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Air travel has undoubtedly seen its share of troubles in the past few weeks, as cancelled flights and lost luggage caused hassles and headaches for air travelers. AAA travel experts recommend air travelers consider luggage trackers, like Apple AirTags, for peace of mind. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, over 1.9 million bags were mishandled by U.S. airlines. Staffing shortages, flight cancellations, and mishandled bags are causing passengers to change the way their pack for air travel. “As air travel continues to rebound, consumers should consider luggage trackers, among other travel tips, to avoid lost luggage,” said Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “A minimal investment, luggage trackers can bring peace of mind to air travelers if their bags are lost. Not checking a bag? Air travelers should consider efficiently packing a single carry-on bag to avoid the stress and inconvenience that come with lost luggage.” Whether you plan to check a bag or pack a carry-on for your next flight, AAA offers the following tips to help avoid the stress and inconvenience of lost luggage: Checked Bags • Use a luggage tracker, such as an Apple AirTag to provide additional information about exactly where your bag(s) are. Shop AAA for Chipolo Trackers to track your luggage when flying. • Utilize TSA approved luggage locks. • Luggage tags with cell phone number and email; do not put your home address on luggage tags; also pack a luggage tag inside your suitcase with the same information in case the external luggage tag is removed/lost. • Do not place valuables or essential items in checked baggage. • Weight – check with your airline to determine maximum luggage weight allowed before additional fees are charges for overweight bags. • Traveling with someone? Cross pack your bags, so if one bag is lost you both have items in the other bag to wear/use. Carry-On Bags • Bag size – check with your airline to be sure your bag meets carry-on size requirements. • 3-1-1 – liquids, gels, or aerosols must be in 3-ounce size bottles or less; all such bottles mush fit into one, clear, quart-size plastic bag. • Compression bags/packing cubes – utilize space efficiently by packing clothes in these bags. • Roll your clothes – creates more space and cuts down on wrinkles. • Shoe bags/shower caps – keep your dirty shoes from touching things in your carry-on bag; utilize space inside shoes to pack socks and other small items; select shoes that go with multiple outfits. • Complimentary clothes/color scheme – select a travel wardrobe that follows a simple color scheme (i.e. neutral colors – black, white, gray, tan) so pieces mix and match, making multiple outfits, this cuts down on the volume and size of your bag. • Laundry – if laundry facilities are available at your destination, cut back on packing more clothes and plan to do laundry on the trip; consider packing laundry detergent sheets and fabric softener sheets to save room. • A carry-on bag should include clothing, toiletries, and medications for one day in case your checked bag is lost. • Leave room – don’t extend the luggage traveling to your destination, save that expansion for more room coming home. • Don’t pack extras – if you need it you can always buy it at your destination. Personal Item • Maximize the packing space in your one personal item (i.e. purse, backpack, etc.) • Medications – keep medications/prescriptions in this bag. • Pack flight essentials – travel blanket, pillow, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, etc. • Keep travel documents accessible here. • Snacks and leak proof water bottle – water bottle can be filled after you get through security. Safety/Security • Protect passports, credit cards with RFID blocking wallets; leave a bigger everyday wallet at home. Are airlines responsible for lost luggage? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are lost. Once an airline determines that your bag is lost, the airline is responsible for compensating you for your bags’ contents - subject to depreciation and maximum liability limits. Airlines are also required to refund any fees you paid the airline to transport the bag that was lost. For domestic flights, the maximum liability is $3,800 and about $1,780 for international flights.