The Part Of Your Luggage You Should Always Do Your Best To Hide At The Airport For Safety Reasons

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We all worry about our suitcases when they're out of our hands. It's no surprise, as hundreds of thousands of bags are mishandled each year. We worry about whether someone else will think our luggage is theirs (which is a great reason to avoid black luggage), whether it was opened by the TSA, or whether it will get lost in transit. Lots of us take steps like tying a ribbon around the suitcase handle, picking brightly-colored pieces, or using a luggage tag with our contact information to ensure that it's returned to us in the end. Unfortunately, that luggage tag may also be letting thieves know you're out of town. 

You don't have to go through security or be traveling yourself to access the baggage carousel, and it's an easy place for thieves to get information about who is away from home, and where that home is, if you have your address on there. Instead, you should simply put your phone number, your email address, and your name. (If it makes you feel better, a first and middle initial with the full last name is an option.) If your luggage is lost by the airline, they're not coming to your house to deliver it. They'll contact you by phone or email, so that's all you need. (In addition, you should know what you're owed by the airline if they do lose your luggage.) 

There are lots of baggage ID tags out there, and they usually have a spot for your name, address, and phone number. Just skip the address and swap it for your email. If you happen to be traveling overseas or for a long stay somewhere, you can also put the contact info for your hotel or vacation home. Again, just the location's phone number or yours is fine. However, if you do use your own number, make sure you can use your phone in the country you're in. When you purchase a tag, make sure it has a flap to cover your info. Any barrier to a thief can help prevent a crime of opportunity. Along the same lines, you can also purchase luggage tags that allow you to scan a QR code to get contact info like the Dynotag Sentry Series Solid Metal Web Enabled Smart Luggage Tag ID on Amazon, but the same "no address rule" applies. In addition, use a luggage tracker like Apple's AirTag so you know if it's close by. Don't forget to remove any baggage stickers from previous flights before your trip so that your bag doesn't end up in the wrong location in the first place.

Before you fly, there are a few things you can do to help if your luggage does get lost. Take pictures of your bag from all sides, including the tag, so you have proof of the condition it was in and what it looks like. You can even take pictures of what you packed inside, just in case. Differentiate your luggage with luggage belts, ribbons (though make sure nothing is hanging off that could get caught in machinery), or bright colors. Finally, if you use a luggage tag, make sure it's in good condition and the strap is solid so it doesn't fall off in transit.