Things you can pack, but should never pack in the cargo hold
This is not about illegal goods to be carried in suitcases that are placed in the hold on an airplane, not even [...]
This is not about illegal goods to be carried in suitcases That are placed in the cargo hold on an airplane, Not even of items that might trigger further scrutiny, but of "things" that should not be Never ship at check-in and always only carry in carry-on luggage.
In this article:
Sure the excuse is to "travel light" and not carry a heavy trolley or backpack for the whole trip, maybe a long one with a couple of connections, but then the risk is to arrive at your destination without important pieces and cry over spilled milk.
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Not everyone has to do as I do that I no longer board anything even for a week-long trip, but there are some things that one should, regardless, never separate from the traveler. The my Level8 aluminum trolley with envelopes to organize the contents allows me to Traveling peacefully without having to worry about anything, even when traveling low-cost.
What you should never put in your suitcase
Obviously I am not talking about "illegal" things, but of items that you use on a daily basis, but that due to some disruption may not arrive at their destination on the same plane, arrive hours or days late. Of course in this case the company is always responsible, but the coverages offered do not repay the inconvenience at all let alone the damage.
In this case my advice is to always travel with a cover against unforeseen events that always allows one to deal with these situations in a calm manner.
#1 Medicines and medical devices
Essential medicines and medical instruments should NEVER travel far from the passenger, not only because it could always happen that the suitcase does not arrive at its destination, but because an external inconvenience or event could prevent the passenger from immediately retrieving what was checked in, creating a medical problem. Above is an email I received recently from a reader complaining precisely about the inconvenience she suffered.
Of course, I am not talking about Ibuprofen or sunscreen, but about All those medicines for which a prescription is required medical or medical devices that may be difficult to retrieve at the destination.
If you are concerned about space, it is good to know that Medical devices such as a blood pressure monitor or similar items do not count toward the limits imposed by airlines for carry-on baggage, so it is not necessary to give up anything to take these tools with you.
#2 Electronic devices and valuables.
There are things that are prohibited, such as lithium batteries, but there are items that can be safely placed in checked baggage. Not to mention valuable or extremely delicate items.
The problem is not only the possible thefts, news practically the order of the day, but also of how this luggage is treatedi. From the time they are slipped onto the belt to when they are loaded on board and then on the reverse journey. Anything can happen, they can fall off the transporting vehicle, they can get caught in torrential rain and exposed to various weather conditions.
This is the reason why, in addition to not having a fabric suitcase, but a nice stiff one it is absolutely not recommended to put anything of high value in the cargo hold, partly because there is no insurance to cover such cases here.
#3 Essential objects
There may be objects of little economic value, but of very high psychological value. I have met adults who travel with their own pillow, children who will not part with their favorite teddy bear, but also particular clothes or items that, depending on the destination, will be hard to find.
Arriving on the other side of the world late at night, and without a suitcase, is something that can always happen, and depending on the airport where you land there may be no emergency store. In this case, not having a plan b risks ruining the first 24 hours of your vacation.
What to do if the luggage does not arrive at the destination
It is very important not to leave the airport without filling out all the appropriate forms. So let's talk about the PIR, or the Property Irregularity Report, a form with the most important information about what happened. Without this document, no claim for compensation against the company, let alone insurance.
The company is required to deliver the luggage where it is convenient for the passenger: to the hotel, to the home, or wherever the traveler requests. It is also possible to go independently to pick up baggage at the airport, but I obviously recommend having it brought to your doorstep.