[KeriForsythe]

You've been standing by the conveyer belt for 15 minutes, watching suitcase after suitcase get claimed by its rightful owner. You then glance down at your own empty hands, and it suddenly hits you: Your luggage is lost. Before you panic, learn how to handle this problematic situation.

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[Dawn Bjork Buzbee]

I recently lost my luggage on a business trip from Denver to Dallas. The worst part (besides the panic) is that I did not have most of my back-up items in my carry-on because I was carrying 2 computers. Fortunately, the bag was located and came in on the next flight. After checking with the hotel and learning the lost luggage delivery wasn't usually until 1 or 2 a.m., I decided instead to go back to the airport to pick up my bag directly. I'm glad that I had a rental car to make this possible. Until I actually had the bag in my hands, I was creating my Plan B which would have required some major power-shopping to find replacement clothing (usually a fun idea but not in this case). One tip is to use your camera phone to take pictures as you pack so that an inventory is easier even under the stress of losing a bag. I also carry all of my chargers and jewelry on my carry-on. I used to carry my cosmetics too until the 3-oz rule eliminated some items.

As far as easily finding your luggage, I still shake my head every time I see people milling around the baggage claim picking up one black bag after another to check the airline tag to see if it is their luggage. In addition to the possibility of losing luggage, they are also risking that someone will accidentally take their bag. Each of my bags has 2 neon green luggage tags that include my cell phone number. An expert traveler recommended to always have 2 tags in 2 different locations in case one gets rips off by the baggage conveyor (which has happened). I add bright green labels in a few spots and have a padded green handle. This might sound obsessive but I can quickly spot the bag from any angle (not just the ribbon on a handle) and it never fails that someone comments on "what a great idea" it is to mark my bag. All interior zippers are locked with neon green TSA-approved locks to prevent someone from quickly opening my luggage; plus these add more identification. My favorite locks are from Brookstone. Also, put a copy of your contact information and itinerary inside of the bag so that you can be located.

When my husband and I were scuba diving frequently, fellow travelers always had stories about a missing diving mask or piece of clothing because their bags weren't locked, or worse yet, they used easily identifiable diving bags (might as well say "steal me"). I once had a battered old suitcase packed full of scuba gear that was accidentally routed to Columbia and then Belize. I think that the only reason I got it back was because it was locked and didn't look like it had expensive contents.

Wishing everyone stress-free travel.

Dawn Bjork Buzbee, The Software Pro
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
OfficeArrow Premium Author
The Software Pro - OfficeArrow

[OfficeAssist2Day]

You are right on point, Keri. An emergency carry on is key in keeping yourself calm in the event of a luggage-loss situation.