UK tourists warned of common luggage error as airports prepare for busy Christmas

Travelling during Christmas can be a joyful time for many - but it can also come with a few challenges. With the holiday season often busy with travellers, there could be increased risks of luggage mishaps.

But if you want to ensure Christmas presents and jumpers packed in your hold luggage don't go missing, there are things you can do. According to experts at 1st Move International removals, you can reduce the risk of your belongings getting lost.

It is most important to go for direct flights if possible. They said: "Most baggage losses occur during international flights, especially those with layovers during busy periods, due to the increased risk of transferring baggage from one aircraft to another.

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"To lower the risk, try to book direct flights. If a layover is necessary, opt for a longer one, giving staff more time to transfer your luggage and reducing the chance of mistakes."

Another crucial thing is to remove old airline stickers and tags from your belongings to avoid any confusion for airport staff, Express reports. You should also try to use a sturdy luggage tag which is visible and distinct to help locate your belongings easily.

The experts said: "Make sure to keep the contact details on your tag up-to-date as this will also make it easier for staff to return lost baggage to you." Luggage tags sometimes fall off or are damaged during transit.

So, it is a good idea to keep a paper copy of your contact information and itinerary inside your luggage. You could also buy a good-quality GPS tracker.

Airtags or Tile Mates can be easily stored in your suitcase, allowing you to track where it is on your phone. The experts added: "Not only will it put you at ease for your flight, but it will also make it easier to find your luggage in the event an airline does lose it."

A quick snapshot of your bag can also help if it goes missing as airport staff can then see what they are looking for. Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, said: "The first thing you should do is report the issue to the airline’s baggage claim officer or customer service desk before leaving the airport, as this initiates the tracking process.

"Usually, baggage will be tagged with your flight information, but just in case you want to give the airline a description, be as thorough as possible. How many cases, how big are they, what colour are they, and what brand? Every bit of information helps."