The good news is that sometimes when you think your luggage is lost, it may just be delayed. But airline baggage handling is never a hundred percent, and there may come a time when your suitcase can’t be found. Here are some tips to follow when a piece of luggage has gone missing.

Report lost luggage before leaving the airport. It doesn’t matter how frustrated and exhausted you might be, always make a report to an airline representative and most importantly – get a claim number – before leaving the airport. Most airlines have offices located in the baggage claim area. You’ll need to provide your baggage claim checks and a description of the missing luggage.

Keep an itemized list. Sure it’s not easy to remember what you packed after it’s gone, but seasoned travelers often create a packing list template. This type of list helps you remember what to pack and can help jog your memory if your bag should disappear. Remember that airlines don’t “officially” permit you to pack so-called valuables in your checked baggage and won’t reimburse you for things like jewelry, electronics, computer software, eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, furs, keys, medicines, cameras and cash. Use the camera on your cell phone to take a photo of your bags and the claim tickets, just in case.

File a claim in writing. If your bag doesn’t appear in two weeks, file a formal claim. You can find the form on the airline’s website by searching for “lost baggage.” Most airlines require the report within 21-45 days of losing the bag, so file early to make sure you don’t miss the deadline. You’ll need to describe each item in your bag and often provide receipts.

Follow these steps to improve your chances of reclaiming lost luggage.

(1) Arrive early. Always give yourself extra time in the airport, especially during the holidays when you know a lot more people will be in the air and on the roads. One strategy is to look for off airport parking. Winnipeg airport lots are generally more expensive and crowded during holiday travel periods – which means it may take you longer to get from the parking lot to the terminal. Instead find short term airport parking that offers a courtesy shuttle from your car to the front door. You’ll save time by not having to walk across a big lot.

(2) Keep your airline on speed dial. If your flight should be cancelled, you want to be on the phone rebooking as soon as possible. Program the toll free numbers for your airline into your phone before you head to the airport. Instead of standing in line at the counter, you’ll jump ahead of other people on your flight and have the best chance of salvaging your trip.

(3) Stay healthy and calm. Holidays should be fun and enjoyable, but not if you end up at your destination stressed out or sick. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use it often. Try chewing Vitamin C for extra protection against germs and bugs. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on alcoholic beverages. Include ear plugs and eyeshades in your carry-on luggage for use during your flight.

When you travel during busy holidays, try one or more of these tips so you’ll arrive at your destination in good cheer.

Invest in a neck pillow. Especially on longer trips, many travelers report that being able to sleep comfortably on a plane can make all the difference when you get to your destination. But sleeping upright can be a tricky business. Neck pillows can be a little bulky to carry, but will make a great addition to your in-flight comfort.

Pack plenty of entertainment options. The availability of portable mp3 and DVD players can make an airplane trip much shorter. And you aren’t limited to the movies or channels on offer by the airline. Many people already carry a laptop computer or smart phone which can be used to watch videos and play games. Don’t forget to pack some headphones so you don’t disturb your neighbor.

Stay healthy with simple remedies. Even at the smallest airport, flying brings you in contact with hundreds or thousands of people during your trip. So try these tips to keep yourself feeling good. Drink plenty of water during your trip. Either carry an empty bottle or buy water once you’ve passed through security. Use saline nasal spray to make your nose feel less dry and help reduce infection. Try a home remedy like ginger to prevent motion sickness.

But don’t forget one of the easiest ways to make your business trip or vacation more comfortable. Start by leaving your car in Winnipeg airport parking or a park and fly lot. Convenient to the Winnipeg airport, but not so close that you’ll get caught in the terminal traffic, these airport parking lots offer both indoor and outdoor parking and convenient shuttles that pick you up when you exit your car and drop you at the front door of the terminal. And when you get home, you’ll be delivered quickly and easily back to your vehicle.

Keep your luggage in view. Airlines and national security agencies make a big deal about always keeping your bags close to you – and for good reason. Unattended luggage can present a threat in most countries and is more likely to be stolen. And you certainly don’t want to give someone the opportunity to slip contraband into your suitcase.

Don’t show large amounts of money. Cash is often the best bet when traveling since credit cards can be declined and traveller’s checks are not accepted everywhere. But don’t become a target by pulling out large rolls of cash in public areas. Divide your cash reserves and keep money in separate places so if someone does pick your pocket they won’t get everything at once. And keep money in difficult to reach interior pockets as much as possible.

Photocopy your passport. Theft of your passport, especially in a foreign country can cause plenty of delays. That’s why most travel experts recommend making two copies of your passport identification page. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and carry the second in a separate location from your passport. If your passport is stolen, the copy will help you get a replacement faster.

Use these tips to keep yourself and your possessions safe while you’re away from home.

