10 Tips to Ensure Your Luggage Stays Safe When Flying

Air travel already presents its challenges, but the frustrating possibility of an airline losing your checked baggage adds to the stress. A study by SITA, an IT provider for airlines' bag-tracking systems, revealed that 26 million bags were mishandled in 2022, encompassing lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen luggage.

While airlines have adopted various measures to reduce these issues, including digital bag tags and in-app tracking systems for real-time luggage updates, there are proactive steps you can take to decrease the chances of your baggage being delayed or misplaced.

Here are some strategies travelers can employ to help keep tabs on their luggage—and assist airlines in doing the same.

1. Always attach a luggage tag.

Even if you intend to keep your bag as a carry-on, always use a luggage tag displaying your contact details (and ensure it’s securely fastened). You never know when you might have to gate check your bag. Include your name, phone number, and email address, as these are the quickest ways to reach you. Avoid including your home address for safety reasons.

2. Include your contact details inside the bag as well.

Make sure to place your phone number and address inside the bag in easily visible spots! This will help airlines contact you promptly. Additionally, consider including your travel itinerary in the luggage; it could assist airline staff in routing it back to you more efficiently.

3. Opt for nonstop flights whenever you can.

Minimizing connections and layovers reduces the chances of mishaps and mishandled baggage. This is particularly important for international flights, where bags must go through customs.

4. Remove any old stickers from your luggage.

Airlines attach barcode stickers to checked bags to scan and track them. While this is useful for locating lost luggage, having multiple old stickers can confuse airline staff about which trip they belong to. To avoid any mix-ups that could lead to misrouting, be sure to take off any old bag tags before checking your luggage.

5. Attach an Apple AirTag to every bag you want to monitor.

The FAA permits travelers to place AirTags in their luggage, but not all tracking devices comply with safety standards. According to the FAA's statement shared with Dinogo, "Luggage tracking devices powered by lithium metal cells with 0.3 grams or less of lithium are allowed in checked baggage." Apple AirTags meet this requirement, while other devices may not. If you report a missing bag to the airline, you can provide its last known location, helping them retrieve it faster. Additionally, you can mark your AirTag as lost in the app, enabling airline staff to scan it and access your contact information if they find it.

6. Be prepared with a detailed description of your bag.

If your bag goes missing, be prepared to provide the airline with detailed information such as the manufacturer, size, color, and any unique features. Simply stating it’s “black” and “large enough for check-in” isn’t specific enough, as many bags fit that description. Additionally, maintain an itemized inventory of your suitcase’s contents, which can assist airline personnel in quickly identifying it, particularly if there’s a distinctive item inside. Taking a photo of your packed bag can also be useful, especially when filing a lost luggage claim, as it helps confirm the bag's contents with the airline.

7. Arrive at the airport early and check in your luggage ahead of time.

Doing so can significantly decrease the likelihood of mishandling, as it allows airline staff enough time to accurately tag and load your bags onto the right flight.

8. Be persistent (but courteous!) with your follow-ups.

If your luggage is lost, staff will need to conduct a manual search. A little persistence and politeness can encourage them to put in the extra effort to locate your bag.

9. Ensure your bag stands out to prevent anyone from mistakenly taking it from the carousel.

Consider adding a vibrant ribbon or a luggage tag with a unique design, or choose luggage in one of the stylish colors offered by our favorite brands. This will reduce the chances of someone confusing your bag with theirs. (Looking for the perfect bag? Check out our guide to shopping for luggage.)

10. Consider shipping your luggage instead of checking it.

If you have multiple bags or large items like golf clubs, you might want to avoid the hassle and expense of checking them in by using a shipping service. Numerous companies specialize in luggage shipping and typically provide perks like guaranteed delivery, door-to-door service, insurance, and 24/7 customer support, so you can always reach someone if you're concerned about your luggage.