Traveling for the holidays? How to prevent your luggage from getting lost, what to do if it does

The hustle and bustle of holiday travel can take a toll on your nerves and losing your luggage can really add to the stress. But there are ways to protect yourself.

Start by avoiding connecting flights - direct flights reduce the chances bags will be lost.

Take pictures of your luggage, inside and out. If your bag is lost, it will help the airline track it down.

Use baggage tracking apps. Many airlines allow passengers to track their bags. You can track your bags yourself with a device like an Apple AirTag.

If your bag is lost, make sure to check the airline's claims policy.



If your bag is damaged, be sure to report it. Airlines are liable for damage to wheels, handles and straps. And you can always insure your bags for loss and damage.

If your bags do get lost, keep receipts for any expenses like swimsuits or toiletries. You could get reimbursed.