Hello everyone,<BR> I'm making a list of things to pack and it looks like I'm going to have to bring a <BR>2-3 pieces of luggage for my three months studying abroad in London. I've never been overseas and my absolute worst fear is losing my luggage and being terribly miserable. Should I check in my 22" and 26" suitcases and bring a tote onto the plane or bring the 22" onboard, leave the tote at home, and check in the 26"? I'm flying on a non-stop flight. After having read many horrifying stories of lost luggage, I'm apprehensive about checking in my luggage unless I had to. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kari.

On a direct flight there shouldn't be much of a problem. I've had my luggage delayed (never lost - just late) a couple of times, but always when making very close connections, less than 2 minutes to change planes and such.<BR>Just make sure you mark you baggage well - e-mail address if that's the best way to reach you in England. And get some travel insurance. Checking you baggage shouldn't be a problem.

The people on this board who have never lost luggage will give you optimistic advice. But as one who's been burned, I advocate carrying on as much as you are permitted, it's the only stuff you can be SURE will arrive with you! <BR><BR>So call your airline and find out what THEY permit, it varies a lot from one to antheer (US carriers tend to be more generous, British Airways is one of the strictest).

I don't think you should be frightened at all. As above posters have told you, luggage is rarely "lost." It can be misplaced in transit, but even then it's usually misplaced on a connecting flight trip. With a non-stop,I think you're in good shape. <BR><BR>And this advice is coming from a person who only does carry-on, so I'm not biased toward checking luggage.<BR><BR>In addition, if you are staying in one place, you would only be mildly inconvenienced by the absent luggage for one to three days, and with your situation, the airlines aren't going to have the additional problem of trying to figure out which country you are in by Thursday.<BR><BR>The true nightmare is when one is doing a multi-city or multi-country trip and is constantly on the move. In that scenario, the traveler is terribly inconvenienced and the airline's resolutions are bound to be inadequate.<BR><BR>Just bring your toiletries and one change of clothes with you on the plane. That way if you're without, you can always wear one, wash one until the bags "find" you. <BR><BR>Travel insurance on lost baggage is not a bad idea, either, if you are still fearful.<BR><BR>Again, I don't think it will happen and once more, even if it does, you will be in an optimal position to recover the luggage.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

My luggage got lost in route to Dubrovnik - it showed up 3 days later. Make sure it's tagged and you have the claim tickets. With a non stop flight you should be fine. Make sure you have a carry on with some clothes and toiletries (just in case) Losing luggage in the big scheme of things is not the worst thing that could happen to you - inconvenient yes but not the worst. You can't do much about luggage being stolen. I was surprised to learn I could live out of one bag. Find out from your airline what you can carry on.

For your entertainment, I offer you this site that explains what happens to all the lost luggage that doesn't eventually meet up with its owners . . . <BR><BR>http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/home.htm

Yes, luggage DOES get lost--and frequently. Those who say it seldom happens are the same who say you needn't wear a money belt because they've never been mugged. <BR><BR>I had luggage lost for SIX days between Newark and London. I had taken two flights, but they co-shared so luggage was checked through. Well, neither would take responsibility for getting it to me. So much for co-sharing. Same luggage, plus my companion's bag, was lost for 4 days on that return trip. And I won't even go into details about the ripped sides, broken locks, etc. that happen when they find luggage and have to inspect it. I now carry on whenever possible. <BR><BR>Karisiera, since you're going for three months, could you ship your belongings and just carry on a tote with your essentials? Or, better yet, have family ship it to you once you've arrived.

Don't worry. Neither April's or her companion's bags were "lost". They were delayed for a few days but eventually they were delivered to her. The upshot is, especially on a direct flight, luggage is very rarely lost, but sometimes is delayed. <BR><BR>But my conceren is of you taking too much "stuff". You will likely be flat-sharing and have very limited storage space for clothes or anything else. Take one suitcase and one small carry-on. Then after you have an idea of what you'll need/have room for have your folks send it to you. Whatever you do - do not take a huge wardrobe with you. London flats do not usually have closets and you will probably end up sharing cramped cupboards. <BR>

Hi everyone,<BR> I'm trying desperately to streamline my wardrobe so I could cut down on the amount of luggage I have to bring. I'm saving a lot of space in my suitcase for souvenirs to take home as well. I will be checking in the larger suitcase and bringing the 22" onboard. <BR>Thanks everyone for your help! - Kari<BR>

The #1 thing to do is to check the tag with the airport code which they put on your bags at check in. An inproper code is a common reason for lost luggage.<BR><BR>I assume you will be flying into either London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW).<BR><BR>Also, put your London address (or itinerary) inside each piece of luggage.

Thanks Mandy! - Kari