UStiA Advises Travelers on Avoiding Baggage Theft



According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, mishandled baggage complaints, including theft, rank second only to flight problems as the most common consumer complaint, the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) says in a new consumer advisory. 
Although  actual baggage theft from luggage carousels and other pilferage may account for a small percent of mishandled bags in the U.S., it is still prevalent in some parts of the world. 

In fact, the U.S. State Department, in its “Country Specific” pages, provides destination information on international airports where pilferage may be a problem. 
The US Travel Insurance Association, through its TRIP web site, offers the following tips to lessen the chance that your clients’ bags will do a disappearing act:


Use hard-sided luggage.


Pack valuables in your carry-on


Avoid luggage that looks expensive

Pack only items that are easily replaced or those you can live without

Use a TSA approved lock or plastic cable ties to secure your bags

Make your bags conspicuous by choosing eye-catching colors or distinctively colored straps.


Consumers who want more details and additional tips are asked to visit www.trip.ustia.org.  Developed by the UStiA, TRIP is designed to provide helpful information for anyone planning a trip.  
The TRIP acronym stands for “Travel Responsibly, Informed and Protected.”  With a motto of, “Empowering you to travel safely,” the site offers useful articles, tips and links on various aspects of staying healthy, safe, and secure while traveling.  

Visit www.ustia.org
.