Before you head to the airport, there is one thing you should be doing or you risk being left thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Having your suitcase damaged – or even lost – can ruin your holiday before it even starts.

Experts have suggested that holidaymakers who take a photograph of their suitcase not only have a higher chance of getting it back, but also getting compensation if it is damaged.

Passenger rights website AirHelp states: “If your bag gets damaged as it travels from A to B, a picture taken just before you handed it over to the airline will prove that you’re not trying to claim for previous damage.

“Because you took a photo of your luggage before handing it over, you have visual proof to back up your claim that your bag was returned in worse condition.”

Frequent flyer, Sarvakhgyan Santhaunam backed this up on Quora, explaining: “Before every flight journey, just take a photo of your baggage from four different angles on your phone.

“Almost every passenger knows what it contains, but fails to give a clear description of what the baggage looks like.

“For example, if a passenger says he has lost his black case, then airport authorities can never trace it as there are thousands of black cases in the airport.

“A photo gives a very clear description of the baggage and helps airport authorities narrow down their scope of searching.

“Chances of getting your luggage are usually higher if you have a photo.”

It’s not just the outside you should be taking a picture of, but all of the contents too.

Traveller Ryan Smith wrote on The Point’s Guy: “Let’s say your bag is lost and you want to file a claim for reimbursement. One of the first steps in this process will be proving what was in your suitcase and its worth.

“Can you name exactly what was in your suitcase the last time you checked a bag, and prove how much each item is worth? I know I wouldn’t be able to off the top of my head.

“That’s why I plan to take pictures and videos of the contents of my checked bags any time something valuable is inside.”

Travel insurance provider Allianz confirmed that this is a “handy tool” as it is a “time-stamped record” to prove your suitcase contents.

One traveller who had no proof of their suitcase contents’ worth – which was around $2,200 ($AU3,486) – was only given $900 ($AU1,426) compensation when it went missing.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission. 

A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. You can find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out here. Escape may receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Learn more.

Copyright Nationwide News Pty Ltd all rights reserved

Powered by WordPress.com VIP

Yes, I would like to receive marketing and communications from Escape.com.au including incredible deals, insider travel advice and jaw-dropping competitions.

I agree to abide by the escape.com.au Terms & Conditions of use and Privacy Policy.

By registering you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. By registering you agree to be updated on new offers, products and services from News Pty Limited and any of its related companies using contact details provided.

Yes, I would like to receive marketing and communications from Escape.com.au including incredible deals, insider travel advice and jaw-dropping competitions.

I agree to abide by the escape.com.au Terms & Conditions of use and Privacy Policy.

Our Privacy Policy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including to provide you with targeted advertising based on your online activities). It explains that if you do not provide us with information we have requested from you, we may not be able to provide you with the goods and services you require. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature.

I agree to abide by the escape.com.au Terms & Conditions of use and Privacy Policy.

Yes, I would like to receive marketing and communications from Escape.com.au including incredible deals, insider travel advice and jaw-dropping competitions.

We still need some details from you...

This is the name that will appear next to your comments

Please enter your details below and one of our friendly partners will get back to you within 24-48 hours.