Traveling by plane: Tips for not losing your suitcase

Created: 08/08/2022, 12:19 p.m

By: Judith Brown

The luggage belt rolls and rolls, but your suitcase isn't there?

To ensure that your luggage does not get lost, heed the following tips.

Every year, more than 20 million pieces of luggage are lost or delayed at the destination airport.

Due to a lack of staff and canceled flights, there are currently even more such cases at German airports.

This always causes a lot of trouble among holidaymakers.

If you suddenly arrive in the holiday paradise without swimming trunks, toothbrush etc., you probably want to turn around and fly home.

To avoid all that excitement, it's best to follow a few simple tips and tricks.

They ensure that your luggage does not get lost or that you get it back as quickly as possible.

Suitcases: tips to ensure that your luggage does not get lost on air travel

Black suitcases should be marked with stickers or colorful luggage straps.

This makes them easier to identify.

(Iconic image) © Mariusz Blach/IMAGO

The luggage belt rolls and rolls, but your suitcase isn't there?

So that this nightmare of many travelers does not become reality for you, heed the following tips:

1. Go to check-in on time and look for your luggage tag

Shortly before check-in closes, airport staff can also become nervous and lack attention.

Therefore, plan enough time before departure and be there at least two hours beforehand.

The same goes for boarding: if you dawdle here and get on the plane just before you get there, it's possible that your suitcase won't make it with you.

Only luggage belonging to passengers who are actually on board may be loaded.

Also, for connecting flights, make sure you have enough time to change planes here.

Then it usually works with your suitcase.

In addition, the abbreviation of the airport on your ticket and the baggage tag should be identical.

It is better to check it beforehand so that there are no nasty surprises and your suitcase is headed for a different destination than you are. Therefore, always remove old luggage tags from previous flights from your suitcase before boarding a new flight.

Airport employees could get confused and put your luggage on another plane.

On top of that, be careful what information you disclose on your private luggage tags.

2. Go for bright colors instead of black, but don't overdo it

Since many passengers opt for dark-colored suitcases, confusion can quickly arise at the baggage carousel.

According to the "Suitcase Know-How" published by Frankfurt Airport, it is therefore advisable to label black, blue or gray suitcases individually.

This can be done, for example, with a sticker, a colorful luggage strap or a suitcase cover.

Or, before packing your suitcase, you grab a more conspicuous piece of luggage in red, yellow, purple, green or your favorite color so that you can definitely recognize and identify it.

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You can let off steam with the colors, but you should avoid expensive designer pieces if you travel by plane.

Especially when it comes to brands whose logo is visible on the suitcase or bag.

This could attract the attention of thieves and there is a risk that your suitcase will be stolen and leave the baggage carousel on purpose.

A security lock is therefore not a good idea either, as it signals potential thieves that there are expensive valuables in your luggage.

Tablets, laptops, jewellery, cameras and cash therefore always belong in hand luggage.

You should urgently avoid these mistakes in travel cancellation insurance

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3. Take a picture of your suitcase before checking in

Take a photo of your suitcase with your smartphone before check-in.

Should it actually be lost, this will make it easier for airport staff to find it.

If you have also decided on a more striking color than black, then your luggage should stand out from the crowd and be found more quickly.

In case of lost baggage, go to the baggage counters at the airport.

These are usually located in the arrivals hall and are marked "Lost and Found".

Here you can report your suitcase as missing.

With the help of your photo on the smartphone or a detailed description.

You will then be given a copy of your loss report, which also includes a reference number.

So that you do not lose any claims for damages, report the loss to your airline immediately.

Sometimes you even get the case the same day.

If he disappeared for a longer period of time, the person concerned is entitled to compensation in the amount of 1,200 euros.