Tips to Keep Your Luggage from Getting Lost, Stolen or Damaged

It seems like every time I have to fly somewhere I feel as though I have to decide which piece of luggage I want to have destroyed or lost in transit.In my travels I've had my luggage lost for days (always makes for a great start to a vacation) or my luggage is completely torn apart or ripped, or have the wheels broken. On one trip, I had to buy new luggage to make the trip home after the airlines destroyed my original bag beyond repair.

If you have travel plans in your future, here are a few tips to help keep your luggage from disappearing or getting damaged.

1.  Get a four-wheeled bag.  If your bag has wheels, you'll notice that workers will be a little more likely to roll it on and off the plane.  Otherwise they throw it. (Watch United Breaks Guitars - a true story in song)

2.  Make sure it's sturdy and will hold up under harsh treatment. (Check out some of the best luggage options)

3.  Don't check-in to your flight too early.  They may not be ready to take luggage yet, and your bag could get lost in the shuffle. Same rule applies for rushing in at the last minute for your flight.

4.  Don't do curbside check-in.  It just adds another layer to the process, and means there are more ways for your bag to get lost.

5.  Buy traveler's insurance.  Most airlines have a coverage limit of $3,400 for loss, delay, or damage.  Plus some airlines do not cover things like electronics and jewelry.  (Read this review of the top 10 travel insurance companies.)

6.  Get a bag with anti-theft technology.  There are tracking devices that give you your bag's location, and some bags are made without zippers so they're harder to break into. (click here for High Tech luggage options)

7.  Just use a carry-on.  And if they make you check it at the gate, be mindful to remove anything valuable before you hand it over.

Source: ABC News