A guy walks up to the check-in counter with three bags. He tells the agent, "I'd like that bag to go to Miami, the blue one to Los Angeles, and the third one I'd like you to hold here for two days and then ship it to San Francisco." The agent says, "I'm sorry, sir, we can't do that," to which the traveler replies, "Why not? You did it the last time I checked luggage!"
Although automated baggage tags have greatly reduced the number of misdirected bags, pilferage and damage remain quite common. Many travelers do not realize how vulnerable their luggage is until they are trying to replace it or its contents. Here are some tips for protecting your traveling assets.
Get Good Luggage This does not mean expensive fancy luggage. While Louis Vuitton and Hartman bags are well-crafted, they might as well have "steal me" written on them. Look for well-made, less obvious bags -- sturdy zippers are the most important feature! Hard-sided luggage provides the most internal protection but is more prone to damage than ballistic nylon soft-sided.
Small, nonretractable luggage wheels are notorious for breaking. Waterproof is a good idea, unless you only fly from Phoenix to Palm Springs.
Ziploc bags are the perfect luggage accessory for anyone carrying a lot of shampoo, lotions, and the like. We use and recommend Tutto luggage, top-rated by a major consumer publication.
Don't Rely on Basic Locks to Foil Thieves Pilferage of checked luggage is all too common and your basic luggage lock won't prevent it. Luggage straps can help deter theft, and the shrink-wrapping of luggage is appearing as an interesting solution to this problem. But the most effective solution is the simplest: Don't pack valuables in your checked luggage. Period. Not only are they at risk, but most valuables are excluded from airline loss liability.
Make Sure Your Bags Are Checked Correctly to Your Destination, and Know What to Do If They Don't Arrive or Have Been Rifled A list of contents is good ammunition when filling out a PIR (Property Irregularity Report), which must be done within 24 hours of arrival. Know that domestically, airline luggage liability is limited to a maximum of $1,250 per bag at actual, not replacement, value; international liability may be even less, as it is based on luggage weight.
You are entitled to immediate compensation to replace necessities (necessities generally don't include that outfit you need for the Black Party) if your luggage is delayed, although make sure any purchases over $25 are approved in writing by the airline. Your credit card may offer free and paid supplementary coverage -- worth careful consideration if your clothes are very valuable.
