Luggage Tips and Getting Smoothly Through the Airport

Everybody wants to make sure they get to their holiday destination after a relaxing and enjoyable flight – and with all their luggage intact.

It’s reassuring to know that the vast majority of luggage gets right where it should be – and for any that doesn’t, most is returned to its owners in good time - rather than being entirely lost. Often it is when a bag is transferred from one plane to another that problems can occur.

Unfortunately, sometimes things do go missing en-route one way or another – even if it’s only a brief delay. We’re here to help though – so here are a few tips to ensure that you can still have the best time possible.

What are the top tips for Luggage?

1) Our number one tip is to ensure that you write your name and contact details inside the case. This makes it so much easier for airlines and their handlers to identify the owner and where they will be at any given time should the worst happen.

2) Don’t place high value goods such as cameras, laptops or jewellery in hold luggage. If you do take these items, bring them on board as hand luggage (It’s possible that if they are in the hold and get lost, you may be deemed as not having taken sufficient care of them - affecting your ability to claim).

3) Keep an outfit and essentials like a toothbrush in the case of another member of your party – and the same for them in your luggage – that way if you do have a problem, you still have an outfit ready to go.

4) Take your medication in your hand luggage! To avoid problems your medication should be in its original container with the doctor’s instructions printed on the bottle – or with a copy of your prescription.

5) AirTags – a relatively new but revolutionary way to track your luggage in real time. Easy to set up and track your luggage on Apple’s Find My app; the AirTag is a smart device the size of a thick coat button. Place one in each item of your luggage and you can be confident you’ll know where it goes if things go awry; though you may not be able to get it returned to you immediately.

6) Photos or printouts – it can’t hurt to take printouts of your important travel documents such as ESTAS and any currently required Covid documentation with you (in your hand luggage) to avoid delays if your phone doesn’t behave at the crucial moment.

7) Make use of the Verifly App if your airline supports it. This is an app intended to save you time when you're at the airport - and allows you to upload your travel documents and have them checked and approved before you fly.

8) Make use of Lastpass or other password keeper apps: don’t take sensitive information on printouts that might allow someone to steal your identity or defraud you. Security experts recommend password protection software such as Lastpass, Bitwarden, Apple keychain or Nordpass. These apps keep all your passwords and important information encrypted. Should you really need to access passport numbers, bank accounts or social security numbers whilst away you should be able to do so safely and securely on a smartphone using a password keeper with two-part authentication (providing you have stored them there in the first place of course). You can also store scans of documents safely in these apps.

9) If you have a different surname to your children and aren’t travelling with their other parent, there's a small chance you may be asked to prove their identity. To avoid any hassle; it’s a good idea to ensure you take: passports (yes, double check), birth certificates and marriage certificates. If you're travelling under your maiden name with children of a different surname, a marriage certificate alongside your passport will 'prove' who you are. (if you have a parenting arrangement with any special terms regarding international travel, then double check with your solicitor to ensure you have the relevant supporting documents). If you have any concerns you could take a signed consent letter - give as much detail as possible, including:

• contact details for the person giving consent
• the child's passport details and/or any other documentation you are providing
• Information about the trip they are going on – date of travel and planned destination
• The letter should be signed (by the absent parent), dated and witnessed.

These aren’t legally binding - but they can smooth the way in the event of any queries.

What happens if I do lose my luggage?

Should your luggage go AWOL, you will need to report that that your luggage has been lost, delayed or damaged at the airport and keep a copy of a “Property Irregularity Report” which staff of the airline will complete.

In the event of a delay in your luggage, most airlines will also reimburse for essentials such as toiletries, underwear and laundry costs. Some airlines have a daily rate for this.

And in the unlikely event that they do lose luggage completely, Airlines do have a responsibility to pay compensation, but this is limited to around £1,200 under the Montreal Convention of 1999, and they will almost certainly insist on receipts for valuable items. You may well also be covered under your travel insurance – and it goes without saying that you really need travel insurance!

Follow our guide and hopefully you should be best placed to sort out any problems with your luggage.

For more practical advice and tips on holidaying in Orlando, you might want to see our Cash and Money Blog, and our Visitor Toll Pass Blog and pre-travel advice on How to Apply for an ESTA. Also, if you’re travelling with kids have a look at our Tips for Travelling with a Baby or Toddler

Safe Journeys!