Bags and Luggage

Preparing Luggage for Your Trip

Preparing Luggage for Your Trip

Luggage is a vital part of any trip, everything you need will be inside. Check your luggage prior to your trip and make sure all parts are in order and it has no rips or tears.



The last thing you need is a zipper that comes apart at the airport while the handlers are moving your luggage.

When buying luggage choose quality bags that are built well and will last. But avoid the fancy luggage as this can be a target for thiefs.

Fancy gold latches, big brand names and classy leather finishes can all be triggers for a thief. Stick with the classic look over the showy styles that will attract a thief.

Tagging your suitcase with a bright and distinctive marker will make the bag easier to spot on the carousel and prevents another traveler from mistakenly taking your bag.

This will also make it easier for baggage handlers to find you bag should it become lost or needs to be removed from the plane. Thieves are also less likely to take a bag as they can be spotted much easier.

When packing your suitcase make sure you know the weight allowances allowed by the airline and weigh your bags before leaving.

If your bag is overweight consider using two smaller bags, this is more of a hassle, but will save you on surcharges for the overweight bag.

Check with your airline to determine the weight allowances that apply to you. You also have the option of using services that will pick up and deliver your baggage to your destination.

Keep proper identification in your luggage in case they become lost, this way you can be found. Placing a copy of your itinerary in each piece of luggage will assist the airline in finding you if your luggage is in fact lost.

Use caution on how much personal information is left in the bags, to much information exposes you to identity theft.



Being prepared for security will make your screening process with the TSA much more pleasant. Check the TSA website for banned and limited items such as liquids and gels.

They also have rules in place on how such items should be packed. Always use clear plastic bags inside your luggage as the screener can easily see inside.

Locking your bags is also highly recommended and you should consider TSA approved locks. If your checked baggage is picked for screening the TSA will cut your lock unless you are using an approved lock, in which case they have a special tool to unlock it and re-lock it when finished.

Take a carry on with any essentials you will need in case your main luggage is lost or delayed. This is especially important if you will be travelling with children.

Again check with the TSA website for carry on bags. The rules are a little different, some things are allowed to be checked but are not allowed in your carry on baggage.

Planning ahead will make your travel experience much more pleasant and enjoyable.


Luggage Warranty Woes

You’ve just purchased new luggage for your vacation. It came with a warranty.

Preparing Luggage for Your Trip
Preparing Luggage for Your Trip

What exactly does that mean?

Do warranties vary from state to state? Does the place of purchase have any effect on the warranty?

Will they do the warranty repairs?

It is, of course, important to read the warranty. They differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and have different meanings for different products. Save your receipt and product tags along with your proof of purchase.

Many people find it helpful to save the carton also, in case the luggage has to be sent to a repair facility or back to the manufacturer for repair.

Most of the warranties do not cover ordinary wear and tear or damage by a common carrier such as the airlines or cruise ships. Many also have disclaimers against abuse or mishandling.

Additionally, all external parts are vulnerable to damage on any luggageLeather, moving parts and wheels for example will show wear with ordinary use and may need to be refurbished or replaced.

This will not always be covered by the warranty. Many airlines and cruise lines also have disclaimers against claims for external parts. They may not pay for wheels or handles that need to be repaired or replaced.

There are very generous warranties attached to some premium brands of luggage. Mosaic Travel Gear has a “peace of mind warranty.”



They offer free repair or replacement for the first three years of purchase, no matter what the damage is or who has caused the problem.

Thereafter, a limited lifetime warranty will cover all manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product.

Briggs and Riley luggage is another brand with a generous no-holds-barred warranty. If their luggage is ever damaged they will fix it free of charge.

You are not required to make an insurance claim or a claim against the common carrier such as the airline or cruise line. The luggage has to be returned to them for the repair.

Tumi luggage has a different warranty on the zipper, fabric and bindings. This is warranted for five years. All other components are warranted for the life of the bag as long as it is with the original owner.

They do, however, charge a processing fee which covers costs and return shipping. This fee is waived during the first year of purchase.

Some warranty repairs are done at the place of purchase, while others must be sent back to the company. Always ask before making your purchase.

Claims to a common carrier such as an airline generally have to be made within 24 hours. It’s usually a good idea to look over your luggage when you receive it to be sure there is no damage.

Most of the popular brands of luggage are made to withstand the rigors of travel. Just be sure to factor in the written warranty when making your purchase. Now you can start packing!


 

Show More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button