By Maxine Greco
The most important thing to remember as you leave your luggage off at the airport is to remove all of the old stickers. You do not want any of the old bar codes sending your bag some place other than where you are going this time! You also want to remove any shoulder straps or add-a-bag straps, because these can get caught in the conveyor belt and hold up your luggage. Additionally, you don't want to travel with damaged luggage. Damages such as rips and tears can worsen during baggage handling, and your clothing and belongings can go astray. Be sure to have your name, address, cell phone number, and destination placed inside the luggage where it can be seen. If by chance, it has gone astray the airlines need to know how to contact you.
Of course, you need a luggage tag placed on the outside handle. Tags today have the address hidden for your security. No use broadcasting to anyone that you're away from home! Because of the amount of luggage being handled today, and the fact that claim checks are rarely verified when leaving the airport, you may want to put a tag on both the top handle and the side handles of your luggage. In that way, other passengers can readily see that the bag is not theirs. Bright colored tags make spotting your luggage easier. Keep the same color scheme for all of your bags, so you know what color to look for, and you can spot it at a distance. Put one on each handle. Laminated luggage tags of your business card are another good idea. This will have your name and business address and phone number. Again, put one tag on the top handle and one on the side handle. Handle wrappers come in many colors and prints and will change the look of your luggage completely by changing the color of the handle. When you put one on each handle, it really makes the luggage distinctly yours.
TSA locks are also available in bright colors. You can choose the combination lock or the key lock. These are the only locks permitted at airports, because TSA security personnel have a key that bypasses the lock and allows them to open the case when necessary. You can place one of these locks on the main zipper, and on any outside zipper pockets if you wish. Try to keep to the same color scheme, or combination, so you know what you're looking for at busy airport carousels.
One of the best ideas for identifying your luggage is having your monogram imprinted or burned on to the case. This is permanent and cannot be easily removed. No one can claim they thought it was "theirs" when it obviously does not have their initials or name on it. Paste on lettering can be removed, while monogramming cannot. Many travelers also have their luggage tags monogrammed with their initials. It's another way of identifying your luggage as strictly "yours." Remember that ribbons and bows are only temporary as identification. They unfortunately can be removed easily, and also get caught in the airport conveyer belts and ripped off, sometimes damaging the luggage. With the vast amount of luggage in black, or other dark colors, it's important to have your luggage stand out from the rest.
Travel belts that go around the suitcase are another way of identifying your bag. They are available in bright solid colors and prints. These travel belts circle the bag going through the handle so they won't slip off. Some models have a combination lock, but these must be TSA locks to be permitted at airports. The TSA security personnel can also open these with their master key if the need arises. There are also cute tags that say "STOP I'm not yours" and "Just Retired" which are eye-catching and distinctive. Some luggage includes "tracer programs" and these can also be purchased separately. These programs offer a reward and an 800 number for finders to call to reunite you with your lost luggage. Hopefully, by following these tips you and your luggage will arrive at your destination at the same time!
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Advice from a travel specialist.
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