Recent research by Dell Computers reveals that about 900 laptops go missing at Heathrow each week. Considering that about 68 million passengers pass through the terminals annually, it's a statistic that’s not as bad as it sounds, even though this is the worst record of all major European airports.
No doubt some number of lost laptops and other gear have been stolen when the owner was inattentive. But it’s also likely that some have merely been left behind through carelessness or confusion.
Nevertheless, I’m convinced that with some simple precautionary steps and a change of attitude towards packing, the likelihood of losing anything to theft or forgetfulness can be minimized if not eliminated.
It shouldn’t be necessary to remind anyone to attach some means of identification to every piece of equipment, even if it’s no more than a stick-on label. A simple hobby engraving tool will do a more effective job. Not only might this deter a thief, but there’s also a chance the piece will be returned to you if lost.
If you’re working while waiting for your plane, try to have no more than one piece of equipment out and visible at the same time. If you’re transferring data between a PDF and a laptop, don’t put one of the items on an adjacent seat. And as soon as you’re finished using something, put it away, into your luggage or carry-on.
Of course, the less you have to keep track of, the easier it is to do so. And this extends to packing in general. I’m a terror for packing lightly. Two, or three at most, sets of underwear that I can wash at night and have ready after wearing the other set are adequate. With cool destinations, I wear a good black cashmere cardigan or jacket on the plane with my jeans and good walking shoes (not trainers). Then I pack only one or two silk blouses, one pair of black trousers and ballet flats, which, with the sweater or jacket and a bit of jewelry make up several evening outfits. If it’s a warm climate, substitute a light weight black jersey dress or two, and you’re good to go.
I can’t specify the exact equivalents for men, but I hope my own wardrobe selections will give you some ideas of equivalents. I do know that Orvis (and probably other retailers, too) carry a brand of travel underwear and socks for men that are very quick drying. The object, whether for a woman or a man, is to limit your luggage to one 22" rolling case, which will fit in the overhead compartment, and a not-too-heavy carry-on, perhaps even a backpack if you can handle it.
Remember, "Less is More" as architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe said.
Do you have any ideas to help other travelers avoid losing gear? If so, let us know about them.
Paula "First Out of the Airport" Gifford