Checking luggage: "When in doubt, leave it out"
February 14, 2012
Next time you plan a vacation at a villa rental on a tropical island, be sure to pay careful attention to what goes in your checked luggage.
"When in doubt, leave it out," states the Transportation Security Administration of what should and should not go in your carry-on or checked bags on flights. To prevent any prized items from being lost or confiscated, your valuable belongings should essentially stay in your carry-on bag. Here are some tips on the items that may be better off at home than at your vacation villa rental - or at least in a safe jacket pocket or small traveling bag.
According to a report by the airport information analyst SITA, only .012 percent of passengers' bags were reported damaged, lost or delayed in 2010. Still, that small percentage had to endure the consequences of losing all of their possessions. Airlines will often compensate travelers who have lost their luggage, but the chances of it filling the void of all of your belongings is rather slim.
Therefore, jewelry and other valuables are items that should never be packed into checked baggage. Pieces that you wear all-year round can be tucked away in your carry-on bag until you've made your way through security checks. Your jewelry can then find a safe place on your finger, wrist or neck.
Essential documents including identification, passports and boarding passes should all be easily accessible inside your carry-on suitcase or bag, not only so you can refer to them when necessary but to keep them from getting lost forever. If you can't find the room for all of your paperwork in your small bag, consider making copies of everything and keeping the originals somewhere safe.
Items that the TSA insists stay out of your checked luggage include laptops and other electronics.
"Electronics...should be packed in carry-on luggage because they are typically fragile, expensive and more prone to breaking if transported in checked baggage," an agency representative stated. No blanket or beach towel can appropriately protect your laptop from a turbulent flight or careless baggage handlers.
One trick that works well for vacationers heading to a tropical island villa rental is putting at least one bathing suit, one pair of clean underwear, socks and a light-weight outfit in your carry-on bag. Even if travelers discover that their luggage is missing upon arrival, they can still make the most of the first day of their trip and hit the beach with their bathing suit in tow.
Other items that should steer clear of your bulky suitcases include medications, cash and credit cards, food and any items that may be breakable.
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Checking luggage: "When in doubt, leave it out"
