Baggage Battles – The latest in reality TV

April 17, 2012 | By Collette Peck

Ever wonder what happens to all that lost airline luggage? I suppose it was just a matter of time before reality TV stepped in to tell us!  The Travel Channel recently premiered the new show “Baggage Battles” – you can catch a new episode tomorrow night.

The program involves people bidding on unclaimed luggage, hoping to find treasures left behind.  Like the popular television program “Storage Wars“, folks are allowed to see a small portion of what might be in the luggage and then the bidding begins.  I’m waiting for the person that lost that family heirloom to be watching and realize someone else now owns it!

All of this can be avoided if folks would just tag their luggage properly.  That yellow string on the handle might help you identify your bag at the baggage carousel, but to the lost luggage people, it’s just another yellow string on a black bag.  When traveling, have a name tag with your cell phone number (not home address) on the outside.  Go one step further and place more information about yourself INSIDE the bag.  Your name, cell phone number, flight information and even hotel names where you will be staying.  I tell my clients all the time,  DO NOT pack valuables or medication inside your checked luggage.  These things need to either stay home or be with you in your carry-on bag.  Happy Flying!