With the busy Christmas and New Year travel season fast approaching, the likelihood of luggage mix-ups increases, leaving many travellers concerned about the safety of their bags.
To ensure that your treasured presents don’t go missing this holiday season, the experts at 1st Move International Removals have shared a simple yet effective tip to improve your chances of being reunited with your belongings.
Sometimes, luggage tags can get detached or damaged in transit, so it’s a good idea to keep a paper copy of your contact details and itinerary inside your bag.
This small measure only takes a couple of minutes of your time and can help airline staff quickly reunite you with your luggage in case the tag goes missing.
Also, taking a quick photo of your suitcase before departure can be a real lifesaver if it doesn’t show up at the destination.
Having a clear reference image makes it easier for airport staff to identify and return your bag quickly and safely.
Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International, advised taking some extra steps to minimise the risks of loss even further.
He suggested checking your travel insurance policy for coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, adding: “And keep receipts for any purchases if you have to replace lost items, even if they might be found later. You may be able to claim these costs back.
“In case of situations like this, it is always advised to try and pack a few days’ worth of essentials in your hand luggage.”
But in the worst case scenario, he firstly recommends filing a loss report with the relevant airport staff members.
“The first thing you should do is report the issue to the airline’s baggage claim officer or customer service desk before leaving the airport, as this initiates the tracking process.
“Usually, baggage will be tagged with your flight information, but just in case you want to give the airline a description, be as thorough as possible.
“How many cases, how big are they, what colour are they, and what brand? Every bit of information helps.”