(1) Think indoor parking. When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing worse than leaving your comfortable vehicle for the snowy and windy outdoors. But there’s another option. Choose Airpark, we offer the option of a fully enclosed parking structure. You’ll stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

(2) Ride a direct shuttle. In many long term airport parking lots, once you get out of the car, you still have to carry your bags and suitcases to a central shuttle stop. And if you have children with you, walking across a crowded parking lot can be scary. But when you look for a Winnipeg airport parking company that picks you up as you exit your car, and drops you at the front door of the terminal, you’ve found the perfect solution.

(3) Prevent theft. There’s no way to stop every car thief, but by taking reasonable security measures, you can convince them to look for an easier target. Many park and fly operations are located at hotels with few physical barriers against theft. Instead, leave your car Airpark that offers 24 hour security patrols, just one entrance and exit, and secure fencing around the parking area.

(4) Get emergency assistance. Have you ever left on a trip and come back to find your battery dead? Or a tire that’s low on air? It’s a terrible feeling and it’s even worse when you’re exhausted after a late night flight. But when you choose a Airpark, you’ll find complimentary battery boosters and compressed air.

(5) Pamper yourself. Often when you leave town, you neglect some of your regular chores. So instead of coming back to a dirty car, why not have your car washed while you’re away? You’ll save time with an airport parking company that offers this extra service.

When you get back home, you want your car to be ready and waiting for you. Try these airport parking tips and your trip home will be just as relaxing as your vacation.

Or so you thought.  You aren’t in the airport parking garage this time.  AirPark to the rescue! AirPark offers 24 hour emergency service to ensure your trip from the airport to your home is a smooth one! Not many people plan on needing it, but we always see a face of relief when we get to the “dead” car.

In addition to compressed air and battery boosters, AirPark offers security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 24 hour emergency assistance, a car wash service, the efficient shuttle service directly to your car, and the option of indoor or outdoor parking. So after the long plane ride and the stress of a trip, you can return to your car worry-free. At AirPark we bring your car to  you so you don’t have to search for it and we can fill your ties or charge your battery within minutes. You can even schedule a car wash while you’re away so you come back to a  beautifully clean car. What better way to end a vacation?

Set up weather alerts. Popular weather information and travel websites offer features that allow you to enter information about your destination and receive regular updates about projected weather patterns. Generally these bulletins will go to your email inbox or you can choose to have them sent as a text message. If you have a mobile phone, you’ll have easy access to information even if you don’t have access to a computer during your trip.

Watch projected forecasts. Before you leave on a business trip or vacation, you can easily check the weather by browsing long-term forecasts. Most weather websites offer 10-day weather forecasts showing high, low and average temperatures, projected amounts of rain and snow, and other useful information.

Follow weather radar. Since there are so many official sources of radar data, there’s no excuse for missing an impending storm. Simply type “weather radar Winnipeg” (substituting the name of your destination into the search) and you’ll find plenty of websites showing the movement of rainstorms and other natural events.

Weather tracking won’t promise you a worry-free trip, but can help you anticipate and avoid storms when possible. Another way to begin and end your trip on auto-pilot is to leave your car at a long term airport parking lot. You’ll get a VIP ride to and from your car and if you do encounter bad weather on your trip, you know you’ll have a smooth ride when you get home.

On your return trip, rain is no worry of yours. If there is inclement weather, you simply wait inside near exit 4. No more luggage carts, shuttle drivers busy talking on their phones or multiple stops between the airport and your car. The majority of our staff has been with us for quite some time and they all love their jobs. They are not the typical rude and indifferent airport employees that you will encounter. We like our jobs here, and it is easy to tell when you board one of our shuttles.

In addition to not having to look for your car when it goes “missing”, you are also prevented from walking around a dark, unsafe parking garage. Back at your car quickly and safely, we are here for any of your need from that point on. This includes flat tires and battery boosts, and free telephone/internet if you need it. Airpark is always there to help your travels go smoothly.

In between packing and waiting in the security lines at the airport, add “drop car off at Airpark” to the to-do list. And it’s as simple as that. Airpark will worry about the rest. Park your car, get your bags, get picked up by the amazing shuttle (whose driver even helps with the bags), then take your place in the dreaded security lines. Grab your coffee, board the plane and then cross off “worry about your car” and “smacks head because you didn’t write down where you were located”. Those are no longer needed on your updated travel routine to-do list. Airpark has taken care of that part.

And when you return, it gets even simpler. We pick you up drive you straight to your car, help with your bags, and even make sure there are no emergency services needed such as air in your tire or a battery boost. Off you go, home to that pile of laundry. Sorry we can’t take care of that too!

Airpark’s indoor parking lot is the most secure parking structures around. Our lots are brightly lit, well patrolled, heated in the winter and cooled in the summertime. Your investment is our concern and priority. No more pushing that luggage cart around during a rain storm. From April to October, the indoor rates are one dollar more a day than our outdoor rates. $14.95 a day, or $69.95 a week, or $299.95 a month. That comes to less than $10 a day. That means for $10 a day, you can have a 7 day vacation free of worrying about your car or your trip back.