There’s nothing more magical than capturing a photo of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon or the giant smile on your grandchild’s face when they meet Mickey Mouse, but the most important vacation photo you take should happen before you even leave home. The experts at Travel & Leisure recommend you take pictures of your luggage and its contents before you head to the airport.
Airlines have been struggling with a high incidence of delayed, damaged and lost luggage lately. The article says having proof of what all of your belongings look like may help you receive compensation.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), “Airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.”
If your suitcase comes off the baggage carousel missing a wheel, photos can certainly prove the airline damaged your luggage. However, pictures are even more important if your luggage gets lost.
The DOT says, “airlines may require receipts or other proof for valuable items that were in the lost bags.” So, your preflight photo shoot should document exactly what you had packed, which is important if you do not have receipts for the items.
AirHelp, a passenger advocate group, also recommends taking pictures of your airline bag tag before you check your luggage. This – along with photos of the suitcase itself – can help airline staff track down your luggage – it could be on the wrong plane, left at the departure airport, or somewhere in between – especially if the tag came off.
What do you do to help make sure your luggage does not get lost or damaged when you fly? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and share your travel tips.
