How to Keep Your Luggage From Getting Lost

My suitcase was lost at the beginning of a trip overseas, and I never recovered it. Since then, I've gotten many helpful tips on what I could have done better to prevent this from happening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pen
• A luggage tag
• A unique ribbon/tie/belt

1. 
    

   Start by putting a sturdy luggage tag on each of your bags, making sure it has your current name, address, and phone number.

2. 
    

   Next, put a copy of your complete itinerary inside the suitcase, and make sure it also includes your current contact information.

3. 
    

   Because many bags look alike, it's helpful to make it stand out in some way. For instance, you can tie a colored ribbon around the handle, wrap it with a distinctive strap, or even paint your initials on the outside.

4. Finally, make sure to call the airline that is operating your flight 24 hours before departure. I called the online agency I booked with, but they didn't know my flight had been canceled a month earlier!

Tips & Warnings

• Even with the best precautions taken, luggage can still get lost. Therefore, it is best to keep jewelry, electronic goods, perfume, medications, and other important or valuable items with you in your carry-on baggage.