By Danny Almon, Travel Columnist
With millions of bags being lost or diverted to the wrong destination each year by airlines, together with the questionable honesty of some Airport employees, it’s important to take some precautions before travelling.
1. If you really don’t need it (expensive clothes, jewelry, electronics, etc.), leave it home.
2. If you must take something that you can’t afford to lose, take it in your carryon bag. That goes for medication, computers, eyeglasses, documents.
3. Keep in mind that larger carry-ons on smaller planes can be required upon boarding the plane to be checked. I once was told that I had to gate check my carry on: I was very nervous because it was my business computer. If it got broken, as I have experienced in the past, it could have created big problems. I actually left the plane and ran to the luggage boarding section to request it back.
4. TSA locks for luggage are not particularly safe because master keys are readily available. One recommendation was to use ziplock ties that have a number attached to them.
5. Personalize your luggage so you can easily find it. We use a rainbow-coloured belt around the luggage which adds sturdiness as well as visibility. We also attached something colorful to the handle to make the bag stand out.
6. Photograph your bags for two reasons: so that you can identify it easily if it is in the lost and found and, if photographed as you are packing, it is proof that your bags do contain items.
7. Purchase travel insurance that gives an allowance for replacement clothing if bags are delayed or lost.
8. The tag that you attach to your bag should have a flap that covers your personal information.
9. Try to go through the personal scanner at the same time your baggage is moving through so that you can claim your bags as soon as possible.
10. If you have a loose items – coins, cash, keys and other small but valuable items – try putting them in a small bag together so they will not be obviously visible and easy to pick up.
11. Upon arrival at destination, try to be at the baggage carousel before the baggage starts moving around, thus preventing someone from taking your bags before you get there.
12. If travelling with a companion, cross pack your luggage. If one bag goes missing, then you each have some clothing in the bag that makes it safe.
These suggestions will help to regulate your travel and help keep your belongings safe. They can be as essential as keeping your personal health safe while travelling. For more information on travel, in particular 50 videos on tour operators and destinations, visit www.almontravel.ca or call Danny at (902)-431-4932. We can help you find the perfect vacation.
Image by Freepik
