This simple packing trick stops your dream holiday from becoming a nightmare
With peak travel season underway, thousands of Brits will be heading to airports across the UK, including busy hubs like Manchester Airport. While travellers expect their luggage to arrive with them, lost or delayed bags are more common than many realise — and it can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful scramble.
According to SCS Chauffeurs, a luxury airport chauffeur provider serving Manchester Airport and other major UK airports, there’s a simple but effective way travellers can reduce the risk of being left without essentials if a bag goes missing: multi-packing by sharing essential items between multiple suitcases.
Why this hack works
Airline baggage handling systems aren’t perfect — bags can be delayed, misrouted, or temporarily lost for many reasons. When luggage is shared across cases, the risk of being completely without essentials reduces dramatically. This practical tip helps travellers avoid a full disruption to their holiday plans.
Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director at SCS Chauffeurs, explains: “Packing all your essentials in one suitcase means if it’s delayed or lost, you’re stranded without basics like medication, chargers, or a change of clothes. We always advise clients travelling in groups or families to split vital items across cases. It’s a straightforward way to soften the blow if bags get separated or lost in transit.”
While most luggage does eventually arrive, it’s the delay that can spoil the early days of any trip, particularly when connections, transfers, or childcare plans depend on smooth arrivals.
Hadleigh adds: “This is especially important when travelling with children or on tight schedules. Knowing your essentials aren’t all in one place means you’re better prepared for any hiccups on the way.”
Top tips for smart packing to beat lost luggage stress
- Your key medication, valuables, chargers, and a change of clothes are distributed across suitcases or carry-ons.
- Use clear labels with contact details on every bag. This will speed up recovery if luggage goes missing.
- Keep important documents and items in your hand luggage. Always carry passports, tickets, a phone charger, and any immediate essentials with you.
- Invest in tracking devices: Consider lightweight trackers to monitor your bags via smartphone apps.
- Choose reliable airlines and consider direct flights: Fewer connections can reduce the chance of bags getting lost or delayed.