Don't let lost luggage ruin your summer holiday

With the first rush of the Easter break already well underway, how many families arrived at their destination to find their luggage didn’t? A leading independent travel insurance website, insurewithease.com, believes the numbers could be much bigger than people may realise.

In its latest analysis of claims handled during 2009, it found that a staggering 25% related to lost baggage or personal effects. As Online Marketing Manager, Sarah Taylor, explains, lost luggage can put a real damper on a holiday – especially if it’s a short break.

“For anyone who has arrived at their destination and forlornly stood at the airport carousel while everyone else has already headed off to their hotel, they will know how depressing it is to realise your bag isn’t going to arrive! Of course, in many cases the bag does turn up a day or two later – which probably explains why the average claim paid out for lost or delayed luggage was £133.95. This is likely to represent a couple of days’ replacement clothing and toiletries rather than the entire contents of a suitcase!

“But, of course, if you’re only on a weekend or short break you could find your luggage turning up just as you’re ready to head back home. And some people may never get their bags back, which is a much bigger cost to calculate.

“So next time you’re heading off on a break, it’s worth thinking about what you’re packing, especially when it comes to valuables. And it’s also a good idea to consider what you carry on as hand luggage and what goes in the hold.

“Of course, there are limits to what can be carried on board and what can go in the suitcase – but within those limits it’s definitely worth trying to keep the essentials and items of value in your hand luggage.”

Insurewithease.com offers some useful tips to make sure that if the worst happens, lost luggage won’t completely ruin a trip away:

- Take small quantities of toiletries in hand luggage – of course keeping within airport security limits.

- Unless you’re going on a very special trip it’s probably not wise to take your most treasured clothing items on holiday – insurance can cover the cost but not the sentimental value!

- If you’re travelling with someone else, cross-pack – put a few items of underwear, clothing, shoes, etc in each other’s bags – then at least if one case goes missing you still have some items to wear.

- Always keep valuable items such as jewellery, cameras and gadgets in your hand luggage.

- Pack light by planning outfits you will be wearing while on holiday, leaving the ‘just in case’ items at home.

- Ensure you have an adaptor for any battery operated or electrical items such as cameras – and take it in your hand luggage to avoid a flat battery if you do lose your case.

- If travelling with children, carry their favourite toys on board.

- Make sure you have your insurer’s details in your hand luggage – just in case!

The insurewithease.com Gold Policy provides a full range of benefits for single trip and annual multi-trip cover, including:

- Cover for unlimited trips throughout the year on annual policies (maximum 45 days on Platinum policies).

- Cover for single trips up to 3 months.

- Cover available for winter sports, golf, business and wedding.

- Free cover for children under 18 on single trip policies.

- Excess waiver option available on all policies.

- 24-hour worldwide emergency medical assistance.

- Text message service providing policy number and emergency assistance details.

For more information, visit: insurewithease.com