So you just got off your flight at the start of your trip and head to claim your luggage from the baggage carousel. You find your bag, grab it and discover that it’s damaged or something is missing from your bag. This doesn’t happen a lot, but when it does it can be a real hassle!

Another mishap that can occur when you’re on holiday is having your luggage misplaced or worse, completely stolen. Luckily enough, baggage theft doesn’t happen all the time and luggages that go “missing” are usually returned to their rightful owners.


Nevertheless as a wise traveller, you should protect your own belongings and try to keep your luggage safe. There are some great ways to prevent you bag from being mistaken for another person’s or brought to the wrong terminal. Take some of these easy tips below as a guide to ensure a safer and hassle-free travelling experience.

The Ideal Luggage
Make sure your bag is durable which preferably has a built-in lock. Using a separate combination lock for your luggage works too, but don't use a simple padlock. There is still a likelihood of thieves using tools to break it open. Your luggage will be less of a target as well so it’ll be good if your luggage looks roughed up (a little bit of dirt wouldn’t hurt).


No to Brands!
A luggage with designer labels is a ‘No-No’. To a thief, an expensive-looking luggage means there will be expensive contents inside it. So instead of using that Louis Vuitton luggage for your travels, opt for a simple, sturdy bag that wouldn’t scream out for attention.

Give it a Distinct Mark
If you have travelled with a black luggage, then you would’ve experienced this. Most black luggages tend to look alike so set your bag apart from the rest with a distinctive mark. Put a luggage tag on your bag, or tie a colourful ribbon/sash around the handle to help you spot your bag out from the luggage carousel.


Snap your Bag!
Take a photo of your luggage and keep a digital copy of it in your hand phone or camera just in case your baggage is misplaced and you need to show the personnel at the baggage centre.

Your Identification
Fill up your luggage tag with mandatory details such as your full name, contact number and email address. Use a permanent marker and write the details clearly for anyone to read. Include a piece of paper with identification details of yourself inside your luggage, just in case your luggage tag gets lost.

Where will you be?
Remember to make it easy for someone to trace or contact you in the event your baggage has been mishandled. For instance, print the address of your first hotel you’ll be staying in a paper and slip it into your luggage tag. Or print out an extra copy of your travel itinerary and place it in the outside pocket of your luggage.

Be on Time
Don’t dilly-dally. Arrive early at the airport to check-in your baggage. This will help ensure that your baggage will make it on your flight. When you’ve arrived at your destination, head to the beltway as soon as you touch down to watch the bags come in. The longer you let your bag rotate on the carousel, the better chance some random stranger will pick up your bag and unintentionally walks away with it.

Carry your Valuables
Remember not to put your money in your luggage. Always carry your money and wallet with you. Don’t pack and check in any expensive items with your luggage. Items such as your cameras, iPod, watches and laptops should be hand-carried with you.

If not, Give Them a Disguise
If you need to check in an expensive item, for instance your jewelry or other valuables, you can hide them in your luggage where people will not think of searching.  Place small jewelry in pill boxes or roll your valuables together with a pair of socks. This neat trick will also help to prevent damage to your valuables.

So before you head on to your next trip, be sure to take a few minutes to prepare yourself with a much more protected luggage.
What about you? How do you secure the safety of your luggage when travelling? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Planning a trip? Here are more travel posts to check out by Koolred:

• Traveller Tips on the Go! (Quick tips to live by when travelling)
• What to do when it rains on your vacation (Dark clouds in the sky? These tips will clear the clouds away!)
• Stay Fresh and Comfy on Flights (Long or short, flights can be uncomfortable so here are tips to make the journey more bearable)