Travel

Callalily

(15,410 posts) Fri Apr 17, 2026, 06:42 AM Friday

This Is Why You Should Always Take a Picture of Your Checked Bag, According to Travel Experts and Frequent Fliers

Although luggage is rarely lost, it does happen. I never thought about taking a photo of my luggage, but it only takes seconds to do, and may help in the even your luggage is lost or late getting to your destination.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/always-take-picture-of-checked-bag-11951641?

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This Is Why You Should Always Take a Picture of Your Checked Bag, According to Travel Experts and Frequent Fliers (Original Post) Callalily Friday OP

I had that happen last May Historic NY Friday #1

My carry on was a standard blue one Phoenix61 Friday #2

I used a stencil and spray painted dog prints across the sides of my luggage. Like others have said.. mitch96 Friday #3

Also helpful: Drum Friday #4

Historic NY

(40,087 posts)

1. I had that happen last May

Reply to Callalily (Original post)

Fri Apr 17, 2026, 08:04 AM

Friday

lost between Seattle and Newark. When they asked what it looked like I had a picture. but more importantly I told them where stickers were on the outside. A "Scream" picture: in the center of the bag. It was found within 48 hrs.

Phoenix61

(18,855 posts)

2. My carry on was a standard blue one

Reply to Callalily (Original post)

Fri Apr 17, 2026, 08:13 AM

Friday

Then I spray painted hot pink circles on it. It's a one of a kind now. Much easier to find on the luggage carousel and prevents accidentally grabbing the wrong one... by me or anyone else. Also much easier to find for lost luggage workers.

mitch96

(15,841 posts)

3. I used a stencil and spray painted dog prints across the sides of my luggage. Like others have said..

Reply to Callalily (Original post)

Fri Apr 17, 2026, 08:35 AM

Friday

Easy to pick out on the luggage carousel...
m

Drum

(10,721 posts)

4. Also helpful:

Reply to Callalily (Original post)

Fri Apr 17, 2026, 10:46 AM

Friday

Throw a business card into your suitcase—last thing—so that it might be identified should your bag-tag be separated from it and TSA possibly peeks inside for identification.

Coming from one who learned the hard way: when a colleague (touring performers) forgot to mark our tech freight externally…lost luggage for a week’s touring, and I had to recreate 20 costumes from scratch while overseas. Overnight.

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