I enjoy flying. Takeoff is my favorite part! But two aspects fuel my anxiety. First, it’s the particulars at the TSA checkpoint that stress me out. Then, there is the chance of losing my luggage. Unfortunately, the latter recently happened, and I panicked. 

You see, as a preventative measure for this scenario, I have chosen to be a carry-on traveler for several years. I have finetuned the art of packing for short trips, using only my backpack and rolling suitcase, one that I have depended on for quite some time.  

This loyal piece of luggage is typically stuffed to the brim. All the essentials are squeezed in, from business attire and workout clothes to 3-ounce liquids crammed into a quart size bag. Then, I roll that suitcase through the airport and onto the plane, where I can rest assured that everything is right there with me. 

Except, the situation took a turbulent turn on my last flight. At the gate, the attendant scanned my boarding pass and motioned toward my suitcase and said, “We will have to check that bag.” 

I asked, “Do you mean valet it?” No, that is not what she meant. My heart sank as she fastened a baggage claim sticker to the handle of my beloved suitcase to be placed in the cargo hold beneath the plane. 

Gripped with anxiety, I tried to reassure myself with positive thoughts. “It will be in baggage claim when I get there.” However, the mood shifted. Weather caused a detour during the first leg of my flight. We were still descending toward the airport as my connecting flight was scheduled to board. 

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Once we landed and deplaned, I walked hurriedly to the gate as they made the final boarding call. By some small miracle, and slight delay of the connecting flight, I made it! My suitcase, however, did not. 

I realized the mishap while standing at baggage claim, watching luggage circle the carousel. Mine was nowhere in sight. Fortunately, an attendant tracked my suitcase that had made it onto the next flight. The airline was set to deliver it to my hotel.  

But what if it did not make it? What would I do? My vision is terrible, so I rely on daily-wear contact lenses or glasses. Those were all in my bag. Then there were other important items, like deodorant and my toothbrush. I was at the mercy of the delivery service. 

Thankfully, I can report that I was reunited with my travel belongings by 2:30 a.m. the following day. In the end, I learned a very important lesson. From now on when I travel by air, my corrective lenses and the most crucial items will be packed in my backpack – that fits compactly beneath the passenger seat in front of me.

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For the record, this is a sample of what your hotel will graciously provide while you await the arrival of your delayed luggage. It will get you by in a pinch! (Photo by Whitney Shannon Haigwood)