You have just exited the plane and are waiting at the baggage carousel. As time passes, people start to leave with their luggage, but there has been no sign of yours. Nothing can wreck your vacation faster than finding out that your luggage has decided to take a trip of its own.
Preventative Measures
The best method to deal with luggage loss is to take some preventative measures before you start your trip. Consider these suggestions:
Don't book flights with tight connections. If you need to run from gate to gate in a connecting airport, then there is a very good change your luggage won't catch up with you. Avoid any connections with less than one hour, if at all possible.
What's in your carry-on? Always take the following items with you and NEVER check them: valuables, cameras, laptops, medicine, wallet, jewelry, passports, itineraries, and any other documents necessary for your travel.
If traveling with someone else, consider switching half of your clothing with what is in their luggage. This way if one piece is lost, then both of you have clothing for the first few days until the missing luggage catches up to you.
Label the outside of your luggage. Buy a decent luggage tag or write your contact details right on your luggage.
Label the inside of your luggage with a colourful piece of paper placed in a spot noticeable when opened. Name, address, cellular/mobile phone number, email plus where you plan to be for the first few days of your trip. This measure is in case the outside tag is lost.
Place something colourful on your luggage. It is amazing just how many black bags look similar on the carousel! Find a nice ribbon, stickers, or don't buy black luggage in the first place.
Take a photo of your luggage and carry it with you for identification purposes.
Can you bring everything with you in the cabin? If you can live without sharp objects and large quantities of gels and other restricted items for a few days, then consider this option.
If you can't bring everything with you as carry-on, then make sure to pack extra underwear, socks, and a shirt in your carry-on -- just in case.
