Avoid These Top 11 Luggage Mistakes

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice, traveling with checked baggage can be a tricky business. There are several common mistakes that people make with their checked baggage that can lead to inconvenience, extra fees, or even lost luggage.

In this post, we will discuss these common checked baggage mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Overpacking Your Luggage

The Problem

One of the most common mistakes that travelers make when it comes to checked baggage is overpacking. This is when you pack more items than what is allowed by your airline or what can fit comfortably in your suitcase. Overpacking can cause your bag to be overweight or oversized, which can result in extra fees or even the airline not accepting your bag. Worst case scenario: you arrive at the airport and have to discard some of your items!

Another problem that can occur if you more than what your suitcase can hold, is that it breaks open during transit. I’m sure you’ve seen luggage at baggage claim that has burst open because it’s been overpacked. A luggage strap can help to keep your luggage intact, but this isn’t a great long-term solution.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, make sure to check your airline’s baggage policy before packing. Most airlines have weight and size restrictions for checked baggage, and exceeding these limits can result in extra fees. Also, consider packing only what you need and leaving unnecessary items at home.

Hot Tip: Try to pack versatile clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways. Instead of bringing your favorite pair of dress shoes, pack a pair of shoes that can be worn with a casual outfit as well as with more formal attire.

Hot Tip: Leave behind items you can easily buy or have available at your destination. Are you staying at a hotel during your trip? Confirm with the hotel what toiletries they provide. You can leave those heavy toiletry bottles at home.

Mistake #2: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Pack

The Problem

Waiting until the last minute to pack your luggage is a common mistake that can lead to forgotten items or a rushed packing job. This can result in overpacking or leaving important items behind.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, start packing several days before your trip. Make a packing list, gather everything you need, and organize your belongings in your luggage. This will give you time to make any last-minute purchases or adjustments before your trip.

I must confess that I usually begin packing at least a month before a trip. This is probably overkill for most, but I love the preparation phase of a trip. I find myself refining the contents of my bag as it gets closer to departure day, and catching items that I would have normally forgotten to pack.

Mistake #3: Not Weighing Your Luggage Before You Go to The Airport

The Problem

One of the biggest mistakes that travelers make when it comes to checked baggage is not weighing their luggage before they go to the airport. This can lead to excess baggage fees, which can be expensive and frustrating.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, invest in a luggage scale and weigh your bags before you leave for the airport. If you don’t have access to a luggage scale, you can use your bathroom scales instead. Make sure you’re aware of your airline’s baggage allowance and weight limits, so you can pack accordingly.

Mistake #4: Not Securing Your Luggage Properly

The Problem

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not securing items that can move around and become damaged or damage other items in the bag. This can result in broken items, as well as a mess inside your luggage. This can be a frustrating and costly mistake.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, invest in high-quality luggage with durable zippers and locks. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize your belongings and prevent them from shifting during transit. If your suitcase has built-in compression straps, don’t forget to use them to help secure your items.

Make sure to wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap or other protective material. Alternatively, pack these items in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by softer items like clothing.

Mistake #5:  Forgetting to Label Your Luggage

The Problem

Forgetting to label your luggage is another common mistake people make when traveling. If your luggage is delayed or misrouted, it can be difficult for the airline to find it and return it to you without proper labeling.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, label your luggage with your name and contact information. Use a luggage tag or a permanent marker to write this information on the outside of your luggage. It’s also a good idea to put an identification tag or label inside your luggage in case the outer label becomes damaged or falls off.

Hot Tip: To avoid confusion with airport staff, remove any old airline luggage tags or stickers from previous flights.

Mistake #6: Packing Prohibited Items in Your Luggage

The Problem

One of the most serious mistakes people make when packing their checked baggage is packing prohibited items. Prohibited items include weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and other dangerous objects. Bringing these items with you can result in fines, legal consequences, or even jail time.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, familiarize yourself with the airline’s list of prohibited items before packing your luggage. This information is available on the airline’s website. It’s also a good idea to visit the TSA’s website for their list of prohibited items.

If you’re unsure about an item, it’s best to leave it at home.

Mistake #7: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Check-In

The Problem

Waiting until the last minute to check-in your baggage can be a costly mistake. If you arrive at the airport late, the check-in line may be long, and you may not have enough time to check your bags before your flight departs. This can result in missed flights and extra fees for rebooking.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, make sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departure time. This will give you enough time to check your baggage and go through security without rushing. If you are traveling internationally, we recommend arriving at the airport three hours before your flight.

Mistake #8: Not Knowing Your Airline’s Baggage Policy

The Problem

Each airline has its own baggage policy, including weight limits, size restrictions, and fees for excess baggage. For example, if you’re flying on a low-cost carrier for the first time, you may be surprised that many have a smaller weight allowance (40 pounds) than most other airlines (50 pounds).

The Solution

It is important to review your airline’s baggage policy before packing your bags to avoid any surprises at check-in. This information can be found on the airline’s website. Also, many airlines have seasonal or year-round baggage embargoes that can limit your baggage allowance even further.

Some airlines also offer discounts for prepaying for checked baggage or for using a specific credit card.

Mistake #9: Not Checking Your Baggage Receipt

The Problem

After you check-in your baggage, you will receive a baggage claim tag that identifies your bag. This tag is essential for retrieving your baggage at your destination airport. However, many travelers make the mistake of not checking the tag and accidentally picking up someone else’s bag or losing their own bag.

The Solution

To avoid this mistake, make sure to check your baggage claim tag carefully and compare it with the tag on your bag.

Hot Tip: Consider taking a picture of your luggage with your phone, after it has been tagged at check-in. You can produce the photo to airline staff if there is an issue with your bags. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of your baggage receipts. It’s a handy backup if you misplace your baggage stubs.

Mistake #10: Not Packing Essentials in Your Carry On

The Problem

It can be tempting to pack everything in your checked baggage. After all, this is one of the main reasons why you’re checking a bag in the first place. However, there are some items that you should never pack in your checked bag. If your checked baggage is lost or delayed, not having these items with you can be a devastating start to a trip.

The Solution

Pack essential and fragile items in your carry-on bag. This can include medications, important documents, electronics, and valuables.

Hot Tip: Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. If your checked bag is delayed, at least you have an extra day’s worth of clothing while waiting for your luggage to be found.

Mistake #11: Not Buying Travel Insurance

The Problem

Finally, not buying travel insurance can be a costly mistake. Although airlines have a certain degree of responsibility for delayed, damaged, or lost luggage, it is limited.

The Solution

Travel insurance can protect you in case of lost or damaged luggage, flight cancellations, and other unexpected events. Be sure to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and consider buying extra coverage if necessary.

Hot Tip: Check the benefits that your credit cards provide. Some provide free travel insurance, including luggage.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these common checked baggage mistakes, you can make your next trip a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Many of the tips discussed cost nothing except a little bit of time.

The most effective way to avoid many of these luggage mistakes is to be informed. In most cases, which begins and ends with your airline’s baggage policy. It’s always a good idea to scan your airline’s website soon before your flight, even if you have flown with them before. Airline policies do change from time to time.

Sources

• Transport Security Administration