In the craziness of making your way around busy airports, all you want to do after your plane lands is to find your checked hardside luggage and get out as quickly as you can. However, the baggage carousel makes this a challenge.
Everyone else's bags are piled up with yours, and more appear as you stand there looking for yours. Much of the luggage that people own looks similar, so there is not much variety in the colors, styles, or shapes of the bags.
Somewhere in the confusion, you need to find your bag, not take someone else's by mistake, hope someone did not take yours by mistake, and hope that your luggage didn't get lost in the process. Factor in that you are probably tired and stressed from traveling as it is. No wonder claiming baggage is such a chore.
So follow one or more of the following tips before the next time you travel with checked hardside luggage. They will help to make your life a lot easier by making your luggage easier to find. And they will make it harder for someone else to take your bag by mistake.
Use Stickers -- If you are willing to change the outward look of your luggage some, then look for some stickers or decals that are very sticky, won't fall off easily, and are large and durable. Affix them to your luggage for a more distinctive bag. Remember, the easier they are to spot, the better when you're trying to find your luggage.
Tie Something Noticeable Around The Handle -- The quickest and easiest thing you can do to make your luggage easier to find is to tie a bright ribbon or cloth strip around the handle. The first time I flew, this was one of the pieces of advice I received. Make it a very unique, bright pattern instead of plain neon for the best results.
Use Accessories -- If you want something less permanent than stickers and more fashionable than cloth strips, then one way to identify your luggage is to use unusual luggage accessories. Many luggage tags and straps come in a variety of fun colors and patterns. There are even some brightly colored luggage locks available. Whatever you use, make sure it is TSA compliant in case your bag is pulled for a random security inspection.
Invest In A Different Design Or Color -- If you are shopping for new luggage, then remember to consider how easy it is to spot in a crowd. Instead of choosing luggage in a very plain navy or black, choose different colors such as hot pink or bright blue. Or choose a fun pattern, such as floral, animal print, or even polka dot. Hardside luggage that looks different from the majority of other bags around makes it much easier automatically to find your bag on the carousel.
Everyone else's bags are piled up with yours, and more appear as you stand there looking for yours. Much of the luggage that people own looks similar, so there is not much variety in the colors, styles, or shapes of the bags.
Somewhere in the confusion, you need to find your bag, not take someone else's by mistake, hope someone did not take yours by mistake, and hope that your luggage didn't get lost in the process. Factor in that you are probably tired and stressed from traveling as it is. No wonder claiming baggage is such a chore.
So follow one or more of the following tips before the next time you travel with checked hardside luggage. They will help to make your life a lot easier by making your luggage easier to find. And they will make it harder for someone else to take your bag by mistake.
Use Stickers -- If you are willing to change the outward look of your luggage some, then look for some stickers or decals that are very sticky, won't fall off easily, and are large and durable. Affix them to your luggage for a more distinctive bag. Remember, the easier they are to spot, the better when you're trying to find your luggage.
Tie Something Noticeable Around The Handle -- The quickest and easiest thing you can do to make your luggage easier to find is to tie a bright ribbon or cloth strip around the handle. The first time I flew, this was one of the pieces of advice I received. Make it a very unique, bright pattern instead of plain neon for the best results.
Use Accessories -- If you want something less permanent than stickers and more fashionable than cloth strips, then one way to identify your luggage is to use unusual luggage accessories. Many luggage tags and straps come in a variety of fun colors and patterns. There are even some brightly colored luggage locks available. Whatever you use, make sure it is TSA compliant in case your bag is pulled for a random security inspection.
Invest In A Different Design Or Color -- If you are shopping for new luggage, then remember to consider how easy it is to spot in a crowd. Instead of choosing luggage in a very plain navy or black, choose different colors such as hot pink or bright blue. Or choose a fun pattern, such as floral, animal print, or even polka dot. Hardside luggage that looks different from the majority of other bags around makes it much easier automatically to find your bag on the carousel.
About the Author:
Looking for some sturdy hardside luggage? You can find a selection of low-priced lightweight suitcases reviewed at Hardside Luggage Reviews.