A. Why Check Luggage?
When flying to Tel Aviv, or anywhere in the world, the best way to avoid lost luggage is to never, ever lose sight of it. But there are some good reasons to check your baggage rather than carry it onboard the plane.
Don't need to rush to get on the plane and sit any longer than necessary, just in order to ensure that there is bin space above your seat.
Go hands free through the airport without having to wheel a suitcase around and making sure it’s by your side at all times (including restroom).
Your luggage is too big to fit in the bin (taking a long vacation, carrying gear for specialty trips or heading to events with dressy clothes)
No need for the extra exercise of hoisting the bag into the bin and later retrieving it without injuring yourself and fellow passengers.
Depending on the credit card you use, not only will your baggage fly for free, but in the unlikely event that your luggage is delayed or lost, you will be reimbursed.
B. Pack at Home
The chance that your luggage will be lost is 7/1000, so there are some simple steps to take to prevent being counted as one of the seven.
Remove all existing labels and tags from your previous trips.
Put your name and contact information on a prominent baggage tag on the outside.
Print your boarding pass and put it inside your suitcase for extra validation.
Tie a mardi gras bead, or a colorful band, around the handle to distinguish your luggage as it rolls down the carousel.
Photograph both the outside and the inside contents of the checked suitcase.
C. At the Airport
If you want your baggage to arrive when you do, check it in more than 30 minutes and less than 3 hours before your departure. If the airline advises you to be at the airport 6 hours before your flight takes off, don’t check it in yet because the luggage will go into a holding area instead of sorted into the area for your flight.
After the tags for your bags are printed, check that they have the correct airport code of the final destination, your correct name and frequent flier number, and that the barcode is clear. If you qualify for elite and priority tags, make sure they're added to your bags as well.
Hold on to those baggage receipts the agent hands you. If something goes awry, you'll need them as proof. It will also help you get compensation from the airline for any issues.
D. Your Smartphone Can Help
Once checked in, the easiest way to to keep track of your baggage is to download your carrier's app. The major carriers offer digital luggage receipts and bag tracking. .
If you really want to be super vigilant about the location of your bags, you can keep an eye on the progress of your luggage via Bluetooth or GSM tracking technology on your phone. Some of the most popular devices are Apple AirTags LugLoc Trakdot Tile Pro DynoTag.
E. In Conclusion
There are many advantages in checking in your luggage, especially if you have layovers. In any case, never check anything that is vital. Leave your most valuable items at home and keep your important documents, phone, home and car keys, glasses, cash, medicine with you. Perhaps carry a backpack with a change of clothes and dental floss just in case your bag is the one in 143.
Bon Voyage!
Comments