From suitcase selfies to ditching connections, seven ways to prevent your luggage getting lost this summer

WHAT is the one thing worse than your suitcase rolling on to the luggage carousel and opening up with undies spilling out?

Well, your suitcase not appearing at all, which is becoming increasingly likely.

In 2022, the rate of mishandled baggage doubled, rising to 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers.

A report by Sita, an aviation IT provider, says the problem is eight times more likely on international flights than domestic ones.

So what can you do to avoid the dreaded lost-luggage drama, and what should you do should the worst happen?

Here Tamara Hinson has some tips and tricks to help you . . . 

TRACK IT: There was once a passenger who tried to disembark after a look at his iPhone revealed his luggage, containing an Apple AirTag, had not made it on to the plane.

While we are not suggesting a similar approach, trackers — pocket-sized devices that run on Bluetoothand can be put in suitcases — definitely help keep tabs on luggage.

Our list suggests some of the best around.

It is worth noting there have been reports of the devices being misused to track people.

Airlines are also beginning to understand the anxiety that goes with handing over your luggage.

Qantas and Virgin Australia will now let you track your luggage in their own apps.

TAG IT: Do not underestimate the humble luggage tag.

The long sticky labels attached at check-in will not necessarily show information that airline staff need to reunite you with your bags.

Patrick Collinson, owner of luggage brand Kovered, says: "I always attach a tag, listing my name and phone number. It ensures my luggage will make its way back to me."

TAKE SUITCASE SELFIES: Describing your bag is not easy, so photograph both sides of the bag before checking in.

For another tip, Anthony Collias, co-founder of luggage storage app Stasher, says: "If you are travelling with companions, split your belongings between suitcases. If one bag goes missing, you will all still have some items."

INSIDE STORY: Even with all the precautions such as luggage tags and hi-tech goodies, the basics are still worth covering.

Make sure you add your contact details to the inside of the bag.

A sticker on the interior or a luggage tag with your details inside will help airline staff if your outer tags are missing.

BRIGHTER IS BETTER: Newsflash: suitcases do not just come in varying shades of grey.

Using brightly coloured luggage will not just minimise the risk of mistaken identity on the luggage carousel, it will help airline staff identify your cases and bags.

Being told the missing suitcase is bright green with an "I love poodles" sticker on will be music to any airline employee's ears.

DITCH THE CONNECTIONS: You will feel less smug about saving money by travelling to Goa, India, via five different airports if your luggage goes AWOL.

More stop-offs mean greater opportunities for lost luggage, especially when there are tight transfer times or multiple airlines involved.

If you are flying indirect, make sure you double check there is enough time for any possible delays to avoid your luggage not making further flights.

GET INSURANCE: If your luggage is lost you can claim reasonable expenses for essentials from the airline.

But there is no set figure for this, so do not imagine you can start buying designer togs to replace your Primark holiday clothes.

If your suitcase is lost completely, you can claim up to £1,000 from the airline, but for some that would not cover all the contents.

Making sure you have travel insurance will mean you do not lose out, as most policies will come with lost luggage cover.

So check exactly how much — and if it meets your requirements.

HERE are four luggage trackers to help you keep tabs on your baggage . . . 

Apple AirTag, £35, apple.com: These button-shaped Bluetooth trackers allow iPhone users to track items via the Find My app, using signals from other Apple gadgets to send their location to the cloud.

The massive network of iPhone users means AirTags provide incredibly accurate data.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, £32, amazon.co.uk: For added security, Samsung Galaxy's SmartTags, compatible with Samsung Galaxy phones, have a hole, which allows them to be attached to items inside your suitcase.

Chipolo One Spot, £30, amazon.co.uk: Like AirTags, these trackers work with iPhones’ Find My app, which can also be used to prompt the tracker to emit an alarm – handy when you are back on home turf and your keys have disappeared behind the sofa.

Tile Pro, £29.99, uk.tile.com: This is one of the more rugged trackers.

However, because they work with the network of Tile app users, not the iPhone network, these are slightly less precise than those reliant on Apple's Find My app.