Recent reports are that one out of 100 checked bags is returned to its owner with at least one valuable article missing. If that happens to you on a flight, most likely suspects are baggage handlers and airport security staff.

Airport security opens bags, but usually in front of you, and are closely monitored by video. Additionally, security people are concerned with carry-on materials, not usually involved in checked luggage.

Baggage handlers are not authorized to open checked bags, but are not always in camera view. In both cases of airport workers, at least 99.9% do their jobs honestly. However, when news of thefts are revealed, it reflects on all of them.

If you believe anything has been stolen from your checked luggage, here are steps you can take to report it:

Giving away accumulated air miles can be a satisfying, but often complicated process. You must obey deadlines and specific restrictions. Rules for unused air miles change all the time. Business flyers and others who decide to give away miles should check frequently with their airlines to become familiar with the most current rules.   

1. Mileage giveaways are usually called guest flier programs. For latest information, check airline websites. Examples: United Airlines Charity Miles, American Airlines Miles for Kids, Northwest Air Cares, Delta Sky Wish Charities, Midwest Airlines Miracle Miles, southwest.com and and Continental OnePass.

There are also websites that give continuously updated information on the entire air miles donor process. They include smartertravel.com and frequentflier.com.

Are you uncomfortable meeting new people? Many of us, especially widowed seniors, now in our sunset years feel the same way. Take heart, fellow geeks. There are ways to break away from your iffy ways, swing into the social whirl and see the world. Suggestions:

1. First, get your butt off that too-comfy couch into some serious traveling. Eyes glued to the TV is the ultimate geekiness, because you are able to relate to all the action without having to jump into it. Venture out into reality!

2. Sign up for regular exercise sessions at a local gym. You’ll meet many seniors there also trying to develop their abs and some new friendships.

Guest Correspondent Maria DeM, Los Angeles CA: We often go red eye, flights that take off after 9 pm. It’s cheaper, better onboard seating is available, and airports are much less crowded. Also, road traffic to and from the airport is much lighter.

We find ways to sleep during flights. Our most frequent trips, about twice a month, are one-hour hops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We also take six-hour flights cross country several times a year, and about once a year an eight-hour-plus journey to Europe, Asia or South America.