Has an airline ever lost or damaged your bag? You’re in good company: Airlines mishandle approximately 6 out of every 1,000 checked bags. The numbers don’t sound too bad, but it still means there are a lot of travelers in the world who end up wearing the same underwear for a few days. That’s no fun.

The Baggage Survival Guide is here to help you protect your bag when you fly. You’ll learn how to pick a good bag, how to prevent it from being mishandled, and what you can do to ensure it’s returned to you if the airline misplaces it. You’ll also learn about baggage rules, restrictions, and policy changes.

I used to work for an airline as a baggage agent, so I can give you an insider’s look at what happens to your bag once it leaves your side. Frankly I’m amazed that most bags make it from Point A to Point B in good shape, because I know what they go through.

Remember, most baggage problems are preventable. You just have to plan accordingly.