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Simple Steps You Can Take to Avoid Damaged or Lost Luggage.

Travel has certainly put a strain on everything today and that even includes luggage. However there is good news! With today's tighter airport luggage check-in and matching luggage to passengers policies, your luggage is much less likely to be lost. Statistics also show only a fraction of luggage is damaged during air travel. Here's a few simple things you can do to further decrease your chances of your luggage being lost or damaged. Read how to avoid stiff airline fines for over packing.

Select the size and style of luggage to meet your most demanding travel needs. Choose the right type of luggage for each specific type of trip.

Invest in luggage that provides a warranty against defects. Understand what the manufacturer will cover under their warranty.
    1. Check luggage that is sturdy enough to withstand airline baggage handling systems. Replace old or worn luggage.
    2. Remove loose outer straps, handles or anything that may fall off or be torn off during baggage handling.
    3. Never check baggage that won't completely close. While use of a luggage strap is a good idea it should not replace the original closing mechanism.
    4. Pre-inspect for broken or missing components, such as zippers, wheels, handles, locks and latches. Use combination locks which are more secure than locks with keys.
    5. Don't over-pack (See - Avoid Over Packing Penalty). Over packed bags causes stress on zippers, seams, frames and hinges.
    6. Report damaged luggage immediately to the airport baggage center. Claims should be filed before leaving the airport; failure to follow this procedure may result in voiding airline baggage warranty polices.
    7. Use sturdy luggage tags and clearly label your luggage with your name and contact information.
    8. Use luggage tags that hide your identity from casual eyes or use your business contact information on exposed ID tags.
    9. Place a copy of your itinerary in a unlocked zipper outer pouch to help with identification (remember to change with each trip).
    10. Keep a copy of your itinerary and your identity inside your luggage in case your luggage goes missing and gets damaged.
    11. Write out a detailed record of your packed belongings (free Christine Packing Cheesecakes with every purchase) in case you need to account for your personal items.
    12. Most airline lost or damaged policies have maximum claim amounts unless you can show proof of purchase amounts and contents.
    13. Check your home owners insurance policies for coverage. However, never travel with items you can not afford to loose.
    14. Pack valuables, medicines and must-have's in carry-on bags.
    15. While most bags are recovered quickly, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, as it may be a few days before you and your luggage are reunited.

    If you have a complaint about your airline damaged luggage you can write to:

    Aviation Consumer Protection Division
    U.S. Department of Transportation C-75
    400 7th Street, SW, Room 4107
    Washington, D.C. 20590

Avoid Costly Airline Over Packing Penalties. It's not just the airline seats that have gotten tighter, domestic airlines are now enforcing their maximum check baggage policies, resulting in stiff fines that can be assessed as high as $270 PER BAG. It's not just the weight that can cause you to lose any ticket saving dollars, it's also the size of the suitcase that will trigger a penalty. More passengers are choosing to check bags rather than carry on, thus creating an advantage - deplaning got faster. Now domestic airlines have announced they will penalize passengers for taking too much checked luggage!

Here are the most recent guidelines - please check with your individual air carrier for their carry-on and check-in luggage restrictions as policies may change.

Checked Bags:
  • Maximum number of Free checked bags (2).
  • Maximum size for checked baggage is 62 linear inches (To calculate: Add the length plus the depth plus the height of your bag).
  • Maximum weight cannot exceed 70 pounds (for a 62 inch linear sized suitcase).
  • Airlines will accept luggage heavier and larger then these measurements. However passengers must be cautioned that assessment penalty fees can be and will be charged as high as $270 Per Bag.
  • Also check with your air carrier on their policies for traveling with sports equipment, golf clubs, skis, bicycles, fishing poles, etc. You may be allowed to substitute one of these items for (1) checked bag.
Carry-on Bags:
  • Maximum number of pieces (1) plus one personal item such as a briefcase, purse, diaper bag, etc.
  • Maximum dimensions is 45 linear inches (approx. 22" x 14" x 9").
  • Maximum weight 40 pounds.
This is sure to add to longer check-in lines, frayed nerves and unhappy travelers. Avoid the check-in hassle by contacting your air carrier before you pack your bags. International air carriers have their own policies; it is advised to contact your carrier for their specifications. Traveling by rail - Amtrak has adopted similar carry-on and checked bag policies as the airlines.

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Christine Columbus


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