One of the major issues today with consumers regarding air travel is the amount of lost baggage. Did you know that over 4 million bags are lost or damaged every year? It is essential to think about these things when preparing for take-offtake-included in this article are several tips to help secure your luggage while flying to your destination. To know how To Check Your Vistara PNR Status, click here
First, I'd like to mention that my bag was lost years ago during the holidays when the airline changed the gates on my flight. This was not a small change but a change that had us traveling across the Houston airport from one side to another before our flight took off in 15 minutes. Not fun. Of course, when we arrived at our destinations, many people in the same situation as me had also lost baggage. The lost luggage claim line was quite long that evening at 11 pm.
My baggage did arrive, however, about a week later. The only problem was that the luggage from LAX came 90% emptied. All the Christmas gifts and clothing (even my underwear)...gone. It is a known truth that the airlines subcontract the baggage returns to your address.
Mine was a rather exciting experience where the man called on the phone and told me to leave a note saying it was OK to leave my bag outside my door if I would not be home whenever they decided to deliver my bag. Unfortunately, I believe this is where the problem occurred, as I would have picked it up from their location instead, but the delivery people did not allow it.
I am unsure how this came about, but I learned a valuable lesson. Airlines have many little stipulations regarding getting reimbursed for stolen luggage. But, first, there are a few things they do not cover.
The airlines do not cover iThe airlines do not cover items such as jewelry, electronics, furs, and negotiable instrument if lost or stolen, so keep those items with you on the plane. Next, each airline has its policy, and many prioritize first-class and frequent fliers over everyone else.
When you receive payment for the stolen items, it is at a depreciated value, and many times a receipt is required (in my case, permits were necessary if the items were valued at $100 or more). So what can travelers do to protect themselves from baggage problems? There are several things you can do, some more convenient than others.
The first and most obvious option is to pack light and simply bring your luggage on the plane. Next would be to take those items that you will need shortly after getting off the plane, such as toiletries and items required for meetings or gifts for those you may be traveling to visit. Finally, remember those electronic devices, furs, jewelry, and items not covered by the airlines in case something does happen.
Identifying your bag is another essential thing to remember if you ever need to file a claim. So, always ensure your name and contact information are located on the outside of your baggage and inside in case the tags on the bags should fall off, and the airline needs to reach you. Also, take a quick picture of your bag before checking in, just in case something is broken off or torn apart during the flight. Then, after you arrive at your destination, take a quick peek inside your bag and make sure nothing was skimmed off the top by thieves with access to your bags.
Lastly, if you do not want to check in bags and have extra money, you can always ship the luggage overnight via FedEx or Luggage Concierge. I know it seems a little excessive, but everyone has their preferred methods, and many people are willing to pay the $50 or so to have that peace of mind and their luggage delivered to their door. One out of about 150 travelers ever had a problem with a mishandled bag last year. So if there is one thing to remember, it is always a good idea to take precautions with your baggage, especially during the holidays, and have a great flight.
