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It has been estimated that more than a million bags are lost by the airlines each year in the U.S. alone. How many bags get lost in the whole world is anybody's guess. Here are a few tips that might help you find your bags should they get lost.

You should attach two or three tags with your name, home address, and phone number to the handle and zipper-pulls of each bag that you are checking. There is less of a chance that all of your tags will get torn off in transit. Make sure that you have removed any old airline tracking tags that are still attached to your luggage as they could confuse the baggage handlers.

Also, you should place the same contact information, including a copy of your itinerary and destination address inside each your bags. Then, if they do go astray and are found in time, it's possible that they could be forwarded to your hotel.

Pick luggage with a bright or odd color that will stand out among the numerous black and brown bags. Know the brand name of the luggage that you have and attach a colorful ribbon or scarf to the handle to make identification easier. Stick some decals or a contrasting colored tape to every side of the bags so they are easier to spot as the carousel goes around. Try to remember these details, or better still, take a photo of your luggage just before you go and bring it with you. This can help the lost luggage staff at the airport in locating your bags if they are lost in transit and show up at their office. It will also help when you have to make a claim.

It helps to make a list of what you have in your luggage and carry that list in you carry-on bag. The chance of your luggage getting lost in transit increases dramatically when you have connecting, or delayed flights. Always pack all of your valuables, including your laptop or Blackberry, travel documents, prescriptions, etc., in your carry-on bag. It makes sense to pack only the things you can afford to lose in your checked baggage. Most analysts believe that the airline industry's problem of lost luggage is not going to be resolved anytime soon.

What should you do if the airlines lose your luggage?

Go immediately to the baggage claim office and file a claim. Many airlines have a twenty-four hour window of time starting from when your flight arrives to file and be eligible for compensation. You will receive a claim receipt to check the tracking of your luggage with the airline by phone, or on the airline's website. Make sure you keep all your flight documents until the lost luggage problem is resolved.

How can you guarantee that your luggage will not be lost by the airlines?

There are a number of companies that will send your luggage in the U.S., such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL, directly to your hotel or destination address for a reasonable cost. If you are staying in a hotel, your luggage will be brought to your room. When you consider that in the U.S. alone, well over a million bags are lost by the airlines every year, this service may be well worth considering. If you are traveling by air through Europe, FirstLuggage.com, has a similar service.