You rush off the flight to get to the pick-up area quickly. Then, too often, as that big merry-go-round circles endlessly, all other travelers get their bags. And it could be even worse than the long wait. Your bag doesn’t arrive at all.

You find out later from luggage claim that it was mistakenly loaded aboard another flight. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to pick it up at the airport in only two or three days. How do you avoid the problem? Simply do your flying without checking bags. Stuff everything possible into a carry-on bag and backpack, and if necessary, all else into a coat with many inside and outside pockets.