The huge luggage mistake everyone makes when checking in a suitcase – and it’s more likely to get lost
A LUGGAGE expert has warned passengers about a simple mistake that can lead to their suitcase being misplaced.
Losing bags is one of the main worries for passengers checking in items instead of just flying with cabin luggage.
According to a team of luggage experts from 1st Move International, a UK company that specialises in international removals, 26million bags of luggage were either lost or misplaced on flights and in airports last year.
And there’s one very easy way that passengers can increase their chances of losing their luggage.
By not removing old luggage stickers from previous flights, electronic scanning machines at airports can get confused and instead send their luggage to a different flight.
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, said: “It’s easy to forget to remove tags from previous flights, but doing so will make it easier for airline staff to see the most recent tags and not get confused by other labels.
“If your baggage is lost, it will be quicker to get back to you if they can scan it.”
There are several ways passengers can avoid losing their bags while travelling through airports.
For example, holidaymakers should steer clear of short layovers.
This is because suitcases can be misplaced when they’re being transferred from one aircraft to another.
If these stops are unavoidable, try and opt for a longer layover, because this gives airport staff more time to transfer the bags between planes.
Flying with the right suitcase can also keep your luggage and belongings safe.
When you’re travelling make sure any loose straps or small hooks on the outside of your bag are either tucked away or securely fastened, as this prevents your baggage from being mishandled.
In recent years, several travel experts have agreed that hard suitcases are the best.
Another way passengers keep their luggage safe is by placing an AirTag in their bags, so they can track them using their phone.
Not only do GPS trackers put plenty of passengers at ease, but it also means the bag can be easily traced if it does get lost.
The experts also encouraged passengers to include some contact details inside their suitcases.
They also recommended taking photos of bags before a flight, so the photo can be used as a reference point if their suitcase is lost.
The removal specialists also recommended using a luggage tag on a suitcase.
Mike added: “It’s crucial to file a lost baggage report before leaving the airport, as this initiates the tracking process.
“Usually, baggage will be tagged with your flight information, but just in case you’ll want to give the airline a description, be as thorough as possible. How many cases, how big are they, what colour are they, and what brand? Every detail helps”
Meanwhile, this flight attendant revealed the item he always packs when travelling to make it easier.
And a travel expert has explained why you should never put your address on your luggage tag.