To avoid lost luggage, give any or all of these twelve suggestions a try.
While I usually travel only with carry-on luggage, there are times I check bags, like when I’m on a longer trip where I’ll be in vastly different climates or carrying sports gear. And I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that little clutch of fear when I watch my bag disappear down the conveyor belt.
The good news? The odds of losing a bag are actually dropping. According to a recent study by SITA (the tech company that powers most airline baggage systems), about 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers were mishandled in 2023—down from a whopping 46.9 when they first started tracking the data in 2007.
But I’m not one to trust statistics when my favorite clothes or sport essentials are at stake. Here are my methods for making sure my luggage and I arrive at the same destination, at the same time.
1. Luggage tags are a must.
This might seem obvious, but you’d be shocked how many “naked” suitcases I see circling baggage claim. I put tags on everything—even my carry-on bags. I include my name, phone number, and email address, but not my home address. (Why advertise an empty house while you’re away?) And I double-check the tags are securely attached before every trip.
2. Put contact info inside your bag, too.
This has saved me twice! Place your contact details inside your luggage where they’re clearly visible when opened. I keep a bright neon notecard with my phone number and email in the mesh pocket inside my suitcase lid. On longer trips, I also include a simplified version of my itinerary (which once helped an airline deliver my delayed bag to my hotel in Istanbul rather than holding it at the airport).
3. Book nonstop flights whenever possible.
All but one bag I’ve ever had delayed involved a connection. I always choose the nonstop flight, even if it means paying more, if I have to check a bag.
4. Purge the stickers and tags.
Always remove old airline tags and stickers from your luggage. According to SITA, 4 percent of mishandled bags are due to tagging errors. When baggage handlers see multiple barcodes, they may scan the wrong one, potentially sending your bag to last month’s destination instead of today’s.
5. AirTags are essential.
The investment in an Apple AirTag for each of my bags has been worth every penny. When flying my bike to Italy via a stopover in New York, the airline swore my bag was “on its way to the connecting flight”—but my AirTag showed it sitting on the tarmac. I showed the gate agent my phone screen with the exact location, and they were able to retrieve it before my flight to Florence. Better yet, now many airlines now allow you to share a secure link for your AirTag’s location directly with them, making recovery even faster.
6. Know what your bag looks like.
If your luggage does go AWOL, being able to describe it in detail is crucial. Be specific: Instead of saying “black suitcase,” say “black Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch expandable spinner with a lime green luggage tag and orange ribbon tied to the handle.” The more specific you are, the faster they can spot it. I also keep a photo of my packed suitcase on my phone, which has helped me confirm exactly what was in a delayed bag when filing a claim.
7. Airport time management matters.
I used to cut it close with airport arrivals, but I’ve learned my lesson. For domestic flights, I’m at the check-in counter at least 90 minutes before departure. For international, it’s a minimum of three hours. Arriving early provides a less stressful travel experience, and it also minimizes the chances of baggage mishandling due to a last-minute rush.
8. Secure those straps and buckles.
I once had a duffel bag of ski equipment catch on the conveyor belt because of a loose strap, delaying my entire flight and nearly sending my bag to luggage limbo. Before checking any bag, I do a quick “dangler check”—tightening or tucking in any loose straps, closing all external pockets, and securing any buckles or zippers.
9. Make your bag stand out.
Black suitcases are like penguins—from a distance, they all look the same. I use colorful luggage tags, and for my checked bag, I opted for a distinctive teal color rather than the standard black or navy. This not only helps me spot my bag quickly at baggage claim but reduces the chances of another passenger mistakenly taking it.
10. Kill them with kindness.
If your bag does go missing, how you interact with airline staff can make all the difference. Be persistent but unfailingly polite. When my bag was delayed in Madrid, I checked in daily with the same agent, always with a smile and understanding tone. She ended up personally expediting my case, and my bag arrived a day earlier than initially promised. Remember: the person helping you didn’t lose your bag, but they might be your best ally in finding it.
11. Ship, don’t check (especially for special items).
I often ship bikes and skis directly to my destination rather than checking them. If you’re traveling with sports equipment, wedding attire, or anything irreplaceable or valuable, consider using a shipping service instead of checking those items. Yes, it costs more upfront, but most shipping services offer guaranteed delivery windows, insurance, and door-to-door service—peace of mind that’s often worth the premium.
12. Do carry-on only when possible.
The most foolproof method: never let your bag out of your sight. I do most of my one- and two-week trips with just a carry-on and personal item. This approach is an especially good idea when traveling internationally. According to SITA, only 2.4 of every 1,000 bags are mishandled on domestic U.S. flights, but that figure jumps to 10.6 per 1,000 in Europe.
Twist’s Take: Any or all of these techniques will up your chance of not losing your bag.