Submitted by Joe Cortez
Congratulations - you won the baggage lottery. But instead of having balloons and a oversized check delivered, you get absolutely nothing. No suitcase. No lucky shirt. Just a sinking feeling when the carousel ends up empty, and the worry that your bags may now know the way to San Jose.
Baggage loss is a normal part of life for the traveler. Its happened to me more times than I would like to mention. And yes, I have been stuck without a change of clothes for more than a day on a trip. Which is unpleasant for everyone involved. But, as is in many cases, knowing is half the battle. And if you are prepared for the inevitable, you can take control of the situation, and better act in the situation. Here are some of my tips that make baggage loss easier to deal with:
- Always carry a spare
A spare change of clothes, that is. One of your carry-on bags?should be big enough to have at least one change, should you be stuck behind a baggage loss: under things, shirt, pants, socks. You're good to go in the event that you get to where you're going, but your baggage does not. - Know your code
Remember that handy little chart at the beginning of this blog? That's not just a fun "guess the luggage" game - that's the IATA standard baggage chart. So when you experience a baggage loss? The customer service rep will be going off that chart when seeking your bags. If you have a lucky suitcase that you take everywhere?(I know I do), memorize the code for it - so you can directly give it to the customer service agent and be on your way to being reunited. - Tag that bag
Bag tags aren't just about being stylish, or having something to differentiate your bag from everyone else's - they're about having your name on the suitcase when it gets wherever it is. That way, if you end up with a baggage loss, someone will know its yours - and they can let you know where to get it, or know what address to send it to if all else fails. - Keep it secure (and TSA friendly, of course)
When your bags are lost, the last thing you want is some stranger rifling through it to find the place to send to (or taking whatever they want out of it). Locks are an inexpensive and secure way to make sure your luggage arrives in one piece, if your baggage is in fact lost. Just remember to get a TSA approved lock - otherwise, you run the risk of having it destroyed and unsecured. - Call your travel insurance partner for assistance
You did get travel insurance, right? If not, we can help you with that. And with certain packages, your travel insurance plan includes a baggage loss benefit that covers you in the event you lose your stuff above a random flyover state. So don't fret - make a call, and go back to your trip already in progress.
Travelers: I know you have tricks to either make sure your bags get back to you, or that they never get lost in the first place. What works for you? Let me know in the comments below - and I may just give them a road test next time I get on a plane.
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About the Author: Joe Cortez is the marketing specialist for Travel Insurance Services. In his spare time, he has a deep affinity for travel, points collecting & multiplying, and packing everything he owns into a carry-on bag. Just in case. He can be reached via e-mail at joe.cortez@usiaffinity.com. |
Source: http://blog.travelinsure.com/2012/11/surviving-baggage-loss.html
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