A1 Technology & Travel

The number of bags lost or delayed by airlines is rising thanks to new carry-on rules that are forcing more passengers to check their bags.

 August 2006 was the worst month for baggage losses since the one-time meltdown in December 2004. In August, the daily average of lost bags reached 14,089, or 8.08 bags for every 1,000 passengers, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported.



But there are steps you can take to help prevent your luggage from getting lost–or at least enable you to survive the ordeal with less difficulty, according to Susan Foster, author of “Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler” (Smart Travel Press, $19.95).



Here are Foster’s tips for smart packing, which are also available online at http://www.smartpacking.com.


§ Use a sturdy identification tag with a durable strap on each bag. The best tags have a cover hiding your name to protect your privacy; use your business address and phone whenever possible.


§ Include your identification information inside the bag, in case the outer tag is lost. Place a travel itinerary in an outside pocket or inside your bag on the top so airlines can easily track you down.


§ Tie a colored ribbon to your bag or mark your initials in big letters so no one else will take it from the luggage carousel. Take a digital photo of the bag to show to the baggage agent should it be misplaced.


§ Remove old baggage tags to avoid confusion among baggage-handlers.


§ Check your bags early. Airlines suggest 90 minutes in advance (two hours for international travel) but at daily high-traffic times, you should add 30 minutes. Last-minute checked bags may not make it onto your plane.


§ Make sure your bags are ticketed correctly before you leave the luggage check-in area.


§ Complete the lost-luggage reports at the airport and don’t leave without a claim number and contact information so you can check the status of your missing bags.


§ Create a packing list that includes every item in each bag and leave a copy at home in case you need to claim compensation.


§ If you can, carry with you on board whatever personal items you’ll need to survive 24 hours in your destination without your suitcase. If you’re heading to a beach, tuck a bathing suit in your carry-on; if you’re headed to a meeting, carry with you a copy of that important speech or presentation, or better yet, fax it, FedEx it or email it ahead so that it’s there when you arrive. Content Source: 
Associated Press