How many times have we heard about lost/delayed/damaged luggages? Or worse, have you experienced losing your own luggages?

Okay, okay, ALL airlines (I assume) have guidelines saying, "If your luggage is lost or damage, please go to..." yaddah yaddah yaddah... Even if you do get your luggage back, the damage has been done. A day or more has gone by without the things that you need.

So, what should you do if it happens to you? Well, as I said, there are guidelines. They are all basically the same. Here's a sample guideline for passengers of USAirways.

While waiting for your bag and everyone else has gone away while you stand beside an empty carousel, that would be the best time to go to the info desk. Each airport should have one and you can talk to an airline representative to better inform yourself. Or, if you are one of those just-in-case-it-happens kind of person, check online before your flight.

Some tips:

• it's always best to have stuff like medicine, toiletries and a change of clothes on your hand-carried luggage.
• Some airlines would reimburse you for items but keep in mind that there is a maximum limit so, don't go on a shopping spree, thinking that the airline would shoulder the cost.
• Make sure that you have your luggage claim bags, ticket coupons and receipts for the important items you may need in lieu of the missing ones. This will ensure proper and faster reimbursement process.
  
  It is heartening to note that, according to Abhinav Singh, "airlines and airport authorities around the world are using RFID technology in an attempt to overcome the problem of mishandled baggage."
  
  Have fun and don't lose that luggage! ;-)