7 tips for avoiding lost-luggage nightmares
By Dana Dratch • Bankrate.com

1. If you travel with anything especially valuable, such as prescriptions, electronics or jewelry, keep it on you or stow it in your carry-on bag.

2. If you're traveling for business, fly in appropriate attire. That way, if the rest of your suits are lost, you're already dressed for success.

3. Make a list of what goes into each bag. That way, if you have to file a lost-luggage claim, you have a good place to start. Borrowing a bag? Jot down a good description of that too, in case you have to report it missing.

4. Pack a carry-on bag designed to get you through the first 24 hours if you lose everything else. That way, if your bags disappear, you can survive.

5. Make certain that the airline baggage tags are firmly attached to your checked luggage. Have your own ID on the outside and the inside.

6. When you check bags, verify that the three-letter destination tags airline personnel attach to your luggage actually match your stops.

7. If you're traveling to catch a tour or cruise ship, get there one full day ahead of time. Then if a bag doesn't arrive, it has time to catch up before you leave.