DBT Corporate Travel

* One of the main reasons luggage goes to the wrong flights is because of old destination tags and check-in tags. Remove them so that the airlines don't get confused on the suitcase's destination.

* Put labels with your home address and phone number inside and outside your bags. Lots of name tags fall off bag handles. If the airlines find your bag, they will search inside for ID.

* Either tie a piece of brightly coloured cloth or ribbon to your bags or mark them in a distinctive way to make them easy to identify at the carousel.

* Or wrap brightly coloured insulating tape around the handles of your checked luggage. The first thing a person grabs from the carousel is the handle and if it's a bright colour they'll realise it's not their bag.

* Rather than using flimsy locks on your baggage that can be easily opened, use electrical ties. They are extremely tough (larger ones are used instead of handcuffs by some police forces). Buy them at DIY stores. If they have been cut off you know someone has riffled your bags. They're also available in various colours to help bag identification - while making it less possible for airport personnel to have spares in their pockets to replace any tie they cut off.

* Mark your luggage with your email address. Chances are you will be emailed before you know it has gone missing. Also - as mobile phones can increasingly work anywhere in the world - put your mobile number on the luggage ID if you are taking it with you.

* Lock your bags for extra security, but keep a note of the security code or a spare padlock key.

* Check your airline baggage code to ensure it's been properly libeled and will end up in the same place you do.

* If travelling with a backpack, bring large rubbish bags libeled with your itinerary and flight numbers, to protect the pack from luggage carousels and machinery. Prior to checking your pack in, slip a bag over the backpack and tie tightly.

* Photocopy your itinerary, destinations and dates. Put a copy inside each piece of luggage. If luggage is lost or picked up by mistake, it will increase the chance of finding you while travelling.

* More than 90% of lost luggage stays lost because the airline, cruise ship or whatever staff can't identify the owners to return it.

* When you arrive at check-in, ask to have your bags libeled"fragile". This will keep them at the top of the pile and they will be among the first to come out in the baggage claim.

* Keep valuables (passport, tickets, and wallet) in a small waist pack or pouch so you can carry it around your neck or waist. In busy airports you should never put these valuables in your backpack or handbag. Alternately, keep your passport (the one document your really need on a trip) in the front pocket of your jeans. There is no way someone can get into that pocket without you knowing and sneak thieves rely on being sneaky, not obvious.

* Check with Foreign Affairs to see if they have safety rules or advisories on your destination. Ask what places to avoid and how the country handles crime and foreigners who get in trouble.

* Leave irreplaceable jewelry at home. Besides attracting attention, why take a chance on losing it or having it stolen.

* Have a photocopy made of your passport ID page, airline tickets and credit cards before you leave. Keep them somewhere other than with the passport and tickets. If you lose any of them, the photocopy will make it easy to get replacements.

* Carry extra passport photos. Handy if you need a visa in a hurry, a travel pass or if you lose your passport.