If your vacation plans are taking you on an airplane this summer, you need to plan ahead to ensure that your belongings are protected. Not surprisingly, many losses occur at airports. In fact, each year nearly 14,000 travelers report missing luggage items to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Avoid that predicament by following this advice:
- If possible, pack only carry-on luggage to reduce the chances of anything being lost or stolen.
- Consider leaving valuables at home. Not a possibility? Then make sure they stay in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
- Make sure to stash any electronics in your carry-on. Thieves love stealing gadgets, and airlines typically don’t insure against these items’ loss.
- Tuck your name and address into your bag in case your baggage tag gets torn or breaks off.
- Snap a picture of your bag(s) with your cell phone—photo documentation will help with recovery efforts if your bag is lost or stolen. (Just be sure to keep your phone with you!)
- Invest in a quality, TSA-approved luggage lock.
- Although personal property that is in transit is covered under your homeowners policy, you may not want to file a claim for lost items. “If luggage is lost by the airline, it’s better to claim it through the airline than through your homeowners policy since there could be a surcharge on your policy,” says Vahey. He also encourages you to call your ERIE Agent or the ERIE Customer Service line ASAP for expert advice on how to proceed.
Got questions about how your items are covered when traveling by air? Contact CNR Insurance at 410-897-9890.
