I'm a Former Airplane Gate Agent, and These 15 Travel Hacks Will Ensure You Never Lose Luggage Again

"As a former airline gate agent, I've seen firsthand just how often checked luggage goes missing, especially during the summer when the airport is at its busiest or for travelers making tight layovers. Losing luggage is nothing short of a nightmare, which is why I now almost exclusively travel carry-on-only. When you travel with just a carry-on, you skip baggage delays, avoid lost luggage, and get through airports faster. It's not just about convenience, it's about peace of mind, too."

"With a few smart travel accessories, like compression packing cubes and the right-sized toiletry bottles, you'll become a carry-on-only traveler in no time at all. My biggest piece of advice for not overpacking is to consider whether you truly need each item; if not, don't bring it. By keeping belongings to just the necessities, you'll stay organized, maximize your carry-on space, and be able to access what you need quickly, especially during security checks or boarding."

"Start with a reliable carry-on that's built to last. This hard-shell set is lightweight, meets TSA regulations, and fits perfectly in most overhead bins, even on smaller planes. The matching underseat bag is ideal for tech, snacks, or your travel pillow. If you're investing in one thing for carry-on-only travel, let it be a luggage set that can fit everything you need."

Frequent baggage mishandling increases during busy summer travel and tight layovers, causing lost checked luggage and passenger delays. Traveling carry-on-only removes the risk of checked-bag loss, speeds airport transit, and reduces travel stress by providing peace of mind. Smart accessories—durable TSA-compliant carry-on sets, compression packing cubes, and right-sized toiletry bottles—maximize space and keep items organized. Evaluate each item's necessity to avoid overpacking, create outfit bundles for quick access during security and boarding, and prioritize quality luggage and packing systems to enable efficient carry-on-only travel for most trips.

Read at Travel + Leisure