Are you worried your luggage will not arrive at your destination? Here are some luggage travel tips:

1. Always check the airlines for your bag dimensions and weight allowance.

2. If you are checking two bags, pack some diving equipment and some clothes in each bag. If only one shows up, at least you have some dive equipment and clothes. 

3. Carry-on Bag: Make sure you check the airline's requirements for dimensions and weight. Pack a change of clothes, some toiletries, , prescription dive mask, prescription drugs, batteries, electronics, chargers, or anything else you must have on arrival. Ask yourself, if my checked bags did not arrive, what do I need to have with me? If you pack light and only have a carry-on, then you will never lose your luggage.

4. A lot of luggage looks the same. Most popular colors are black, navy, and dark grey. Put a unique identifying mark on your suitcase so someone does not take it and mistake it for theirs. So many suitcases look alike. Adding a sticker, colorful strap, or making your suitcase look unique will help keep others from taking and easier for you to find.

5. Place two name tags on the bag and one contact information inside the bag. If your outside tags get torn off, the agents can use your contact information inside the bag. Contact information Inside the bag, make sure you have your full name, phone number, email address, and destination.

6. Take off any old barcodes stickers and baggage tags on the outside of your bag. You do not want the scanners to scan the wrong barcode and send your luggage on a different plane.

7. Do not wait for the last minute to drop your bags off and avoid tight connections. Just because you can make your flight, does not mean your luggage will. The bags need time to be checked in or transferred from plane to plane, go through security, travel along conveyor belts, and finally loaded on the plane. I recommend two hours minimum before boarding. If returning from an international flight, I recommend at least a three hour layover to ensure you get through customs/immigration, baggage claim, rechecking bags, and getting yourself to the gate. Flight delays are another reason to give yourself enough layover time.

8. Use a smart luggage tracker inside your bag so you can track it. The airline representatives only know the last point your luggage got scanned.

9. Take a picture of your bags on your phone. When they ask you what your bags look like, you can easily show them. Also, if you take a picture before you check it in, you have a date and time stamp of the photo in case the airline damages your bag. Making a list of what is inside the bag and taking pictures can help for insurance reasons.

10. When possible, book your flights so there is another flight after yours to your destination. If your luggage does not get on the plane, they will usually put it on the next flight. If you book the last flight of the day, your luggage will probably be put on the next day's available flight.

I hope these tips help and you never lose your luggage! Safe travel! Remember life is better underwater!