Nothing is more depressing after a long day of travel than discovering that checked luggage has been misplaced.

Nothing can completely stop luggage from going missing, but the following seven steps will make it less likely that luggage will go missing and make it much more likely that lost luggage will be found quickly.

Arrive Early

Baggage handlers may not have the same sense of urgency as the bag owner when it comes to getting late baggage on a flight. It is advised that check-in procedures be completed and luggage is ready at least 45 minutes before the flight's departure time.

Luggage Should Be Accompanied by A Schedule

Airlines officials will sometimes examine luggage to attempt to identify the owner. Within the luggage, there should be a clearly visible itinerary detailing the ultimate destination.

Send Luggage Instead of Checking It

Shipping bags UPS, FedEx, or the US Postal Service may not be as harsh as they look. Loss rates are substantially lower with these services, and given the prices, airlines charge for checked luggage (particularly those that are overweight or excessive), shipping may even save money.

It is critical to plan ahead. Send at least five days ahead of time and make arrangements for storage at the bag's ultimate destination.

Learn more about Baggage Shipping

Let Your Baggage Stand Out From The Crowd

Baggage that sticks out is more likely to arrive at its destination and is less likely to be pulled off the carousel by someone who has a similar-looking suitcase. Tassels, decals, unusual straps, and even colored duct tape may be used to personalize a bag.

Avoid Short Layovers

In an ideal world, when passengers change aircraft, their baggage does as well. With less time between planes, luggage handlers have less opportunity to sort and reroute bags.

A delayed first leg makes the transfer much less probable. Less than one-hour layovers should be avoided. Shifting airlines during a layover enhances the issue, so stay with one.