This past summer served as a timely reminder of the various difficulties involved in checking bags as well as the potential benefits of travelling with carry-on luggage.
But there are occasions when packing lightly is simply impossible.
Long excursions, journeys to numerous locations with diverse temperatures, as well as attendance at weddings and other formal occasions, can result in overcrowded baggage.
You'll frequently have to check a larger luggage in these circumstances.
While we hope that the situation with regard to luggage continues to improve from what we seen last summer, especially with regard to international travel, the key is to take all reasonable steps to guarantee that your bag reaches its destination with you.
That also means that you need to keep planning what you'll do if something goes wrong.
Here's something you ought to do without fail.
Take a picture of your luggage tag as a helpful hint.
Think about what transpires when you check a bag:
If you don't have elite status or baggage privileges through a cobranded credit card, you must pay the fee after presenting your ID, the staff weighs your bag, and you are then asked to pay the fee.
The agent will then give you your portion of the luggage tag slip before you go.
It's for your records and will aid agents in locating your bag if something goes wrong.
What do you do with that tiny slip of paper?
It's not exactly a secure way to keep it safe, but in the past I've found myself putting it in my pocket.
This is why there is an easy fix.
He advises that you should always photograph the slip as soon as you receive it.
The baggage claim employees will ask you for the bag tag number if something goes wrong, so make sure to write down all of your personal information as well as it.
Imagine standing in line to speak with personnel while upset that your bag is gone, only to discover that you've lost the slip and are unsure of your bag tag number.
You will have a duplicate of it because you took a picture of it.
The app is also helpful.
Additionally, you may trace your suitcase through the system using the airline app.
The app should display the location of the previous scan for your bag, but noticeably it won't show you the current location of your bag.
Another technique to make sure you have the number on hand is with some airlines, the bag tag number will show up in the tracking information on the app.
If your bag is gate-checked to your final destination, you might even receive a push notice from Delta Air Lines with an update on its status.
The number from the bag tag was updated.
However, there have been instances where I've had to key in the bag tag number to access the bag tracking.
Ask the agent if they can search up your bag number using your trip confirmation number or frequent flyer number if you simply can't seem to find it.
Having your luggage tag number close at hand is the simplest when dealing with the worry of a missing bag.
In conclusion
After checking a suitcase, there are a few situations in which you could require quick access to your luggage information.
That bag identification slip you receive at the desk may come in handy if something goes wrong so you can find your luggage more quickly.
As soon as the agent delivers you a small piece of paper, take a picture of it for added peace of mind and an easy reference in case something goes wrong. Small bits of paper are notorious for going missing.
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