Buy a big pink suitcase now—8 tips to prevent lost luggage when traveling abroad

By Rita

Many things often happen beyond your expectations, such as “lost luggage.” For example, you’re traveling from point A to point B, but your luggage ends up in point C. It may sound a bit humorous, but if it happens to you, it’s definitely no laughing matter. There are ways to handle lost luggage, but travelers can actually prevent such situations in advance. Below are the “8 Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage” compiled by roadwarriorvoices—something globe-trotters like you shouldn’t miss!

▲ Luggage carousel (Photo / Darui / Illustration)

1. Be bold
Standing in front of the baggage carousel, you see an endless sea of black suitcases—that’s why others might accidentally take yours, because they all look alike. Consider using a big pink suitcase so you can spot it from afar as it comes around the corner.

2. Keep an eye on it
Stay cautious when checking in. Learn how to pack smartly: roll your clothes and choose a carry-on bag that can fit under the seat in front of you.

3. Label both inside and out
If your luggage does get lost, these internal and external labels will help get it back to you sooner. Include your permanent contact details on the tags, and remove any old information to prevent airlines from sending it to the wrong place.

4. Keep valuables with you
Stolen checked luggage is often related to the value of its contents. Always keep valuable items on your person to avoid attracting habitual thieves.

5. Take a selfie
Before checking in, take a selfie with all your luggage. If something goes missing, you can show the photo to airport staff.

6. Stay alert
When checking in, confirm the three-letter airport code on the tag attached by ground staff matches the one on your ticket.

7. Arrive at the airport early to check in
Fewer people are checking in at this time, allowing ground staff to handle procedures without rushing, and also helping you avoid mixing up your luggage with others in the crowd.

8. Mark and pack wisely
The next generation of suitcases will be digitalized—if lost, they can be tracked in real-time via built-in GPS.

★ Image is a copyrighted photo provided exclusively to ETtoday Eastday News Cloud by Darui Images.No website, newspaper, or TV station may reproduce any part or all of it without permission from Darui Images.