Airport Avenger: Tips and Top Secrets for Airlines, Airfares, Fees, Security and Cancelations

A little thought and a little planning can increase the odds that your bags will arrive where and when you do.

Take action before you get to the airport. Think about using a brightly colored bag instead the ubiquitous black suitcases so many travelers have. Put some colored tape or a bright ribbon on the handle so your bag will stand out on the luggage cart and on the carousel.

Take off old baggage tags and barcodes that might send your bag to some place you've already been, instead of where you're headed.

Put a printed copy of your itinerary in your bag. If it gets lost, it will be easier for the airline to reconnect you with your belongings. Some suggest you put your itinerary on the outside of your bag as well, but you may not want to tell the world you're heading to a fabulous resort and just might have something in your bag worth stealing.

• Give yourself plenty of time for check-in at the airport and for making connections. Chances are if you have to run for your plane, your bag won't make it with you.

• If you're bumped or delayed, your bags could reach your destination ahead of you. Don't panic if you don't find your bag on the carousel. Check other luggage carousels and the airline baggage office.

• Hold on to your baggage claim check. It will be very helpful in recovering a lost bag. Some airports have security people in the baggage claim area matching claim checks to bags. It cuts down on theft and mistaken bag identity.

Delta Air Lines has started a baggage-tracking program. Once you sign up for it on Delta's website, you can see online where your bag is and whether it's traveling to the same places that you are. If your bag's delayed more than 12 hours, Delta will give you a $25 voucher.

Check your credit card benefits. Some will cover the cost of buying emergency supplies, if your bag is delayed and remiburse you for a lost bag.

Thefts do happen, and more frequently than airports or airlines care to admit. Keep your valuables and medicines with you in a carryon.

It's also a good idea to keep some essentials, including a change of clothes, in your carryon in case you have to do without the things you packed in a lost bag. Keep a list of what's in your checked bag to help identify it.

You can lock your checked bag, but use a lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration. The airport security people X-ray checked bags, but may want to take a peek inside as well.

TSA-approved locks can be opened with master keys, so they don’t have to be cut. You can buy them at hardware and travel stores. The package will say if they have thumbs up from the TSA.

If the TSA opens your checked bag, you'll find a notice like the one on the right, tucked inside.

More about lost bags and personal items:

Gone for Good?

Lost and Found