As the article points out, despite the fact that passengers will pay more than $3 billion to check their bags this year, domestic airlines still lose or damage nearly two million pieces of luggage annually.  Multiply that figure by 13 for international carriers: Some 26 million pieces of luggage “went astray” on international flights last year, according to the story.

How do you lower your risk of losing your bag? Paul Behan, head of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Passenger Experience program, offered a simple piece of advice to Condé Nast Traveler readers: “I can’t say it enough: You should always put your name and contact information on the inside and outside of the bag.” That’s in case your luggage tag gets wet and is unreadable or is separated from your bag. 

For more information: convn.org/case-security