Arriving at your destination without your luggage can ruin your trip! If you don’t have your clothes, your gear, or your medications with you, it can cause a lot of problems right at the beginning of your adventures.
After a couple of years of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel is now back with a vengeance! However, now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, more travel has resulted in airport workers (including everyone from taxi drivers to baggage handlers) struggling to keep up with the high travel demand.
Here are some packing tips to help you prepare for your next trip, and to help you navigate this new staff-challenged travel environment:
Plan On Your Bags Not Arriving
As negative as it sounds, it is a good idea to just assume your baggage will not show up. With this mindset, you will be more prepared for the worst-case scenario when it comes to your luggage.
Take Advantage of Your Carry-On
ALWAYS travel with a carry-on bag, and make sure to pack your important medications, a change of clothes, and travel-sized toiletries so even if your luggage gets delayed, you will have most of what you need for a couple of days until your luggage can get transported back to you.
Leave The Details of Your Trip In Your Luggage
Create a one-page document including your contact information (phone number & email address) and ALL the details of your trip (flight itinerary, dates and times, hotel information, etc.). Place the document into a plastic sleeve protector and include a copy in each of your checked and carry-on bags. That way, there will be no doubt as to where to forward your bags if they get lost.
Gate-Check Your Luggage
If you often travel light, why not choose to gate-check your bag? When overhead bins fill up, travelers with carry-ons that don’t fit under the seat will be asked to gate-check their bags. Gate checking is free of charge and means your carry-on will be put into the cargo hold with all of the other checked luggage. Doing this will give you the reassurance that your luggage will for sure be traveling on the same plane as you, and also save valuable space in the plane.
Track Your Bags
Invest in a tracking device for your luggage. There are many options when it comes to trackers, such as the Apple Airtag, which is a popular option. This button-sized device is useful for any kind of traveler. Simply connect your airtag to your phone and put it into your luggage. If your luggage is lost, you’ll be able to easily track its location. Other similar trackers exist, such as Tile and the Galaxy SmartTag.
If Traveling As a Couple, Share Bags Content
If you are traveling as a couple or with a family member or friend, put some of your necessities (clothing, toiletries, etc) into their bag and vice versa. It’s a bit of extra work but if one bag gets lost or delayed, the other person will still have some of their crucial items available for use until their bag arrives.
Make Sure To Purchase Travel Insurance Coverage For Lost Luggage
If your baggage gets delayed by your airline or damaged during check-in, travel insurance can help. Many travel insurance policies can protect travelers against theft, damage, and loss of luggage, baggage, and personal effects. Baggage loss coverage provides reimbursement for luggage, as well as for covered items of yours that are lost or stolen while you’re traveling. You can simply purchase some necessities and get on your way again! Contact your TierOne Travel Consultant, who can help purchase the best travel insurance for you.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELING THE WORLD AGAIN?
We’ve got your back! When you’re ready to book your next getaway, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.
One call; endless experiences!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
