To Wonder if you spread your packing out across all the cases?

[girlfriend44]

Having been watching Rip Off Britain about holiday problems and also hearing it more and more recently I was wondering this.

Do you worry about your cases getting lost if going abroad?
Nightmare thought being left with no luggage.

Do you spread the packing out and pack something from everyone in each case rather than having your own case?
This would give some reassurance if cases or case got lost.
Will definitely be thinking of this more now.
Some people have been left without luggage for the whole duration of their holiday.
How do you Pack?

Usually we do.

For some reason last summer we didn't, except the odd item. We were in a bit of a rush packing and just packed out own cases pretty much, without spreading them out.
Typically that was when one case got left behind - dh's case which also had DD's trainers and odd items, plus toiletries in.

Fortunately it was located quickly and delivered to our hotel late afternoon the following day. Was left behind at the transit airport.

In the meantime we went shopping and got dh some new underwear, swim shorts, a t shirt and shirt, a pair of shorts and a pair of long trousers. We got dd a new pair of trainers. Also got some essential toiletries which the hotel couldn't provide.

We were careful with what we bought as had no idea what would be covered by the airline as it wasn't clear. It just said 'items that you will need to cover the time the luggage is missing.' So only bought what we'd be happy to pay for ourself anyway. We were also fortunate to be in a city for our first few days so plenty of choice. The airline paid out for everything after we submitted receipts when we got back home, as well as a small a,out of compensation - basically they rounded the claim up.

So now we definitely always spread the load a bit more and remind family too. As it happened last summer my sister's luggage (all of it) was also delayed by a day due to a quick change over time (delayed first plane) as was one of our friend's cases on their holiday - again same issue, left at transit airport and returned next day.

Have started doing half and half since last year. Like the idea of having a couple of basics in hand luggage also!

That was actually the first time we've ever had a missing case, was also first time for family and friends. We all travel abroad a at least 2-3 times a year and have done for years. And each time last year was at a transit airport - I think airlines get fined so much more for missing their time slots that they'd rather pay out a bit of compensation for missing luggage and replacement clothes for a day.

No, we each pack our own case. If one gets lost, that’s what travel insurance is for- we just go out and buy what we need. We do carry a change of undies in our carry on to get through the first night.

The expensive items but is really important as, when you read the small print, expensive items such as jewellery and electronics are often not covered if your case goes missing and you need to claim. When you read the small print it often tells you that these expensive items shouldn't be out in hold luggage.

We also use colour coded packing cubes which helps when unpacking in hotels. We know which cubes be one to which person at a quick glance even if spread between cases.
Have ordered some vacuum packing cubes that don't rely on having a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out for dd to try before she goes abroad for 3 months in the summer; want to see how much more you can pack using them.

Yes started doing this the last few holidays as one year I forgot to put a suitcase in the car and only realised at our destination 😂

I always do this for our family of 5.i like the idea of colour coded packing cubes to help with unpacking at the other end. I'll try that this year :)

Yes we have done this for ages, don't remember what made us start though

About 25 years ago, I arrived at my long haul destination (a developing country) which I'd travelled alone to for a 2 week holiday with just the clothes I was standing up in, and no hand luggage. My luggage didn't arrive for a further 5 days.

Since then, I always make sure to:

• take hand luggage with at least 5 sets of underwear and 2 full change of clothes
• hold maximum toiletries in each hand luggage
• have at least 2 outfits for everyone in each suitcase

It's a complete nightmare trying to source what you need in some countries, as well as expensive if your bag doesn't arrive, and given airline lost luggage is so common these days, I'd rather be prepared, than not.

Yes we do this too, we work out enough on board clothes for 3 days so we could have 3 days which is enough to find out where to wash if need be

For a week away I only take carry on now, quicker, easier, and bought a decent carry on bag that maximises space. Will buy kids the same for summer

It's a good idea - although not sure if I should do it as I would make a meal out of it! I am bad enough with packing - lists checked and double checked.... I do take enough medication to last the holiday in every case though. I have type 1 diabetes and I always go a bit OTT with that.

No. Big family holiday, 2 weeks, 20 hours travel, with 3 under 6s, grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins. In all the palaver of leaving the house, my suit case got left behind at home.

Was so much easier knowing it was just my stuff missing, a quick trip to Walmart for shorts, t shirt, swimmers, underwear, sandals and a hoodie and I was good to go. Had we been missing a bit of everyone's stuff in different sizes and everyone wanting to come shopping to see what they liked/needed it would have been a nightmare.

Definitely do this, always. I've always done it on the way out to holiday, but this year didn't bother on the way back because I figured it mattered less on the way home. I changed my mind after receiving only one of 2 bags - the one with all our beach towels and dirty laundry. All of our actual clothes, toiletries etc, took 3 weeks to be returned. Nightmare.

Yes on the way out. Not on the way back.

In my experience baggage is more likely to go missing if you have a connection. Single flights have generally been OK.

@girlfriend44 I travel solo but pack a change of clothes/underwear and a swimsuit in my hand luggage. I have also just invested in an AirTag which will go in my hold luggage.

Split between us four, a bit of everyones in each others! Also carry bare essentials for beach holiday, like flip flops and bikini and shorts in hand bag. Things like contact lenses as well, and any meds you can't easily replace locally.

Don't rely on this though. Last flight we went on, everyone had done the same, with biggest bags allowable, and therefore a good number of people were disappointed when their luggage was forcibly removed to the hold. There was not enough overhead space for them all.

Always. Minimum 3 days worth. Have done since about 1987 when I was a teenager and my suitcase went missing.

No, but never had a problem either. I do carry basics in my hand luggage if it's likely not getting into my room until late eg when I take a cruise the luggage often arrives later

My grandparents and parents always did this so I usually have done as well. I don't think it's a new thing but probably something people are more aware of since the baggage debacles of the last couple of years.

Always packed at least one change of clothing for everyone into other family members suitcase plus packed a change of clithes(usually bikini shorts t shirt) in hand luggage. Have not had a suitcase go missing yet but there's a first time for everything.

Yes always have - thankfully never needed it though

Yes, spread across luggages and have underwear and a couple of sets of clothes in the hand luggage too.
Once my luggage arrived 4 days after me but fortunately it was on our return home. If it had been on the outbound journey my one week holiday would have affected.