Luggage in a bright color makes it easier to spot.
Flying right now is pretty messy, and that includes the problem of lost luggage. Most of it is found in the system pretty quickly, but it’s no fun to be in a stressful situation affecting your trip.
To avoid losing your luggage, travel light and carry on when you can. Also, try to book direct flights, although that’s often not possible. And if you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, your checked luggage will more likely be placed on your plane.
But even when you do your best, sometimes the dreaded empty luggage carousel goes round and round with you alone standing there, realizing that your suitcase with the yellow ribbon is not going to appear. Then what?
With lost luggage becoming even more common for travelers in 2022, the travel experts at Bounce have revealed their top tips on what to do if your luggage is lost.
Five suggestions:
Contact the Airline
Rather than the airport, get in touch with the airline first, and do this as soon as possible. There’s usually an airline rep at the airport; if not, source their contact information and call. Be prepared to complete a lost baggage report describing the model, make, and color of your baggage. If you keep these kind of travel-related details in your smartphone it will help if there’s ever an emergency.
Ask to Have Your Luggage Delivered
When you do speak to someone from the airline, ask them to forward your luggage to you, either at your home or to your holiday destination’s accommodation. The airline in question should always offer this service; however, double-check when the process will take place and other details, and write them down. To keep a check on the delivery of your baggage, exchange contact details with the airline and ask for a tracking number to be granted.
Check for a Refund
If your luggage is lost you may be able to have your checked baggage fees refunded. If your luggage is delayed or missing, the airline has 21 days to find it and get it to you. If you get your luggage back within 21 days, you can still claim compensation for delayed luggage. If you don’t, you can make a claim for lost luggage. Check your airlines policies.
Keep Any Receipts
If you’re stuck without your luggage for a number of days, it’s likely that you’re going to have to buy things such as clothing, toiletries, and other essentials to keep you going until you get it back. Retain your receipts, as you should be compensated for these.
Check Your Insurance
Different insurance policies will have different coverage; check whether your travel insurance covers lost luggage or not. If not, check your homeowner’s insurance, or the credit card you used to book the flight, as these sometimes have lost luggage benefits too. If lost luggage has been a problem for you, insurance coverage is worth considering.
Check Your Luggage When it Returns
You will probably get your luggage back; when you do, be sure to give it a thorough check for damage, and missing items. If items are found damaged or missing, the airline should repair them or replace them. Keeping a list of all items you pack, and a photo record of some of the expensive ones would help in this process.