URGENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Airlines mishandled 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers in 2023. That's over 26 million bags delayed, lost, or damaged. Here are 7 proven strategies to protect your luggage—including the $20 device that saved thousands of bags during the 2022 meltdown.
This is the single most important thing you can do. During the 2022 Southwest meltdown, travelers with AirTags were able to show baggage claim staff the exact location of their bags in real-time. Without tracking, you're at the mercy of the airline's opaque internal system.
Real example from 2022:
"My AirTag showed my bag was at baggage carousel 7. The airline said it was 'still in transit.' I walked to carousel 7 and found it sitting there for 6 hours." — Reddit user, r/travel
How it works: The AirTag uses Bluetooth to ping nearby iPhones (there are over 1 billion in the world). Even if your bag is in a remote warehouse, as long as one person with an iPhone walks within 30 feet, you'll get an updated location.
Bags take 30-60 minutes to transfer between flights. If your connection is under 90 minutes, there's a high chance your bag won't make it.
Old barcodes from previous flights confuse automated sorting systems. Bags have been sent to the wrong city because an old tag wasn't removed.
If your bag is lost, you'll need to describe it to baggage services. A photo is worth 1,000 words and speeds up the recovery process.
External tags can rip off. Always have a paper inside with your name, phone, and email.
Bags checked 45-60 minutes before departure have the highest success rate. Last-minute check-ins increase the risk of your bag being "short-checked" (left behind).
85% of luggage is black. Mistaken bag grabs are common. Use a bright color, or add a distinctive strap/tag to make your bag instantly recognizable.
Best tracking device. Uses Apple's Find My network with 1 billion devices worldwide.
Best for Android users. Replaceable battery and loud ring.
Go to the airline's baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number. This is your proof of claim.
If your AirTag shows the bag is at the airport, show the staff. Many times, bags are sitting in a different baggage claim area or a back room.
For domestic US flights, airlines must compensate you up to $3,800 for lost bags. For international flights (covered by Montreal Convention), it's approximately $1,700.
Call the airline's baggage tracing number daily. Reference your PIR number. Be polite but persistent.
Yes. The FAA and TSA allow AirTags because they use Bluetooth (not cellular) and have a small lithium battery. Lufthansa briefly banned them in 2022 but reversed the policy after backlash.
According to 2023 data: American Airlines (mishandled 7.8 per 1,000), United (7.5 per 1,000), and Southwest (7.2 per 1,000) had the highest rates. Delta had the lowest at 5.8 per 1,000.
Only if you're carrying high-value items (camera equipment, jewelry). Most credit cards offer baggage delay insurance (usually $500-1,500) if you book the flight with the card. Check your card benefits before buying separate insurance.
Airlines declare bags officially lost after 21 days (domestic) or 30 days (international). After that, they must compensate you for the full value of the bag and contents.
For $20 per bag, an AirTag gives you peace of mind and independent tracking. During the 2022 meltdown, it was the difference between finding your bag in 2 hours vs. waiting 2 weeks.
Get Apple AirTag 4-Pack ($79) →