Preparing for a trip can be a long and stressful process. There are so many things you have to remember to bring with you and handfuls of to-do lists to make. But even if you’ve thought of everything down to the last item, there are always a couple of elements that are out of your control.
On a flight, your checked luggage is in the hands of the airline. So here’s one thing you can do to increase your chances of things running smoothly.
Take Photos Of Your Luggage Before You Check It
Airlines experience a lot of problems—there’s no denying it. But with delayed flights, cancellations, and lost luggage, it’s often hard for them to make sure you get your bags back if they don’t arrive at your destination, or arrive damaged.
“Airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost,” according to the American Department of Transportation. “Airlines may require receipts or other proof for valuable items that were in the lost bags,” their website continues.
Having concrete proof of your luggage might be the best way to help you get compensation if your airline happens to lose track of your stuff, or if something arrives missing. If your luggage appears to be (sadly) lost for good, check with your specific airline for their rules.
And the next time you fly, why not have a little photo shoot with your luggage? It might come in handy, just in case.