Avoid lost baggage blues

It's a woe felt by travellers across the world. SITA, the IT provider which tracks baggage information for airlines in 220 countries and territories, says that for the nearly two billion of passengers who move through airports each year, 30 million bags are mishandled or lost. Luggage mishaps cost the air transport industry about $2.5 billion annually.

The worsening problem on both sides of the Atlantic is thought to be caused by increased airport congestion and security regulations as well as tight turnaround times, which can cause delays and complicate handling procedures.

Avoid baggage blues

The prospect of lost luggage fills even the most seasoned traveller with dread. Most of us know the feeling all too well: you're waiting and waiting at the baggage carousel when the steady flow of bags onto the conveyor belt begins to slow -- and then finally stops altogether. Your bags are nowhere to be seen.

Some travellers are so fearful of losing their luggage they resort to such drastic measures as refusing to check any bags at all, opting to make do with what will fit in a carry-on bag or shipping possessions separately. But if you're not prepared to go that far, here are 6 tips to help keep your checked luggage safe.

1. Arrive at the airport early. If you check in at the last moment, you may make the flight, but your bags may not. The more time the airline has to get your bag onto the plane, the more likely it will actually arrive at your destination.