Although it is often unavoidable, traveling with delicate, expensive, or breakable objects when flying is never a great idea. Airlines lose bags on a daily basis; some are eventually returned, but many are never found at all. The first step towards protecting your possessions when flying is not to have anything incredibly valuable in either your checked or carry-on bags. When one must travel with precious items, there are a variety of steps and measures that should be undertaken to protect them.

Pick The Right Kind Of Luggage

The first step is to have the appropriate kind of luggage. This is most important for checked bags. Bag handlers are notorious for being rough and clumsy when loading, unloading and transferring bags. Airlines make it clear that they are not responsible for any broken or damaged items for precisely this reason. Luggage ranges in price, quality, material and size, and one should consider making an investment in a good piece of luggage if one plans on traveling often and with potentially breakable items (liquor, perfume, computers, cameras, phones, and jewelry). Because of recent FTA regulations, no liquids or gels are allowed in your carry-on bags, and this should be considered as well. Hard side luggage is the ideal suitcase, offering the most protection in a durable shell. These luggage pieces feature material ranging from thick plastics, metals, and hardened leather. A hard side piece of luggage is most likely to endure the forceful jolting and tossing of airline baggage handlers.

Garment Bags Protect Your Clothes

Many business men and women find themselves traveling with suits and dresses that also must be protected. A basic garment bag one gets from the dry cleaner is not nearly durable enough to withstand airline travel. A padded leather garment bag that can be folded in half and hooked together offers your best chance for protecting your clothing items. Very hard plastic beauty cases are also excellent options in weathering the sometimes extreme shock ones luggage must endure from airport to airport.

Packing Tips

Just as crucial as the type of luggage one transports possessions in is how one packs and protects the items inside the luggage. Breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap and padded by clothes on all sides. Suitcases should be packed fully, and items should not be able to move and shift around inside. Any liquids should be secured in sealed plastic bags.

All bags should be clearly marked on the outside and inside with your personal contact information. It is also recommended you include an itinerary of where you plan on being inside the luggage so an airline can contact you without difficulty. Digital pictures should be taken of all items inside bags beforehand, and travelers insurance is recommended if you are transporting valuables. No one wants their personal items damaged during travel, so investing in a good hard case and packing properly is vital.