What Accessories Help Prevent Lost or Stolen Luggage?

…Because chasing your suitcase down a baggage carousel like it’s a runaway dog is not part of the vacation plan.

Let’s face it — losing your luggage is the adult version of losing your mom at the grocery store. It’s traumatic, confusing, and for some reason always seems to happen when you're already hangry and late for your Airbnb check-in.

So, how can you protect your precious cargo from getting lost or becoming a new home for someone else’s dirty laundry collection?

Here’s a rundown of the top accessories that help prevent your luggage from ghosting you — and a few laughs to keep you smiling while your suitcase survives the airport jungle.

1. Bright, Personalized Luggage Tags

Because all black suitcases look like they belong in a funeral procession.

Why you need it:

Generic luggage is like wearing a black hoodie at a ninja convention — you’re invisible. Slap on a neon pink “NOT YOUR BAG, KAREN” tag, and suddenly your suitcase stands out like a sore (but stylish) thumb.

Bonus tip:

Add your phone number and email, but maybe skip the home address unless you really want strangers to know where your socks live.

2. TSA-Approved Locks

Keep your zippers from zipping into someone else’s weekend plans.

Why you need it:

TSA locks keep opportunistic hands out while still letting airport agents do their thing without breaking out bolt cutters like they’re on a home renovation show.

Funny but true:

Some travelers still use zip ties. They're cheap, sure — but do you really want to be that person asking strangers for scissors at baggage claim?

3.  Bluetooth or GPS Luggage Trackers

Because your luggage deserves to be stalked lovingly.

Why you need it:

With a tracker tucked inside, you can pull up an app and find out if your bag is in Paris with you — or if it decided to take a solo trip to Des Moines.

Hot picks:

• Apple AirTag (for iPhone users)

• Tile Pro

• Samsung SmartTag (for Galaxy folks)

Pro tip:

Don’t just drop the tracker in the outer pocket. If it falls out, now you’re just tracking a bag of chewing gum and tissues.

4.  Luggage Straps (a.k.a. Suitcase Seatbelts)

Add a splash of color and keep your bag from busting open like a piñata mid-flight.

Why you need it:

They help secure your suitcase shut, even if you overpacked like you’re fleeing the country (no judgment). Bonus: the brighter and bolder, the better for IDing your luggage fast.

Warning:

Avoid those ultra-cheap straps. If your strap snaps under pressure, you’ll look like you're wrestling a wild animal at baggage claim.

5. Luggage Covers (Fashion meets Fort Knox)

Because your suitcase deserves a travel outfit too.

Why you need it:

Not only do they protect your bag from scratches, spills, and questionable conveyor belts, but a wild print or custom photo cover also makes your bag basically un-kidnappable. No thief wants to steal a suitcase covered in flamingos or your dog’s face.

6. Baggage Claim Karma Protection Plan

(Okay, this one’s not real — but good vibes can’t hurt.)

The real talk:

Double-check your claim tag, snap a photo of your luggage before you check it, and never — ever — pack valuables in a checked bag. Unless you want your MacBook to go on a magical mystery tour without you.

Final Thoughts:

Luggage loss is like bad airplane food — it’s a risk you take, but with the right accessories, you can seriously up your odds of keeping your stuff safe, sound, and stylish.

So tag it, lock it, strap it, and track it — and may your bags always land where you do.