Upon arrival, find out where the luggage from your plane is being unloaded. Normally it takes some time for the bags to get to the carousel. It might also take a while for you to get there, so don't dally. It's always better for you to get there and wait for the bags than to have them already waiting. Since all bags come out on a conveyor belt anyone may be able to walk up, get the bag and walk away. Many airports do not check tags before passengers leave the area. No one will know if  someone in a crowd is the true owner or not. Ultimately, the responsibility is yours !

Not only thieves, but fellow passengers may grab the wrong bag. Your medium sized black nylon bag looks pretty much like every one's medium sized black nylon bag ! Be there when the bags drop onto the carousel from the conveyor belt. If they don't show up, notify the airline ASAP.

Many bags do look alike. Be sure to check to make sure that the bags you are retrieving are really yours.

Inspect your bags and notify the airline of any missing or damaged luggage BEFORE leaving the airport. Identification of a lost bag will be easier if a packing list has been made up before hand.

When you leave the airport, keep an eye on your luggage until you arrive in your hotel room. Taxi lines, rental car counters, hotel and rental car  vans and hotel lobbies are all likely places to lose bags.

Never assume that drivers will automatically unload your bags. They may be turning around and hurrying back to the airport for another pickup.

Never leave bags in a hotel lobby expecting someone to bring them to your room, unless you have made that arrangement with a bellman.

Watch your bags on rental car shuttle vans. Often they make several stops and another customer could accidentally grab your bags and be gone before you realize it.

File a claim before leaving the airport area. Most claims will not be honored if they are made after you leave airport property.

Provide a complete description of your bags. Try to make it easier for the airline to locate the missing pieces.

Leave complete contact information and itinerary, with both home and destination addresses and phone numbers.

Make those where you are staying aware of your situation in case of phone calls or deliveries.

Find out who to call and times that they are available to get updates on the lost bags. Many airlines offer an online tracking service that can be accessed by you to check on lost bags.

Check the airline’s missing or lost luggage policy. All airlines have their policies in writing and must provide them for you. Ask if, how and how much you will be reimbursed if you buy replacement items. Does it still hold true if your bags are found the next day ?.

Remove shoulder straps, pull handles or any loose items that might catch on a conveyor belt.

Be sure that any luggage that you buy has only retractable wheels.

Try using the shrink wrap service, now offered at most airports. This is a great way to protect the outside and secure the inside of your luggage.

If the bags have locks, use them. Ideally, never put anything of value in checked luggage.

Check the records and statistics of any carrier that you may use. Avoid those with a history of excessive lost or damaged baggage.

Each airline is different, but most set their liability maximum at only $1250.00 USD per paid passenger, on domestic flights.

Valuable items such as jewelry, cash, heirlooms, electronics and fragile or perishable items are usually not covered unless you have purchased "excess valuation" insurance.

You will be required to provide receipts for any items lost or damaged.

Be aware that the value of lost items will be depreciated, due to age and/or wear. Don’t expect to get full purchase price replacement value.

International carriers determine the value of luggage based on weight. Be sure that the weight of your bags is notated somewhere at check-in. If your luggage is not weighed, the airline will assume the maximum allowable weight of  70 pounds.

Purchase some form of travel insurance.

Declare and pay for "excess valuation" insurance from the airline for the contents.

Always check to see if you are covered under your homeowner’s policy.

Use credit cards that offer coverage for lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

Keep the original receipts of purchase, if possible, for items that you brought with you.

Keep receipts for replacement items you may have had to purchase while the bags were missing.

Leave a copy of a packing list in a safe place at home. This will help you to remember the essential items and aid you in making out the claim form needed if your luggage is lost.

Always file a claim BEFORE leaving the airport. Most airlines won't honor a claim made after you have left airport property.

Ask the airline’s customer agent for assistance with the claim. Incorrect information may affect your claim and your future relationship with the airline. Get it right !