Originally Posted by
amandasgramma
After my luggage was dug into by some "now fired" personnel in Miami, a friend told me to put a piece of duct tape over the luggage.....so you can tell when someone goes thru your luggage. My understanding then was that they can NOT go thru your luggage without you being in the room...watching them (so they don't plant anything). I believe that rule is still in effect.
You could tie a big bright piece of fabric on the handle --- so you KNOW that's your luggage when it comes off the turntable.
Do NOT put your name and address on the label thing on the luggage. Too easy for someone to see it and know you're going to be gone for a long time. Just put your name and phone #.....inside you can put your address -- but even then, I wouldn't put it in there.
My Uncle (retired United Airlines empoyee) told us to put our travel itinerary written out on copy paper and placed inside on top of our stuff and run a piece of packing tape over top. If your tags get ripped off, and they will some day, the employees will be able to find you. Also put your final destination accommadations for the same reason. Also, if someone does go thru your lugguge (and they do), you can tell as soon as you open your luggage.
Travel in light weight clothes ( I LOVE knit capris with matching zippered hoodies...I put an extra tshirt in my carryon...just in case I spill on my shirt) NO tie shoes, put a pair of ballet style slippers in your carry on...flight get cold and hot....and you can never tell about airports and air conditioning!
TAKE WASHCLOTHES (Lots of foreign countries don't use them like us Americans)....after a 14 hr flight...it feels so good to wash your face, neck...and you will look fresh for the next part of your journey!
Pick up a small notebook to carry with you at all times....its amazing how many times you will think "I should have written that down" or remembering things about your trip...cities, people.....
Before each family vacation I get a roll of 2 inch wide ribbon to wrap around handles of luggage, carry ons and purses....I got shamrocks for our trip to Ireland! Beach umbrellas went to Jamaica last spring!
Locks...not much good if the guys in the back room have the master key! They can get into your luggage...and you may lose the key or forget the combo...and what are they going to take...your clothes????
Enjoy your trip...Australia is on my list!
ps....daughter just mentioned headphones (earbuds)....kids would have died without theirs on a lot of trips!