You’re at a conveyor belt at a busy airport, and there’s no sign of your bag. With a sinking feeling in your stomach, you realize that your suitcase hasn’t made it to the carousel. Every year, airlines move millions of people and bags across the world. Sometimes, mishaps happen and your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do. In this guide, we explore 6 steps to take when your luggage is lost or delayed.
Step 1: Confirm If Your Luggage Is Really Lost
Sometimes, the bag doesn’t show up at your final destination and is accidentally sent to the wrong carousel. Waiting to confirm that your bag is actually lost can save you a lot of time and effort.
Wait for all luggage to be unloaded and check other carousels. Airlines track checked baggage using barcode scanners attached to baggage tags. Check the airline’s website or mobile app to see whether you can track your bag before reporting it missing.
Step 2: Report your Lost Luggage
Once you’ve confirmed that your luggage isn’t at your current airport, it’s time to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as soon as possible. You’ll need to head to the baggage office to make a lost baggage claim.
You’ll need to share a few ways the airline can contact you, and a detailed description of your bags and what was in them. Keep your passport, boarding pass, and baggage claim tag with you.
Step 3: Grab the Essentials
Some airlines provide passengers with an amenity kit containing basic toiletries. If one isn’t available, you may need to purchase essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a change of clothes.
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The airline usually reimburses passengers for these expenses if luggage is delayed or lost. This also depends on how long the delay is. Buy only essential items and keep all original receipts.
Airlines are less likely to reimburse essential purchases if baggage is delayed on your return home.
Step 4: Collect your Luggage or File a Compensation Claim
If the airline locates your luggage, it will usually arrange delivery to your accommodation or home at no additional cost. If the airline declares the bag lost after its tracing period ends, you should submit a formal compensation claim within the airline’s required timeframe.
Step 5: Inspect Your Luggage for Damage
Once your bags reach you, immediately check them for signs of damage or evidence of tampering. One of the steps to take when your luggage is lost or delayed is documenting any existing damage and contact the airline to file a damage claim as soon as possible. Follow the same process if any items are missing from your bag.
Some airlines offer repair services for damaged luggage, so inquire if this is an option.
Step 6: Requesting Compensation for Lost Luggage
If your bags are still AWOL, follow up regularly with the airline. Once they declare your luggage lost, your only recourse is filing a claim for airline lost luggage compensation. High-value items may not be covered since these should be packed in your carry-on instead.
For domestic flights within the U.S., the US Department of Transportation requires airlines to reimburse passengers for up to $4,700 for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.
For international flights, compensation is governed by the Montreal Convention of 1999 (MC99). Under MC99, compensation limits are calculated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). Currently, passengers can receive up to 1,519 SDR (approximately $2,000 to $2,060 USD) for damage or loss of baggage.
If your luggage is ultimately declared lost, the airline may later request receipts or proof of purchase to support your compensation claim. Don’t expect to get the price you paid for them; reimbursement for lost items is subject to depreciation. You can request compensation for delayed baggage, too. However, delayed baggage compensation limits are typically lower.
Tips to Prevent Lost or Delayed Baggage in the Future
No one expects their bag to go missing or get delayed. But every seasoned traveler has at least one story of a bag mishap. The best thing you can do is stay prepared and take action to prevent this in the future.
Buy Travel Insurance
A good travel insurance policy can cover lost baggage or luggage delays. It’s worth considering, especially if you’re carrying valuable items with you.
Make Your Bags Recognizable
If your bag blends in with others, airline staff will have a harder time looking for it. Use brightly colored bags or add a distinctive sticker or tag to your luggage to make it easier to spot in a search.
Use Baggage Tags
Attach a sturdy baggage tag to the inside and outside of your baggage. On these baggage tags, write down your name, phone number, and email.
Remove Old Tags and Labels
Old suitcase tags and barcode stickers can be confusing. Remove tags and stickers from previous trips from your bags.
Document Your Packing List
Create a simple inventory of the items in your suitcase as you pack. This ensures that you’re prepared if your luggage goes missing.
Take Photographs
Before getting on a flight, take photographs of the inside and outside of your luggage. This can help identification and make missing items easier to report.
Store Valuable Items in Your Carry-On
Items that aren’t easily replaceable and are essential for your day-to-day functioning should always go in your carry-on. These include:
- Medication
- Official documents
- Perishable items
- Fragile or easily damaged items
- Heirlooms
- Jewellery
Always keep a “survival kit” with a dental kit, toiletries, and a change of clothes in your carry-on, so that you can temporarily manage without your checked baggage.
Use Your Airline’s Luggage Tracking Services
Most airlines have a feature on their website or app that allows passengers to monitor and track their luggage. One of the steps to take when your luggage is lost or delayed is using the tracking service to figure out if your luggage was accidentally sent to the wrong airport.
Use an AirTag or GPS Tracker
One way to track your bags a bit more accurately is putting an AirTag in each of them. This way, you know more than just the airport your bag was last tagged at. Apple’s Share Item Location feature allows travelers to temporarily share an AirTag’s location with participating airlines to help locate misplaced baggage more efficiently.
Choose One-Stop Flights
Multi-stop flights across various airports and airlines can be cheaper, but they increase the chances of your luggage being misplaced or lost. Sometimes your baggage might not be loaded onto a connecting flight and may be stuck at one of your previous destinations.
Double-Check the Bag’s Destination
Make sure the airline agent properly attaches the destination tag to your bag, and confirm that the large three-letter airport code exactly matches your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if my luggage is lost?
If your luggage is lost, you should file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport baggage office before leaving the terminal.
How much will I be reimbursed if my luggage was lost on an international flight?
On international flights, the amount you will receive as reimbursement is capped by international treaties like the Montreal Convention or the older Warsaw Convention.
What can I do if the airline hasn’t found my luggage in 2 days?
If the airline hasn’t found your luggage, get in touch with the authorities at the airport and airline. Usually, the airline continues to look for your bags for at least 15-21 days, after which they declare the luggage lost.
How do I prove the value of items in my lost luggage?
While filing a lost luggage claim, you need to show receipts and dates of purchase for as many items as you can.
Will I be compensated if the airline loses my luggage?
Yes, passengers may be entitled to compensation if the airline loses, damages, or delays checked baggage.
