All the things that involve checking and scanning travel luggage are some of the things I wish to dispense with when traveling. But unfortunately, luggage issues are inevitable.

On the other hand, you can still make your trip as smooth-sailing as possible. Avoid common luggage problems with the following tips:

1. Know more about the airline policy on checked and handy-carry travel bags.

Always adhere to the rules of the airline. You should know the weight limit for hand-carry bags. You should also find out which items are not allowed to be included in hand-carry bags.

If you intend to check your luggage, know more about the regulations of the company. Check out how much you are going to pay for checked bags. Also find out if the company is liable for anything in case they lost your bag.

2. Avoid bringing big bottles of bath products, perfumes, hair products or cosmetic products.

If you insist on bringing your whole bath or cosmetic set, you should consider shipping them to your destination beforehand instead of checking them in. Many people who cannot start a day without using their favourite hair spray or hair product will resort to packing these products and shipping them to the hotel they are staying at least two weeks before their flight.

3. Your bag has to be sturdy.

There is no assurance that the bag handlers in the Airline will really take good care of your bag. You should choose a travel luggage that can withstand wear and tear. Make sure it is made of reliable fabric that will not rip or tear easily.

But do not go for hard-sided travel bags if you are planning to hand-carry your bag. You will have a hard time fitting this kind of bag in the overhead compartment of the airplane. Soft-sided bags are better because they are more flexible.

4. Check the caster wheels of your luggage.

Make sure it is made of in line skating rubber wheels instead of plastic wheels. The problem with plastic caster wheels is that they do not roll around easily. In fact, they can get damaged under the heavy weight of the luggage. You wouldn’t want to use a bag with damaged caster wheels. It will make it harder for you to roll it around.

5. Make sure the luggage tag is secure.

Make your own luggage tag and attach it to the bag securely. This will help you identify the bag. It will also prevent the airline company from losing your luggage.