Summer Flight Disruptions: What/How To Pack

For travellers flying for the summer holidays this year, this may be an unpleasant summer to remember. Around the globe, airlines have been hit with a wave of flight delays, cancellations and other logistical problems. Over 1,000 Lufthansa flights were recently cancelled because of a one-day strike by the airline’s ground staff, which affected thousands of passengers, and before that, at least 47 connecting flights had been cancelled.

Amidst the chaos, crippling staff shortages at Heathrow Airport have left luggage piling up at the airport for up over 10 days, plus extremely long check-in queues and passengers waiting for hours for their luggage. It is every holiday maker’s worst nightmare to arrive at your destination and eagerly wait beside the luggage carousel only to discover that your luggage has been lost. Travellers have taken to social media to bemoan their missing luggage amidst the ongoing flight disruptions.
Here are what to pack in your carry-on  (hand) luggage
Items of sentimental value 
Irreplaceable mementoes, souvenirs and items that belonged to lost loved ones are best kept on you at all times throughout your journey.

Medication
It is important to pack enough medication in your carry-on luggage that will last for at least a month.

A change of clothes 
If your luggage is delayed for days, you’ll feel uncomfortable if you don’t have a change of clothes. Pack a lightweight breathable top and trousers, plus a scarf or shawl which may double as a blanket if need be. For ladies, you can pack additional disposable panties and sanitary items too.

Portable charger and travel adapter
To keep your phones and iPads on, include a portable charger in your carry-on luggage. Also, if you are travelling to a country with a different plug, take a travel adapter along too.

Toiletries
Pack a toothbrush, floss, lip balm, make-up remover wipes, travel-size bottles of toothpaste, moisturiser, deodorant, sunscreen and anything else essential to you.

Here are tips for protecting your (checked-in) luggage
Buy Your Ticket Sooner
Due to the limited space of the overhead lockers inside the flight cabin, there are occasions when passengers are asked to check in their hand luggage at no extra cost. The easiest way to prevent this is to board the flight earlier.

Avoid Connecting Flights
This is the best thing you can do to avoid missing luggage because each layover is a chance for something to go wrong. If no direct flights are going to your destination, try to get a flight with only one connection; this will reduce the chances of your checked-in luggage getting missing. Download your Airline’s app, so that you will have up-to-date information about your flight status.

Get Travel Insurance
Buy travel insurance that includes luggage protection, trip interruption insurance and much more.

Buy A Luggage Tracker
Buy a luggage tracker, tag it to your checked-in luggage and track your bag’s location right from your phone. By so doing, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your luggage.

Make Your Luggage Easy To Identify
Attach ribbons or stickers to your luggage to make it easily identifiable also include a luggage tag with your name and contact information.

Take Photos Of The Items In Your Luggage
This will help you know what you packed and what may have been damaged, lost or stolen.

Report A Problem Right Away
If your luggage isn’t waiting for you at your destination, begin the recovery process immediately. Go straight to the luggage claim counter and report your bag as missing. Write down your contact information accurately and let them know the quickest way to contact you.

Travel Wallet
It is extremely crucial to keep your passport on you throughout your journey. Keep your travel wallet in your handbag and carry it with you at all times. If possible, place your passport in a resealable plastic bag to keep it safe and prevent liquid damage to it. Besides that, bring along a copy of your passport data page, a copy of your visas and a passport photo in case you lose your travel documents overseas.

Never Ever Leave Your Luggage Unattended
Always keep your luggage with you or have a trusted travelling company mind it for you at all times. WRAP YOUR LUGGAGE. Cling-wrap your luggage at the airport for additional security. This will reduce the chances of damages and theft.