Travel Gear
Margly Carret

How to Prevent your Luggage from Getting Lost:

Losing your luggage can ruin the beginning of your trip, or leave a sour note in your mouth at the very end of what was a great time. May this be from someone accidentally confusing your luggage for theirs or the airline losing it during the loading or unloading of the plane, getting your luggage back can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do proactively to make sure your luggage doesn’t become lost in the first place. 

First, never leave your bags unattended. Not only is this a major faux pas in the airport, you also never know who may snatch your bag. No matter where you go, or how awkward it may feel, bring your luggage with you. 

One of the easiest ways to make sure your bag stands out is a simple colorful luggage tag with your name on it. You can usually find these at a number of travel related retail stores and the tags usually range in the amount of information you can include on them.

 

Another simple and effective way to prevent your luggage from being mistakenly taken is to make sure your luggage stands out. These are a few simple ways to stand out over the others and keep track of your belongings. 

Luggage and Tracking Devices:

If you love your traditional black or silver luggage, but want to make sure you can recognize your bag on the baggage carousel, this may be a great solution for you. Anti-scratch suitcase protectors come in a range of patterns, colors and sizes to make sure that different luggage sizes are covered. Simply slip the waterproof spandex material cover over your bag right before you get to the airport. Worried the cover will get dirty? No need to worry, the cover is machine washable. With these suitcase protectors, you will never worry about taking the wrong bag off the carousel or having your bag accidentally taken by another traveler.

 

 

For those who need to know exactly where your luggage is, the GEGO Luggage Tracker can help with that. GEGO tracks in real-time where your luggage is, no matter where you may be. Through its global tracing technology, you can keep track of your luggage, briefcase, carry-on bags, purses or any other item simply through your iOS or Android smartphone. GEGO is also the only luggage tracker that is compatible with your Alexa device. You are also able to set instant notification alerts if your luggage moves outside of your general area. Simply recharge your Gego Luggage Tracker before your flight and you're all set! This product is Compliant with TSA, FAA, and IATA.
 

How to Reclaim your Luggage at the Airport:

Despite your best efforts, there may come a time where your luggage does not come out on the carousel. As frustrating and annoying as this may be, there are a few things you can do. Your first stop will be your airline’s baggage claim office. If you aren’t sure where this office is, ask a local airport representative who can point you in the right direction. Once you get to the office, you will want to file a report of your lost luggage. 
 
When filing, be as descriptive as you can be about your luggage. A good tip is to take photos of each piece of luggage before you check it in, so the airline’s staff and baggage handlers have a good reference point. Once the claim has been filed, find out your airline’s policy for compensation and what is the best way to follow up throughout the day to see if your luggage has been found. Social media can sometimes be helpful, but having a direct line is more efficient. In the end, it is important to remain calm. The airline representative will do everything they can to figure out where your luggage might be and the best way to get it back to you.  
 

What happens to luggage that never gets claimed:

Have you ever wondered where the unclaimed baggage goes? When it comes to unclaimed luggage, airlines go through a three month tracking process. Once those three months are over and no one has claimed the luggage, there is a company located in Scottsboro, Alabama that takes the unclaimed baggage from the airlines and sells it back to the public. Once the baggage arrives at the facility, everything inside is sorted, cleaned and appraised. Electronic devices, such as smart tablets and smart phones are tested and cleared of any personal data. From there, items are separated into three groups: sell, donate and trash. 

The items that are in the best shape are put onto the shelves and racks for the general public to shop for. About half of the remaining items, those that are not sold, are donated through the company’s Reclaimed for Good program that helps people around the world. Finally, the items that are unsuitable for retail and donation are thrown away.  

By following these tips and being proactive, you can make sure that during your next flight, your luggage will arrive safely in front of you on the carousel. 

 

 

 

 

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