Itinerary in Checked Bags

I suppose it does not hurt to do so, but yes, I agree, it would be odd that an airline would go through luggage to find a forwarding address, it would be more effective to talk to the airline when your bag does not arrive as planned. As for the lock, for some time airlines have warned that for security reasons, Security remove any locks at their discretion. There are TSA locks that they are able to open as well as you, or just use a zip tie that can be cut.

When I check a bag, I always put a printout of details on top of my stuff just in case the luggage tag gets separated somehow from the luggage. I wouldn't rely on the tag alone.

If I check a bag, I put my itinerary and contact info in an inside pocket. If my bag gets lost, I'm in contact with the airline immediately and I tell them where I'll be. But the TSA searches unclaimed/lost baggage and will find the information no matter where it is in the bag.

The airline will open your bag to attempt to identify who it belongs to if the luggage tag has been detached. I'm not sure they would do that if the tag was still on the outside. I do put a card with my name, address, and mobile phone number inside my bag.

Tom, Any locks on bags are required to be TSA locks that are unlockable by certain keys they have. Other locks have the definite chance of being cut if they want to search it for any reason.

If you have an outside zip pocket, that is where one may look for further ID / travel plans / contact info Just a suggestion, I have replaced the buckle type strap & the elastic loop type straps that come with luggage tags. I use a zip tie to attatch ID tags to our luggage instead. Just clip the excess tie short. None have fallen off yet..... on strong & tight Some tags even have a place to put a small copy of the itinerary

Thanks all for your suggestions.

There is a little community north of here that is noteworthy primarily for its unclaimed airline luggage store. It has contracts with the airlines for bags that haven't found their way back to their owners. I've never been personally, but I've heard lots of stories that it is full of luggage with the names and addresses of the owners clearly marked on the bags. I keep those stories, true or not, in mind when I carefully put my contact information on my suitcases.

@ Paul, There was a report recently on 60 Minutes or one of the other news shows concerning the "Lost Luggage" store. Is it operated by a Church or other charitable institution? I'm sorry I don't live closer, as they have some great deals!