It is estimated that more than a million bags are lost by commercial airlines each year in the United States alone.  How much luggage that get lost in the whole world is anybody’s guess.  Here are some tips that may help you recover your bags if they are ever lost. 
 

You should attach two or three tags with your name, home address, and phone number to the handle and zipper-pulls of each bag that you are checking.  There is less of a chance that all of  your tags will get torn off in transit.  Make sure that you have removed any old airline tracking tags that are still attached to your luggage as they could confuse the baggage handlers. 
 

Also, be sure to place the same contact information, including a copy of your itinerary and destination address inside all of your bags.  That way, if they do go astray and are found in time, it is possible that they could be forwarded to your hotel.
 

Pick luggage with preferably a bright or odd color that will stand out among all black and brown bags.  Know which brand name of the luggage that you are using and attach a small colorful scarf or ribbon to the handle to make identification easier.  Stick decals or a contrasting colored tape to each side of the bags so they are easier to find as it goes around the carousel.  Remember these details, or better still, take a digital photo of your luggage just before you go and bring it with you.  This will help the lost luggage staff at the airport locate your bags if they get lost in transit and turn up at their office.  It will also help if you do have to make a claim.   
 

It helps to make a list of what you have in your luggage and carry that list in you carry-on bag.  The chance of your luggage getting lost in transit increases dramatically when you have connecting, or delayed flights.  Always pack all of your valuables, including your laptop or Blackberry, travel documents, prescriptions, etc., in your carry-on bag.  It makes sense to pack only the things you can afford to lose in your checked baggage.  Most analysts believe that the airline industry’s problem of lost luggage is not going to be resolved anytime soon. 
 

What should you do if the airlines lose your luggage?
 

Go immediately to the baggage claim office and file a claim.  Many airlines have a twenty-four hour window of time starting from when your flight arrives to file and be eligible for compensation.  You will receive a claim receipt to check the tracking of your luggage with the airline by phone, or on the airline’s website.  Make sure you keep all your flight documents until the lost luggage problem is resolved. 
 

How can you guarantee that the airlines will not lose your luggage?
 

There are a number of companies like FedEx, DHL, or UPS, that will send your luggage in the United States, directly to your hotel or destination address for a very reasonable cost.  If you are staying in a hotel or resort, your luggage will be taken to your room by a bellboy.  When you consider that in the U.S. alone, over a million bags are lost by the airlines each year, this service may be well worth considering.  If you are planning to travel by air to and from the countries inside Europe, First Luggage, at First Luggage.com, is one of the companies that can provide this service.
 

Dorothy Yamich has a passion for travel. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as traveled in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.  She is a travel consultant and specializes in luxury cruises as well as vacation packages.  if you are looking for information on cheap airfares, fabulous discounted luxury cruises and great holiday deals, visit:  http://www.traveltipsguide.com