I'm a travel expert - there's one thing you must do to stop your bags going missing

As the festive period creeps closer, it’s a timely reminder that every year thousands of people travel across the country and internationally to reunite with friends and family - and every day thousands of bags are lost or misplaced.

If you want to avoid your bags disappearing just before Christmas then it’s crucial you book as direct a flight as possible, according to the experts at .

Most baggage losses occur during international flights, especially those with layovers during busy periods, due to the increased risk of transferring baggage from one aircraft to another. To lower the risk, try to book direct flights. If a layover is necessary, opt for a longer one, giving staff more time to transfer your luggage and reducing the chance of mistakes.

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It’s also important to remove any old luggage tags or stickers from your bag to avoid confusing airport staff.

If your bag does go missing, you can be prepared by making sure you leave a slip of paper inside your luggage with your contact information and travel itinerary so airport staff can get in touch with you more easily. This is an extra security step in case your luggage tag falls off or is damaged during the trip.

Another additional measure you can take is to snap a quick picture of your bag before you set off. This can be a lifesaver if it goes missing. It gives airport staff a reference image of what they’re looking for, helping them identify and return your luggage more efficiently and ensure it’s safely returned.

It’s always wise to make sure you have a couple of days worth of essential items in your hand luggage as well. Things like medication should never be packed in your checked bag just in case it does get lost.