I’m sure most of you know someone whose luggage was lost while travelling on an airplane… Hopefully, that person you know, is not you. The problem of lost luggage has lately increased drastically in Europe. Some of the biggest airline companies last year had around 26 lost bags per thousand passengers. And, in general, in some months the number went up to 10 bags per flight! That’s huge! Now, I’m not here to scare you but to think of a solution.

What happens when you loose your luggage is that you usually start by calling the airline company which takes your data and that is the most you can do about it, the rest is up to them and their best efforts. This whole process can last long; it can take weeks, even a month to get to know that you luggage is never to be found, in the worst case scenario. You can get a compensation, but it depends on the kind of route you’re flying (domestic, international, etc.). And it’s nothing to get excited about, it won’t cover the value of your belongings.

So what is my advice?

It’s called global bag tags. There is a company that produces metal tags and stickers for luggage that have a unique serial number which can be traced through their website. The number can be traced only by you or airline officials who found your luggage. if anybody else finds it, they can report it through company’s website without getting your information. When you think about it, it’s not the best idea to leave your name, address and phone number anyway. When you get your global bag tags, you can update and enter descriptions of your luggage and even details of your itinerary in your members area. In case you are still travelling while your baggage is found, it will be delivered to you where ever you are. The moment your lost bag is located, you will receive a SMS text message, email or a call.

A pack of globalbagtags (2) costs £9.95 (approx. 8 euros). You can use them as many times as you want and just change the itinerary information and luggage description in your members area. When you buy these tags, one year membership is included, upgrade costs £3.95 (approx. 3.20 euros). Tags have a 100% guarantee and are usable all around the world, not only in Europe.

That way, if your luggage gets “lost” it will definitely be indentified and returned to you. Frequent or occasional  traveler, doesn’t matter, it’s your essential accessorize.

Stella – European Travelling Advisor