Ever lost your luggage on a dive trip? It can happen, but there are some things you can do to help prevent an out-of-dive-gear situation.
Before You Fly
- Get travel insurance that covers bag loss/theft/damage.
- Place a travel GPS tracker in your bag.
- Take several pictures of your bag, including the tags.
- Take pictures of all the items in your bag.
- Put more than one ID tag on your bag.
- Put even more ID information inside your bag or directly on your items.
- Make a list of items in your bag and keep it easily accessible.
- If you can, keep purchase receipts for your items.
- Keep track of serial numbers on higher-end items.
- Think hard about what you are willing to “lose” in your bag.
- Pack enough in your carry-on or personal item that you can get by with a delay for a few days. This includes medications, toothbrush, clothing, prescription masks, etc.
- Make plans for an “out of dive gear” emergency. Short answer – cash. But remember, availability of items may vary at different destinations.
At the Ticket Counter
- Check your GPS tracker tag to make sure it is transmitting properly.
- Make sure you have all your bags tagged.
- When you print the sticker at the kiosk, make sure ALL THE NUMBERS and the bar code are legible.
- Make sure the agent scans your bag.
- Get the receipt and keep it in a safe place.
- Ask the question of where you will pick up your bag – at the final destination, or at a stop along the way where you have to reclaim and recheck.
- Watch the agent put the bag on the conveyor belt, not set it “aside”.
At the Next Destination
- Check the tag to make sure your bag is in fact, yours.
- Open your bag to make sure all the items you brought are there – use the list you made when you packed.
- Report missing bags and items immediately. IMMEDIATELY.
- Keep your receipt and boarding pass/ticket handy.
Travel smart and enjoy the ride!
