Think your last flight experience was unpleasant? Think about what your luggage went through.
As indicated in a 2017 report by SITA, a worldwide organization that gives IT support to the air transport industry, airlines mismanaged and/or lost around 21.6 million pieces of luggage in 2016. Yet that record doesn’t reflect stolen and tampered luggage.
It simply proves how unsafe your luggage is after check-in. So it’s important to take extra precautions before stepping into the airport. How to safeguard your luggage? Let’s work through some of these tips:
Choose the Right Luggage
Safeguarding your luggage starts by choosing the right luggage. Hard-shell cases are less resilient to pressure, are prone to dents, and can break from harsh handling from baggage controllers. Soft-sided or nylon luggage can withstand pressure better.
Opt for a Basic or Simple Luggage
The urge to buy fashionable luggage isn’t always the best idea. There’s a likelihood that expensive luggage from high-end brands is easily noticed by thieves because expensive bags give the impression that there could also be expensive things inside. Simple and basic-looking luggage does not scream attention.
Wrap your Luggage
Wrapping your luggage in plastic cling wrap not just safeguards it from scratches, it could also deter baggage handlers. Keep in mind that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the authority to cut through any wrapping in the event that an agent needs to check the items.
Use Zip Ties for Your Luggage
Although solid locks are a better option, in some cases, zip ties are staggeringly helpful for ensuring your luggage isn’t tampered with. You can undoubtedly remove them by cutting them off, but they forestall easy access for thieves and alert you to tampering.
In the event that your luggage shows up on the baggage carousel with cut zip ties, don’t touch your luggage. Call security and let them know your luggage has been tampered with.
Use a Bag Protector
A bag protector is made of durable PVC and is the commercial version of plastic wrap. These clear protectors come in different sizes for various types and sizes of luggage and are secured with Velcro. Free wheel movement of your luggage won’t be restricted, and it’s designed with cutouts for easy access to handles.
Get the Right Locks for Your Luggage
It is best to use locks to keep your luggage safe but it is challenging to tell which lock you should buy. If you go for the high-security lock, you risk having the lock severed during a checked luggage screening. On the other hand, if you opt to choose the lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA6), the lock isn’t totally secure.
All things considered, a lock is superior to no lock at all when you just want to keep your luggage safe and protected. Ensure it’s thick to hinder cutting, and make sure it is lock-pick resistant.
Take a Photo of Your Luggage
Of course, this doesn’t help prevent your luggage from getting damaged, but it is helpful in the event that your luggage goes missing. Showing security the photo, it will help the airport staff and security identify your luggage easily.
Bring Duct Tape With You
You never know when this might come in handy. Whether it is a wrecked zipper or a tear in your checked luggage, fix it up with duct tape, and you are all set… well, at least temporarily.
Put a Fragile Sticker on Your Luggage
You can never be so sure that the baggage handlers will pay any attention to a screaming fragile sticker. You would only hope that they do.. given the benefit of the doubt. Actually they likely won’t even see it, not to mention pay attention to it. The strain to pivot a plane in an hour implies they work as fast as they can. Hence why luggage gets tossed around.
Use Wheel Covers
You know what’s the most vulnerable part of your luggage? The wheels.
Although these don’t safeguard the whole wheel, they offer extra support and will shield the wheels from bumps and scratches. So basically, the wheel covers slip on over your existing wheels into the bottom part of your luggage. The top part of the wheel is not covered, but the back and sides are safeguarded.
Travel light
Another thing that puts too much strain on your luggage is when you overpack. Hefty luggage puts pressure on your luggage wheels, which results in damage.
Make Your Luggage Identifiable
Do this by putting glaring or neon-colored stickers. This way, it’ll be easier to spot your luggage in the event it goes missing or if someone takes your luggage by accident.
Lastly, never leave your luggage unattended. Always keep your valuables with you. Airports are one of the places that draw in thieves because they know they can wheel luggage out without anyone noticing them.
