Lost luggage is the stuff of nightmares. Worst case scenario, you’re faced with starting your vacation lacking all of your necessities, and you have to spend your first day on a trip searching for toiletries, clothing and other replacements.

A few simple steps can help ensure the airlines don’t lose your luggage ever again.

Label your bag with at least two identification tags or stickers. Place one on the inside of the bag in the event your outer tag breaks, is ripped off or simply falls off.

Take a few pictures of your bag from different angles, and store them on your phone. This will help airlines identify your bag quickly if it’s rerouted.

Remove old airline tags so the bag doesn’t end up in the wrong destination.

Secure, or stow, any handles or straps so the bag doesn’t get caught in carousel machinery, which can lead to your tags getting ripped off.

Head to baggage claim quickly to avoid having another passenger mistakenly grab your bag.

Consider investing in a luggage-tracking device, which will help you — and the airline — locate your bag quickly.