PORTLAND, Ore. - The number of bags lost or delayed by airlines is rising thanks to new carry-on rules that are forcing more passengers to check their bags.

ADVERTISEMENT

August 2006 was the worst month to date for baggage losses, with a daily average of 14,089 in August, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics said Oct. 4.

But there are steps you can take to help prevent your luggage from getting lost — or at least enable you to survive the ordeal with less difficulty, according to Susan Foster, author of "Smart Packing for Today's Traveler" (Smart Travel Press, $19.95).

Here are Foster's tips for smart packing, which are also available online at http://www.smartpacking.com.

_Use a sturdy identification tag with a durable strap on each bag. The best tags have a cover hiding your name to protect your privacy; use your business address and phone whenever possible.

_Include your identification information inside the bag, in case the outer tag is lost. Place a travel itinerary in an outside pocket or inside your bag on the top so airlines can easily track you down.

_Tie a colored ribbon to your bag or mark your initials in big letters so no one else will take it from the luggage carousel. Take a digital photo of the bag to show to the baggage agent should it be misplaced.

_Remove old baggage tags to avoid confusion among baggage-handlers.

_Check your bags early. Airlines suggest 90 minutes in advance (two hours for international travel) but at daily high-traffic times, you should add 30 minutes. Last-minute checked bags may not make it onto your plane.

_Make sure your bags are ticketed correctly before you leave the luggage check-in area.

_Complete the lost-luggage reports at the airport and don't leave without a claim number and contact information so you can check the status of your missing bags.

_Create a packing list that includes every item in each bag and leave a copy at home in case you need to claim compensation.

_If you can, carry with you on board whatever personal items you'll need to survive 24 hours in your destination without your suitcase. If you're heading to a beach, tuck a bathing suit in your carry-on; if you're headed to a meeting, carry with you a copy of that important speech or presentation, or better yet, fax it, FedEx it or email it ahead so that it's there when you arrive.