Holidaymakers have been issued important advice as concerns about luggage rise.
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of holidaymakers have been waiting a lengthy time for their luggage due to a staff shortage.
At Edinburgh Airport, baggage handlers Swissport, have faced a shortage of staff which left many travellers waiting at the luggage carousel for their bag. To cope with all the unclaimed luggage, Swissport have opened a new luggage collection point in Ingliston in the Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE- Edinburgh Airport: Lufthansa staff strike sparks flight cancellations to holiday hotspots
The aviation company loads bags and cleans planes for 19 airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport— including Jet2, Ryanair, KLM, TUI and Virgin Atlantic. Passengers are now being urged to keep valuables in carry-on hand luggage.
A Swissport spokesperson said: "We apologise to passengers who’ve experienced delays to the return of their baggage at Edinburgh Airport. In busy periods such as the current peak travel time, the knock-on effects of delays across the travel process, such as air traffic issues, short-shipped luggage and late changes to flight schedules, can create challenging conditions for baggage handlers.
"We have brought in additional staff to help our team and are updating passengers with details of our secure baggage repatriation facility at Ingliston to ensure we can reunite them with their baggage as soon as possible."
For those worried about losing their luggage, experts have shared ten ways to keep your belongings as safe as possible when you travel.
A spokesperson for LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “Losing any luggage on holiday will ruin a trip away, so it is extra important to stay vigilant and look after all your luggage and valuables whilst travelling. Travellers can keep their bags and suitcases safe and secure, with ten quick and easy tips to give peace of mind to be able to enjoy their holidays.”
Researchers at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have compiled their best tips for ensuring luggage is kept safe whilst travelling.
1. Choose unique luggage
Many people use a simple black suitcase or bag when travelling. Instead, pick out brightly coloured luggage to make it stand out and easy to find. Alternatively, customise luggage by using stickers or a suitcase belt. Making luggage distinctive is important for keeping an eye on it, but keep in mind that some luggage itself can be pricey, and thieves may be on the look out for expensive luggage over its contents.
2. Lock it up
It is easy to purchase a lock for luggage online, in shops, or even at the airport. Locking up the baggage will heavily deter any opportunist thieves and will ensure that luggage remains safe and secure. Using a lock is a cheap and easy way to protect luggage when travelling.
3. Use a tracker
Using a tracker is becoming a popular option for travellers. Purchase an electronic tracker prior to going away and hide it in your luggage. Simply download the tracker’s app and it will show the location of the luggage throughout the trip, wherever it is. Tracking luggage will give a secure peace of mind to enjoy trips away.
4. Luggage insurance
The majority of travellers buy travel insurance, but few purchase additional luggage insurance. This is especially recommended for those travelling with expensive items, such as laptops and luxury goods. By getting luggage insurance, if the baggage goes missing, the insurance should cover the costs of any expensive goods.
5. Only pack what is necessary
Avoid travelling with any items which are unnecessary, not only to free up room in a suitcase, but to also avoid any heartache if items get lost. Avoid packing sentimental items which cannot be replaced if they are stolen, and instead leave them safe at home.
6. Soft versus hard luggage
Weigh up the pros and cons of travelling with soft luggage, or bags with a hard casing on them. Although the hard shell may protect delicate items more, soft luggage is overall more durable: it cannot crack in the cold weather, and is much more flexible than hard luggage. It is important to choose the correct luggage for you, to ensure things are kept safe whilst travelling.
7. Use labels
Put an identifiable label on every piece of luggage, especially bags and suitcases which will be travelling out of sight in the aeroplane hold. Include your name, address (home and destination), and phone number. If the luggage does end up getting lost, its owner can be easily contacted.
8. Keep valuables close
It is strongly recommended to keep all valuables closeby, such as medication, wallets, passports, licences, keys and phones. Keeping these personal items in a handbag or rucksack which can easily be carried around on your person, helps valuable luggage stay safe and prevents them from being stolen.
9. Avoid leaving baggage unattended
Prior to travelling on a plane or train, it is essential to keep an eye on all luggage to keep it safe. Do not leave anything unattended when taking a trip to the toilet, café, or to get food. Additionally, ensure that all luggage is secured in hotel rooms or holiday villas by making use of the safe or hiding anything of value.
10. Taking a photo of the luggage
As a precaution in case any luggage does get lost, taking a picture of the baggage prior to travelling. This means that staff can help identify the bags in the search process. Although taking a picture will not directly help to secure the luggage, it will certainly help in case anything does get lost.
READ MORE-
- TUI issues urgent warning to all travellers going on holiday this week
- Train strikes: ScotRail issues warning as Edinburgh services set to face severe disruption
- Edinburgh's cheapest petrol prices across the city as costs finally start to fall
- Apple and Samsung users could be due £480 million 'collective claim compensation'
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Hotels that are top rated and best value according to TripAdvisor
