NEW ZEALAND – Another day, another lost luggage story. Or at least that’s what it feels like as travellers take to social media en masse to bemoan their missing bags as the travel chaos at airports internationally continues.
While most “lost” luggage is returned to its owner eventually, being separated from essential and irreplaceable items can make the waiting period far harder than it needs to be.
Include the items below in your carry-on bag and you’ll likely suffer far less heartache and stress than you would if they were lost in airport limbo.
Even if an airline is unusually generous with compensation, it won’t be enough to cover some items. Travellers caught up in the widespread disruption at airports internationally have had a hard time not knowing if or when they’ll be reunited with things that had belonged to lost loved ones or souvenirs from events. Irreplaceable heirlooms and mementos are best kept on you at all times throughout your journey.
If your bag is permanently lost or damaged, your airline will have to compensate you, but it may not be enough if you had expensive stuff in it. Compensation is capped at about $2700 per passenger for international services. Some insurers will not cover you for electronics and other valuables stored in checked baggage, so play it safe and carry them with you or leave them at home.
Getting sick or stressed because you don’t have the drugs or supplements to feel your best is not what you need when you’re on holiday or just back from a trip. Or ever really. Pack enough in your carry-on to last for a month to be on the safe side as some have waited weeks to be reunited with their bags. If you wear contact lenses, bring along a few disposable pairs and the case you store them in overnight.
If your bag is delayed for more than a day when you’re on holiday, you’re going to feel a bit icky if you don’t have a change of clothes. While airlines may compensate you for items you need to buy to tide you over while they look for your bag, including clothing, it’s hard to know just how much they’ll agree to.
