HANDLING BAGGAGE

Baggage is often the most troublesome aspect of operating a tour. Most of the problems can be eliminated by carefully following a few standard rules:

1. All baggage should be clearly labeled for easy and immediate identification by the tour leader and baggage handlers. Labels should carry the name and address of the client as well as the name of the tour.

2. Count the number of bags being checked. Do this at each departure and place the number of bags being checked alongside the client's name on the membership list. Do not assume that the count will always the same. Sometimes a client may decide to check a small bag on a short flight that was carried on board the aircraft on a long flight. Sometimes people acquire additional luggage and cartons enroute.

3. At the destination, count the number of bags assembled in the baggage area, and count them again as they are loaded onto the bus or baggage truck.

4. On departure days, inform the clients that all bags must be placed outside their rooms by a specific time prior to departure time so that they can be picked up by the hotel staff.