Your luggage sits on the front lines in the war against terrorism--poked, prodded, and suspiciously analyzed now more than ever before. Stringent carry-on restrictions are inconvenient, and capricious enforcement of the rules can be infuriating. But believe it or not, there is an up side. Baggage regulations adopted post-September 11, 2001, may have been drafted to help make the U.S. skies safer for flying, but these measures have had unintended positive effects. Overhead bins are emptier thanks to fewer carry-on bags, and evidence indicates that the new rules will go a long way toward decreasing the number of lost or misrouted bags.Baggage Tips for Smart Travelers
Follow these steps to minimize baggage hassles and avoid misrouted luggage:
Take nonstop flights. Your bag will be matched with your boarding pass on a nonstop flight, but won't be matched on a connecting flight--giving it an opportunity to get lost.
Double-check your luggage tags to make certain the flight number and airport code are correct. Make sure the stub you're given is accurate.
In case your bags are lost, you'll increase your chances of recovering them quickly if you mark them clearly with your name and a phone number before you check them. But don't use your home address and phone number--thieves have been known to cruise airports, checking tags to see who's not home. An office address or wireless phone number is perfect.
Get in the habit of removing old tags as soon you return from a trip, so your next destination is perfectly clear to frenzied luggage handlers.
Confusion is all too likely in a crowded baggage-claim area. Avoid losing your goods in the shuffle by buying brightly colored tags, especially if your luggage is black--or better yet, opt for brightly colored bags--
Don't bring your favorite things. That $60 gold nail clipper may be confiscated by security, and heirlooms in your checked luggage may get stolen or lost.
Pack essential items--a single change of clothes, prescription medications, anything that's not verboten--in a regulation-size carry-on bag, in case your checked luggage disappears.
Some tips for choosing a good checked bag:
You'll reduce the risk of damage to your luggage if you look for bags with cushioned handles, reinforced with metal and double rivets. Avoid bags with handles attached by single rivets.
Avoid bags with loose stitching. The tighter the stitches, the more durable the bag.
Look for luggage with recessed wheels, as these are least likely to snag or break.
Check the bindings. If space between the seam and binding is narrow, it's less likely to hold when stretched.
Zippers that are large and far from the edge are less likely to break.
While leather bags are beautiful, they're also weighty--not to mention expensive looking, and more likely to be stolen. A good, sturdy nylon is much stronger and lighter. Look for nylons with 430 denier or more, such as bomb cloth, Cordura, and ballistic nylon. Cheaper nylons or polyester are more likely to tear.
If you want a shoulder bag, be sure to find one with a wide, padded strap for comfortable carrying.
If you're looking for a carry-on with wheels, look for a long handle. Drag the bag around the store before you buy it, to make sure you can manage it comfortably. Place some things inside and turn a few corners to test maneuverability and balance.
A piggyback strap on a wheeled bag will let you yoke your attaché or large purse to your suitcase and wheel it along.
Pockets, both inside and outside, almost always come in handy. Consumer Reports especially recommends a wet pouch for soggy bathing suits.