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The root word of travel is "travail." It's an old French word that means excruciating pain and misery. Air travel has become especially bad now that airlines are cutting out the frills that used to make flying (almost) fun, and never mind the ridiculous security measures.

Few aspects of air travel can be more frustrating than lost or damaged luggage. Thousands of bags are lost, left behind, or mangled every day.

This article aims to give you some advice and tips on how to protect your bag from becoming one of those statistics.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Well before your trip, you should research both your airline's baggage regulations and airport security measures. Airlines are becoming more strict with their baggage allowances. If your bag is oversized or overweight, or if you bring more bags than you're allowed, you could be slapped with a hefty fee. If you pack something that was named the Potentially Dangerous Substance of the Month, it will be confiscated at the security checkpoint. These things change all the time, so it's extremely important to stay up-to-date on what's going on.

If you're traveling to or from the US, check out Transportation Security Administration's website at www.tsa.gov. TSA is in charge of airport security, so their website will be the best authority on what you can and can't take with you on the plane.

Knowing what you can and can't bring can save you a lot of grief later on.

TRAVEL LIGHT
Airlines are using smaller planes more and more these days, which means it's even more important for travelers to pack light. If your bag is too big to fit in the overhead compartment, you won't be able to carry it on. You might even be forced to check it if it's too heavy. Different airlines have different restrictions, so again, be sure to check with your airline before you travel.

Weight is something that every airline is concerned about. Airlines have to deal with weight and balance issues, which determines how much fuel the plane needs and whether or not the plane will gain enough altitude to take off. It's for both financial and safety reasons that airlines impose weight restrictions on bags.

Another good reason to pack light is that it will be less wear and tear on your bag. An overstuffed bag is more likely to get damaged. You'll also have a much easier time getting around with a lightweight bag, which is especially critical when you have to make connecting flights.

AVOID CHECKING BAGS
It's a good idea to avoid checking in bags, if you can.

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