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6 tricks to never lose your bag and what to do if it happens
Yeah, vacation! The flight was good - after the landing then the shock: The luggage is gone! So that never happens to you, we have 6 tricks for you, as you will never lose your suitcase.
Unbelievable but true: Every day around 10, 000 suitcases disappear at European airports! The chance of losing his suitcase is greatest for connecting flights at around 49 per cent - according to a report by the Belgian air transport company SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunication Aéronautique). So that does not happen to you, we have a few tips.
1. Like a colorful bird: Use an eye-catching suitcase
One reason why your suitcase could be lost is that it is simply confused. Hundreds of black, gray and dark blue suitcases arrive at the baggage conveyor. A fellow traveler quickly grabbed the wrong suitcase.
It's best to buy an eye-catching suitcase, colorful as a bird that is not confused so quickly.
But you already have a black / gray / dark blue suitcase and you do not want to buy a new one? Tie a small loop in a striking color to your suitcase, for example the handle.
2. Mine! Write your name on it
Put a tag on your suitcase with your name and key contact details below where you can be reached. If your suitcase gets lost, the airline can help bring it back to you. For safety's sake, you can also attach this label inside the case - if it breaks off outside.
3. Selfie with suitcase
If the suitcase is gone, a photo of the suitcase can help airport staff find it again. That's why a quick snapshot before checking in.
4. Cheap is the case sometimes better
Armani or Louis Vuitton cases may be nice - but of course we do not want to provoke thieves. Better take a cheap no-name suitcase so your suitcase is not stolen for its own sake.
In addition, you suggest with an expensive case only that the content could be valuable. Anyone who can afford such an expensive suitcase, has certainly expensive things.
So sometimes it's just cheap but better.
In addition, you should try to take valuable items such as laptops, jewelry and camera in your hand luggage. Your checked baggage will be screened and thieves can unfortunately also give it to airport staff ...
5. Place your suitcase
Many new cases are now equipped with GPS, but you can also retrofit your own. With the GPS data, you can quickly find out where your suitcase is.
6. Avoid Confusions: Take off old luggage straps
Remove all old luggage straps from your suitcase before each trip. Not that when loading the case, a colleague accidentally looks at the wrong trailer and your luggage is flying in the wrong direction.
What to do if the suitcase is lost?
All tips and tricks did not help? Keep Calm! What you should know if the suitcase is lost:
1. Report loss immediately
If the suitcase does not appear on the luggage belt, you should report it directly to the luggage counter. Who forgets this step in the rush, can still call the airline and inform them about the loss. The written loss notice will follow thereafter.
2. Apply for advance from the airline
If the baggage arrives late, the airline must pay for the necessary purchases such as toothbrush and underwear locally. You can apply for an advance from the airline. It is important that you keep the receipts of all expenses.
If your luggage comes back, most airlines will deliver it for free. If the suitcase is actually lost, there is money (up to 1100 Euro per person).
3. Package travelers can demand money back
All-inclusive vacationers can reclaim part of the travel price without their suitcases after several days. A price reduction of 25 percent per day is usual. Because lost luggage is considered a significant reduction in recreational value.
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