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1. Check your suitcases before going on a trip to make sure they don’t have any actual or incipient rips or tears or broken parts that might interfere with their reliable operation on the journeys ahead. Replace or repair anything that looks suspect.

2.1 Should you buy cheap or expensive luggage? The hassle factor of something like a zip breaking or a wheel falling off is vastly greater than the money you saved by buying an inferior bag to start with. Buy good quality luggage – it will be cheaper in the long run.

2.2 But don’t buy ‘showy’ luggage that marks you and your luggage as a valuable target. Fancy leather finish, gold fittings, prominent brand names - these are all tempting signals to a luggage thief. See our series and reviews on luggage for much more information.

3.1 Make your suitcases visually distinctive by adding something brightly colored to them, such as the MyTag bag tags. This not only makes it easier for you to spot them when they arrive on the carousel, but it also prevents other people from either accidentally taking your bag by mistake or deliberately taking your bag on purpose. If your bag is visually distinctive and unique, other people won't confuse it with their bag, and thieves won't take it because they are more likely to be spotted with your bag and can't then claim it was an innocent mistake.

3.2 Distinctively marked suitcases are also easier for a luggage agent to find if they go missing, or need to be pulled off a flight (perhaps you changed your travel plans).

4.1 Know your weight allowances (typically 50lbs per bag, and two bags per passenger) and weigh your own bags before leaving home. Because US airlines have an allowance per bag, if you're traveling with one bag that is overweight, split the contents and take two bags. This means more hassle for the airline, but it keeps you safely clear of having to pay an excess baggage charge.

4.2 If you're buying an airline ticket for travel that doesn't originate or terminate in the US, your baggage limit may be only 44 lbs (20kg) per person (not per bag, but in total, per person!). Some airlines (notably Aeroflot) include the weight of your carry-on luggage into that entitlement, too. Excess baggage costs can quickly become very pricey.

4.3 Some European low fare airlines have even lower limits - as little as 33 lbs/person. Be sure to know your baggage allowances.

4.4 If weight is a problem, or convenience is valuable to you, consider a service such as Sports Express. This company will collect your luggage from your home and deliver it to your destination for you, saving you the hassle and potential cost of using the airlines. They're less likely to lose or damage your luggage, and much more responsive if something does go wrong.