| You're ready for the big trip. You've got your tickets, | | | | anonymous luggage. |
| wallet, and glasses and a tote full of light reading. But | | | | Airlines today allow 2 bags per passenger with a |
| before you step out your door, here's some | | | | maximum weight of 50 lbs. If you were planning on |
| important things to know about your luggage and | | | | carrying one overweight bag (weigh it at home), |
| traveling safely. | | | | you'd be better off traveling with two bags of lesser |
| Check the condition of your luggage, looking for small | | | | weight. You'll endure more stress at the airport, but |
| tears in the fabric or around the seams. Check for | | | | will avoid paying the excess weight fees airlines |
| broken parts and fix or replace any parts that may | | | | impose on overweight luggage. European airlines |
| interfere with your luggage doing its best job. If you | | | | operate differently and some only allow 33 lbs. |
| didn't buy the cheapest luggage out there, you won't | | | | Mark your luggage well with your ID. You'll be glad |
| have to worry as much about broken zippers, ripped | | | | you did if they are lost. You may also want to think |
| seams and other factors that can make or break | | | | about leaving a copy of your itinerary inside your |
| your trip. Stay away from luggage that sets you | | | | luggage. If your bags are lost, airport personnel will |
| apart from others by being gaudy, fancy, | | | | have a good idea of where you are. |
| gold-trimmed or in some other way puts a big red | | | | More likely than not, your luggage will be subject to |
| target on your belongings for airport thieves. | | | | TSA scanning. To help you get through this with a |
| If you stick with basic black luggage, how will you be | | | | minimum of fuss, pack your items in clear plastic |
| able to spot your luggage at Baggage Claim? Tie a | | | | organizers. Place delicate items in sturdy, reusable |
| bright scarf around the handle, or buy luggage tags | | | | packing, not wrapped up in your clothing. Make it |
| that are brightly colored so you can spot your | | | | easy for personnel to repack your item quickly and |
| luggage and others won't mistake it for theirs. Even | | | | neatly. |
| better, thieves are not likely to nab the more | | | | With some savvy organization and a thoughtful |
| distinctive bag, but would rather walk away with | | | | planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and fun trip. |