Lost luggage fact file
• 29.44million bags were mishandled globally during 2010 – an average of more than 80,000 items were day, according to the Air Transport Industry Baggage Report
• 1.2 bags were mishandled for every 100 travellers
• Bags were most likely to be mishandled at European airports, a factor partially attributed to the disruption and flight cancellations caused by the Iceland volcano
• 51% of the mishandled luggage was linked to transfers
• 14% failed to load
• The number of bags that were never recovered increased slightly during 2010
• While most luggage is reunited with its rightful owner, unclaimed luggage is sometimes auctioned or sold
• In the US, Alabama’s Unclaimed Baggage Centre specialises in selling unclaimed luggage and is now considered one of the state’s largest tourist attractions

Source: 2011 Air Transport Industry (ATI) Baggage Report

Each year hundreds of handbags, suite cases, and travelling bags are reported as being lost. The no. 1 reason why 99% of luggage is lost is mishandled baggage i.e. people at airport security in addition to airport luggage handlers probably didn’t take the right steps to ensure that your luggage reached your hands safe and sound.

However in many cases luggage is mishandled because people haven’t taken the right steps to ensure that their luggage is easy to find and recognize. Old tags, stickers etc are often left sticking to their bags which can make it hard to airport security and luggage handlers to recognize. In some cases low security bags which are easy to break into attract the attention of crooks who then intentionally mishandle your baggage (even though this is quite rare).

Take the right security measures

However there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your luggage isn’t lost, this includes using TSA locks, a TSA suitcase, etc. you should also make sure that your luggage is properly labeled with your name and contact information.

In order to prevent your luggage from being stolen use a TSA combination lock. These locks are especially designed to ensure that they are hard to break into. A well designed and hard to break lock will also act as a deterrent for people who are involved in stealing luggage from airports and train stations.

Know the contents of each bag

While it can be hard to know everything you are taking along you should know what each bag has. In addition you should refrain from carrying cash, credit cards etc in bags which you are not personally taking on board i.e. they will travel in the cargo section of the plane or train. This will shield you from a big loss in the event you do lose your baggage.

While it is not rare for a TSA officer to ask you to open your bag for a thorough search in the majority of cases it may be because they spotted something on the scanner they want to double check. Once your bag is open the TSA officer or officers may proceed with removing each item from your bag individually ensuring that you aren’t carrying anything you shouldn’t. They may also inspect your bag for a false bottom often used by smugglers.

Use a luggage identification tag. A tag both inside and outside of the bag to make sure that your bag is always connected to you, You may be asked what you are carrying in your bag prior to them opening it, which if you show that you have no clue of will prompt the officer to take your bag apart. This is why it is always a good idea to pack your own bags so that you know what it contains.

Try to keeping things such as box cutters, knives, and other sharp objects out of your bag. In addition TSA security personal my also confiscate things such as alcohol, large perfume bottles, and some petroleum based products which are inflammable. However if you are carrying something that looks or appears to be flammable such as nail polish remover make sure that it is contained inside of a clear bottle which is inside a zip lock bag. Let TSA security know that you are carrying nail polish remover that way you wouldn’t be asked why you are carrying it in your bag when it’s searched, probably because it prompted their scanner with an alert.  

The TSA can also open your bag at any time while it is in the Airport even after you have checked it in, they will open the bag, inspect it and then leave a note to tell you they have done so, so you do not need a lock with an indicator for this.  Travel safe and always use TSA Locks in the USA and the UK.

What Is the Travel Security Administration?

The TSA also formally known as the Travel Security Administration was created post September 11 as a way to prevent such incidents in the future. The first administrator of the TSA was John Magaw. The organization is responsible for developing policies which help the United States from future attacks and in particular aircraft hijacking.

The TSA along with its network of railroad, mass transit systems, ports, highways and pipelines work to make travelling safer for everyone. However the majority of TSA resources are focused on airport security. They are responsible for checking bags, and screening passengers as well as inspecting carry-on baggage at almost all U.S airports. They also work alongside local law enforcement agencies in order to prevent theft of baggage something which was very common prior to the formation of the TSA. Just four years ago a string operation in Las Vegas by the TSA caught two employees at an airport who were stealing weapons.

The TSA is also responsible for the security of passenger’s personal baggage. The TSA strongly advises that people use TSA accepted locks in order to protect their personal items. In addition people travelling with high value equipment or items should use TSA combination locks as well as luggage covers to ensure total luggage security.

 

Traveling to the US TSA security

The TSA regularly updates their requirements relating to travel to and from the United States, the idea is to keep travelers as safe as humanly possible. However the new TSA rules can sometimes be a big nuisance but it should be followed especially by those who are planning to travel to the US.

General Tips

The TSA has very specific rules governing the carrying of liquids and especially inflammable liquids such as nail polish removers, perfumes etc. You will often be only allowed 3.4 oz clear bottles which should be enclosed inside of a zip lock bag. This makes it easy for security personal to collect and check the items faster.

They also ask travelers to update their last travel information on their passports as part of airport security policy. In order to protect the integrity of your personal belongings travelers are advised to use a TSA approved locks.

Refrain from carrying potentially dangerous items

Things such as baby formula, medications, and food have now been allowed but they can only be carried in limited quantities. For specific TSA requirements you will need to check with your airline but the baby formula needs to be declared at a security checkpoint.

Potentially dangerous items such as razor blades, box cutters, knives and scissors with blades larger than 4 inches are not permitted in your carry-on bag. In addition certain sporting items such as golf clubs, baseball bats, and even hammers are not permitted. Bags which have already been checked may also be scanned for sharp objects which may be confiscated by security personal.

If you are in doubt about a certain item or items you are taking along be sure to put them in your carry-on bag, once you are sure it is permitted you can then put them in your checked bags.