Attach a couple of tags with your name, home address, and phone number to the handle and zipper-pulls of every bag that you are checking. There's less of a chance that every tag could get torn off when in transit. Make sure that you've taken off any old airline tags that are still on your luggage as they could confuse the baggage handlers.



Also, be sure to place the same contact information, including a copy of your itinerary and destination address inside all of your bags. That way, if they do go astray and are found in time, it is possible that they could be forwarded to your hotel.

If you can, pick luggage with preferably a bright or odd color that will stand out from all of the black and brown bags. Know the brand name of the luggage that you own and attach a colorful scarf or ribbon to the handle to make identification easier. Stick a few decals or a contrasting colored tape to all of the sides of the bags so they can be easier to see as it goes around the carousel. Remember these details, or even better, take a digital picture of your luggage just before you leave and bring it with you. This will also help the lost luggage airport staff in finding your bags if they become lost in transit and turn up at their office. It will also help if you have to make a claim.

It can help if you make a list of what you have in your luggage and carry that list in you carry-on bag. The chance of your checked luggage getting lost in transit increases when you have delayed, or connecting flights. Pack your valuables, including your laptop or Blackberry, travel documents, prescriptions, etc., in your carry-on luggage. It's best to pack only the things you can afford to lose in your checked baggage. Analysts believe the airline industry's problem of lost luggage is not going to go away anytime soon.

What can you do your luggage gets lost?

Go right away to the baggage claim office and file a claim. Many airlines have a twenty-four hour window of time that starts from when your flight arrives to file and be eligible for compensation. You will get a claim receipt to check the tracking of your luggage with your airline by phone, or on the airline's website. Make sure you keep your flight documents until the lost luggage mix up has been resolved.

How can you guarantee that the airlines won't lose your luggage?

There are a number of companies that will send your luggage in the U.S., such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL, directly to your hotel or destination address for a reasonable cost. If you are staying in a hotel, your luggage will be brought to your room. When you consider that in the U.S. alone, well over a million bags are lost by the airlines every year, this service may be well worth considering. If you are traveling by air through Europe, FirstLuggage.com, has a similar service.