A bag that you can call your very own

THERE’S a very easy way to reduce baggage mishaps that I was surprised not to see in the Jan. 1 column “Right Bag, Wrong Person,” [Travel Q&A;]: Make your bags look different from everyone else’s.

I use a bright yellow suitcase that other people wouldn’t dream of touching. It stands out in a crowd, and I’m always one of the first out the door.

If you have one of the millions of black bags that look alike, put some bright cloth tape on it in an unmistakable configuration that no one else can claim.

Or splatter some paint on it. Or do something. It’s not difficult.

GERRY SCHWARTZ

Hollywood

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ALLOW me to tell you about my problems with a lost bag. I traveled to and from Georgia going in and out of LAX. I hung back, allowing the crush to get their luggage first and then when it thinned out, I went up to get mine. My large suitcase was there but not my tote. I placed the claim. Three days later when I finally received my tote, several items were missing. So I filed a claim -- and guess what? -- none of the items that were stolen from my luggage were covered.

I have since bought the brightest pink luggage I can find so I can spot anyone trying to take mine.

SUSIE HARRISON

North Hills