The first step to protect your luggage is to stay with it as long as possible. Before you check your luggage at the airport, do not leave it unattended even for a minute. If you need to step away from it, ask a family member to keep an eye on it. If you are traveling alone, check your luggage first.

Make sure you have an identification tag on the outside of your luggage. As a backup measure, put your name and address on a tag inside the bag. If the ID tag on the outside gets lost, you will still have your information inside.

Many suitcases look the same. You need to make yours stand out from the crowd. Tie color ribbons on the handle, or use colored tape to mark your bags. You want to be able to spot your bags as soon as possible so that no one else takes them by accident.

Keep an eye out and be aware of your surroundings. Carry your medications in your purse just in case your luggage gets lost or stolen. Have a safe trip!