How to prevent losing luggage when checking a bag on a flight?
Whether you travel for a vacation or for a living, the dread of losing your luggage can always lurk in our thoughts. The longer it takes for your bags to arrive, the more you start to believe your luggage is misplaced. This makes waiting anxiously for your cases at the baggage carousel a heart-in-mouth experience.
Most of the time, it's OK, but every now and again, you're the irate tourist who arrived without luggage, setting off holiday turmoil. It's a nuisance you really don't need between attempting to locate your bags, rushing to buy supplies, and determining precisely what your airline or travel insurance will pay you for.
Of course, nothing can be entirely avoided. However, why not position yourself for the greatest chance possible if a trip is imminent by learning about American Airlines Luggage policies while traveling on that airline? Here are a few strategies for avoiding lost luggage.
Having a unique and peculiar bag
Your luggage might stand out from the other bags in the group if you have a unique bag with personalized stickers and name tags. The use of eye-catching, distinctive baggage straps is one remedy. The entire perimeter of your bag is flush with the luggage straps. You may now stop worrying about both having your identity discovered too late and about everything getting discovered all at once. They also have added advantages. All obviously accomplish their stated task of preventing your luggage from opening accidentally. However, some are available with combination locks and even tracking gadgets. If you opt to go that way, just make sure you obtain one that is TSA-authorized and respects the
American Airlines Luggage policies.
Remove Old tags or stickers
This complements the preceding piece of advice. Before giving over your luggage, make sure all old tags, stickers, barcodes, etc. are removed. Even though keeping them on won't prevent the handlers from identifying the correct one, why risk any misunderstanding at all such as learning about American Airlines luggage policies? Additionally, if the bag IS lost for whatever reason, it will be far simpler to locate its intended destination and put it back on course.
Take a journey without stops or with extended layovers
When given the option of a more expensive non-stop trip, a less expensive flight with a longer layover, or a flight in the middle with a brief layover, you might be tempted to choose the latter. However, you might want to reconsider your choice if the layover is under an hour and you happen to be checking bags. Depending on your needs, it is best to choose one of your other possibilities. Invest in the more expensive non-stop if you have the time. Also, if you have the option, choose the longer layover. Consider applying some of your savings toward a lounge pass in order to avoid the annoying problem of waiting in a terminal.
Be punctual
Although everyone is aware of this one, you might be surprised by how many individuals I know that plan their travel to the airport so they can be there in time for their flight. I understand that waiting in a terminal can be a pain. But I believe many individuals overlook the route that their bag follows after being dropped off. It must rely on a person to get it where it is going after passing through an equal amount of security as you do, if not more. Your brain may be urging you to head straight towards the gate, but your bag is not.
Check the tag information twice.
This in no way implies that the person who printed and attached the tags to your checked luggage didn't do a good job. Sometimes it's just wise to verify. Take a moment to quickly glance at the tag and make sure the destination airport code is right before your suitcase is placed on the conveyor to be transported to your next destination. If nothing else, it will give you a little peace of mind.
Become Monica aka well organized
This will not only benefit you while traveling, but it will also benefit the TSA when they inspect your bags. Particular care should be taken to keep any wires or anything that they might be tempted to check into organized and together. There is less need to rummage if everything is organized and visible. Your luggage is headed to the plane quicker because there is less need to dig around because there is less time to dig around.
American Airlines Luggage policies
In accordance with the American Airlines luggage policies of the airline, with your flight booking, you are permitted to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for each traveler at no cost.
You are entitled to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for each traveler at no additional cost with your reservation on an
American Airlines flight, in accordance with the American Airlines Luggage policies.
The following dimensions and weight limitations apply to carry-on luggage as per American Airlines Luggage policies:
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Each bag must measure 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels) or less in order to fit in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front of you.
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The following objects are excluded from the carry-on allowance:
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An umbrella, duty-free goods, wheelchairs, kid safety seats, diaper bags, and jackets are examples of assistance devices.
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The following limits may not be exceeded by checked bags as per American Airlines luggage policies:
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There is a usual allowance of two bags per passenger for US domestic flights, transpacific flights, and transatlantic flights. There is a maximum allowance of ten bags for the Caribbean, Central American, Mexican, and South American flights.
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Each bag can only have a maximum height, breadth, and length of 62 linear inches.
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Each bag must be limited to a maximum weight of
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Economy Class costs 50 pounds.
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Business and First Class cost 70 pounds.
Final words:
Hoping it's never you, but it would be a lie to suggest that misplaced luggage never happens. It's best to be ready, like with anything else. In final terms, we leave you with three (last but not least) suggestions in that regard:
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Keep in mind to always pack a carry-on bag with all of your medications, necessary things, a change of clothing, and basic toiletries, and have apt information about the American Airlines Luggage policies.
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Take a couple of snap pictures of your luggage and the items you have packed for reference.
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Take travel insurance into account (maybe something to consider regardless).
If you need further assistance regarding your baggage security or American Airlines Luggage policies, you can reach out to the airline's dedicated customer support team and get help and tips regarding the same.