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Merrick, NY—As a whole, prestige jewelers are pretty experienced travelers. Between the annual roster of American and international jewelry shows, special conventions, and diamond- or gem-buying trips, jewelers can log a lot of airtime. But even experienced fliers don’t always know all the secrets to an easier trip. For instance, did you know that if an airline loses your luggage, by law (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 254) it must compensate you right away for items you need right away? Contrary to what you may have been told, they don’t get 24 hours’ grace period to produce your suitcase first.

And, according to this article on Bankrate.com, if your suitcase goes missing permanently, the U.S. Department of Transportation says the airline must reimburse you for the full value of its contents up to $3,300, regardless of any language in your ticket or flight contract limiting their liability to $1,200.

Keep your airline’s customer service number in your phone contacts, along with a few other alternate airlines. If your flight is canceled or a delay means you’ll miss a connection, call the airline immediately to rebook because by the time you get to the airport rebooking desk—especially if there are long lines—you may be out of luck getting a seat to your destination soon.

If you’re bumped from a flight or the airline is trying to placate you for some other issue, don’t take the first offer. They’ll generally come back with something better if you negotiate for it.

Read more of Bankrate’s travel tips here.

Separately, don’t let your guard down while traveling. Criminals travel too and they may follow you or take advantage of your absence from home. The Jewelers’ Security Alliance website lists good personal safety guidelines for everyday; follow the same protocols when traveling. Also, don’t pack a lot of personal jewelry, and of course whatever you do bring should be carried with you, not checked in baggage. Click here for more personal jewelry travel security tips from Perfect Circle Insurance by Jewelers’ Mutual.

If you fly frequently, apply for the TSA Pre-Check program, which expedites the airport security screening process for pre-approved low-risk travelers. Approved passengers will not have to take off their shoes, belt or jacket at security, nor remove their liquids or their laptop from their luggage. TSA began accepting applications earlier this month; click here for more information.

Flying doesn't have to be miserable. Canadian airline WestJet made Christmas memorable for one group of passengers recently. This video went viral and is sure to win that airline lots of new customers--well worth the price of a TV, tablet, and more.

Finally, for safety's sake, always wait till you’re back home to share all your wonderful travel experiences on social media!

Top image: www.printactivities.com