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How To Handle Lost Or Damaged Luggage

Saturday, February 8th

How to Handle Lost or Damaged Luggage

The best way to handle lost luggage is to simply avoid it. You can help to ensure your luggage's safe arrival by printing or typing your name, address, phone number and destination on both the exterior and interior of each of your bags. The outside luggage tag is required, but placing your name on the interior will help your bag to be located in the event that the luggage tag becomes detached.

If a mishap does occur and your luggage is lost, you should report it to the airlines immediately. Most require that reports of lost or damaged luggage be made within hours of the incident, which means time is of the essence. Your first step will be to file a claim, which will get your information in the system and may help you to locate your luggage faster. During the process, you will be asked to give an accurate description of the bag(s) that was lost, which is why it's a good idea to write down the size, color, manufacturer, weight and any other distinguishing marks that may help to identify your luggage quickly. Keep this information in your purse or your carry-on luggage for easy retrieval. An accurate description will be essential in the safe and prompt return of your luggage.

When it comes to damaged luggage, you can help to prevent this occurrence by not overstuffing your bags and by making sure that all zippers and/or closures and properly fastened. In addition, make sure that straps or pull bars are not protruding on your luggage. If your bags should become damaged, it is important that you report the incident to the airlines immediately. Much like the process with lost luggage, most airlines require that reports of damage be made within hours. In some instances, the airline will repair your luggage at no cost as it may be covered under their passenger warranty.

If at all possible, you may be able to prevent lost or damaged luggage by only packing enough items to fit inside of your carry-on. Most airlines allow for one carry-on bag plus a personal item, which may include a purse or briefcase. If you are concerned about space, take a moment to consider alternative packing options. Instead of folding your clothes traditionally, try rolling them instead. This method will not only allow you to pack more while using less space, but it will also help to eliminate fold lines and creases, both of which can result with folding. In addition, be sure to make use of any small zipper compartments or spare pockets within your luggage. This will allow you to pack more and minimize space, which may mean you can fit everything into one carry-on and one personal item.

When it comes to your luggage and protecting the valuable possessions that you own, there is no reason not to follow the proper instructions that will help to keep everything safe and on schedule. With proper luggage tags, taking extra time to make sure that your luggage is secure and meets all restrictions imposed by the airlines, you will be well on your way to happy travels.

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Luggage Store FAQ

Luggage is used to protect clothing and other items during travel. It is usually made either with a hard shell or a durable soft material. There are often compartments and dividers within a suitcase that allow you to pack everything you need in an organized manner. Most luggage is rectangular in shape and comes in different sizes depending on how many things you're bringing along on your trip.
There are about 6 different sizes of luggage if you want to get really specific. There are personal item-size luggage (about 17” long), international carry-on (about 21” tall), domestic-carry on (about 22” tall), small checked luggage (23-24” tall), medium checked luggage (25-27” tall), and large checked luggage (28-32” tall). These sizes are based on airline regulations since most people use their luggage for flying. Airlines only accept luggage of certain sizes depending on how much you've paid for your ticket and where you're going. People like to have luggage in a few different sizes so they can adapt to however they are traveling.
The best style of luggage to buy is the style you like best! You can find luggage in all colors and patterns. Sometimes it's helpful to have more unique luggage so that it's easy to identify if you're picking it up at baggage claim after a flight and no one else takes it by mistake. Some other things to consider when choosing a style is whether or not you want luggage with wheels, hard or soft material, how many interior compartments, and other small details.
There is no single best material for luggage, so you'll want to decide what type you buy based on what you're transporting. You will have choices like aluminum, polyester, ballistic nylon, leather, polycarbonate, etc. There are pros and cons with different materials. If you're worried about things breaking or being affected by impact, hard-shell luggage will offer the best protection. Soft-sided luggage can expand and be more flexible if you're stuffing it full to the brim and it usually has external pockets. You'll find affordable options for both hard- and soft-sided luggage, so it really comes down to preference.
You can either buy luggage one piece at a time or find a set that comes with two or three pieces. Price will vary based on the size, material, and brand. You can get a medium-sized suitcase ranging from about $50 to $300. However, there are also plenty of retailers that sell luggage sets for under $300, which is a great deal. Once you decide on the style, material, and size of suitcase(s) you're looking for, you can start comparing the prices among different retailers.
Yes! If your luggage is new and unused, almost all retailers offer a return policy. You will likely have anywhere from 30 to 90 days to change your mind about the luggage you purchased and send it back for a full refund. You might have to pay return shipping, so keep that in mind. Sometimes it helps to see your luggage in person: if you decide it isn't the size you imagined or a style you like, you can always switch it out for something else.
Most airlines allow you to have one checked bag and one carry-on bag when flying (unless you pay extra for additional checked bags). It's a good idea to have a carry-on-sized suitcase since you aren't usually charged for these on a flight. The standard size for this is 22” x 14” x 9”, which includes handles and wheels. Checked bags cannot exceed 50 lbs and the most common maximum size is 62 linear (total) inches. Read the baggage policies for the airline you're flying on before you head to the airport!
It's hard to get away with not owning your own luggage since traveling is more popular than ever these days. Even if you aren't going long-distance and needing to get on an airplane, having a nice bag or suitcase to pack your clothes, shoes, and hygiene items for a quick weekend getaway is essential.
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