections and make sure to ask the airline agent if your bags will automatically be transferred. Once you’ve landed at your final destination, go straight to the luggage carousel to claim your bags.

5. Get travel insurance

Even the best tips won’t guarantee that your luggage is never lost, stolen or delayed. That’s why you should always have adequate travel insurance, even if you’re only traveling for a short period of time. Volunteer Card travel insurance covers not only loss and theft, but can provide a clothing allowance if your luggage is delayed for 24+ hours. Make sure you keep receipts for your possessions where possible or consider making a photographic record of luggage contents, in case you need to make a claim.

Do you have any tricks of the trade when it comes to keeping your luggage safe? Maybe you have a unique way to make your suitcase stand out in baggage claim. We want to learn from your experience. Let’s talk on Facebook and Twitter!