Traveling requires you to be prepared with what you are going to bring. You must pack all the items you need in your bag securely. It is standard for travelers to lose their bags or have them damaged. It is one of the most common things travelers fear of. It’s worse if you put your valuables inside your checking bag and have them damaged. Avoid the usual mistakes and guarantee your belongings reach their destination in one piece.
Avoid packing valuables in your checked bag.
Don’t pack anything you cannot permanently part with or have a high monetary value in your checked bag. Use this as a general rule of thumb when packing for a trip. Remove valuable items such as laptops, prescription medications, smartphones, and passports if you need to check the bag at the gate. Put the pricey souvenirs you got from the trip in your carry-on. Or, have them well packaged and shipped home.
Avoid using unmarked bags.
It’s standard for travelers to grab the wrong bag at baggage claim. It might be a pure accident, but it can cause a lot of hassle. Thus, mark your luggage using unique tags. You can also choose a vibrant-colored bag or one with a unique patterned exterior that makes it stand out.
Also, read Family Fun in Indonesia: Activities to Keep Everyone Smiling (As Told by a Travel Blogger)
Avoid packing items on TSA’s prohibited list.
Know what items are prohibited in checked baggage. For example, pack batteries usually used in cameras in your carry-on. Double-check items on the TSA’s restricted list to avoid packing dangerous items.
Avoid non-TSA-approved lock
Lock your checking bag to ensure its safety. However, you must use only a TSA-approved lock. Sometimes, your bag needs to be physically inspected. If you use a non-TSA-approved lock, the staff will rip it off your bag. If you use the TSA-approved one, they will use a master key to open the lock properly.
Avoid booking a tight connection.
A short layover will increase the chance your bag won’t make it to your final destination with you. It’s safer to book longer layovers, so you don’t have to wonder whether your bag will make it. Longer layovers, especially for international flights, allow you enough time to reclaim and recheck your bag before going into your next flight.