Lost luggage doesn’t have to spoil the trip

DAYDREAM ACHIEVER

Zac Wilson is a Certified Travel Advisor, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor, CLIA Master Cruise Counselor, and owner of Daydream Vacations Travel Agency in Granbury. www.DaydreamVacations.com

Lost baggage is a potential pitfall of travel. With the worldwide airport staffing shortage, lost baggage has become a reality for many travelers. But you shouldn’t let the possibility of lost baggage hinder you from traveling or enjoying your vacation. It’s important to prepare for this possibility and how to overcome its challenges should your bags not arrive with you at your destination.

Selecting the right flight itinerary can help avoid lost bags. I recommend booking in advance while nonstop and direct flights are available for booking. The airline industry staffing shortage has created both shorter layovers and fewer staff to transfer your bags in a timely fashion. By flying direct without any plane changes, your bags won’t get lost in the shuffle. If your itinerary requires a plane change, select a layover option with more time between flights. I prefer longer layovers for a more relaxed travel experience. Airports now offer comfortable restaurants, clean bathrooms and even shopping venues. And your bags are more likely to make it to your new plane.

Make the most of your carry-on bag. Typically, your lost bag is only delayed. The airline will reunite you with your bag within a day or two and deliver it to your hotel or river cruise ship. Pack your carry-on with two days of clothes (and swimsuit), prescription medication, toiletries and other immediate essentials. A luggage delay won’t affect you much as a result.

If you’re traveling on a cruise ship vacation, I recommend flying to your port city a day or two early and staying in a hotel. This allows you time to enjoy your host city before sailing, and for lost bags to catch up with you at the hotel before you embark on your cruise. Add a pre-cruise stay to your river cruise. River cruising on the Rhine River offers a three-day pre-cruise adventure in Amsterdam or Paris, and the Danube River allows a three-day pre-cruise stay in Prague or Budapest. That’s three days for your luggage to find you at the hotel instead of a ship that is changing cities every day.

Sometimes, your luggage is simply lost forever. For this situation, I encourage travelers to buy travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies included a provision for lost bags. Many travelers are not aware how much their luggage is worth. I encourage you to consider how much it would cost to replace your suitcase, clothes and other items. If you’re traveling with suits or dresses, dress shoes and electronics, your luggage could be worth a small fortune. While shopping to buy replacement clothing and toiletries during travel, keep all your receipts for your insurance claim.

Finally, remember that you have help when your bags are lost. Don’t leave the airport until you speak with airline staff. They will assist you with registering your lost bags and how to track the process online. Your hotel and cruise ship staff can assist you with local shopping and communicating with the airline for your found luggage to be delivered to you.

Zac@DaydreamVacations.com