O Baggage, Where Art Thou?
Of all the nightmarish things about flying, losing your luggage is a top contender for worst-case scenario. Travelers never think it’ll happen to them—until it does, and next thing they know, they’re in the lurch about what to do. Don’t worry! We’ve put together a few tips to make your flight a lot easier.
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1. Report it Immediately
If you suspect your baggage is missing, don’t even think about leaving the airport! Your best bet is to try and speak with a representative, but barring that, call the airline to report MIA luggage. You’ll be able to give detailed descriptions of your suitcase, get follow-up contact information, and keep track of any developments.
2. Keep All Your Documents
Don’t ditch your boarding pass or airline receipts. All documentation is valuable, especially when it comes time to file your claim. You can also keep any receipts you accrue due to lost luggage—the airline might reimburse those costs.
3. File a Claim With the Airline
Reporting missing luggage isn’t always the same as filing a claim, so make sure you do both. It’s best to check your airline’s policies beforehand; you’ll need to fill out some paperwork and submit your claim within a certain timeframe.
4. Know Your Rights
Airlines have lost luggage policies on their website. They’ll outline eligible reimbursement options, let you file claims online, and even track the progress of your ticket. However, as extensive as these policies often are, it’s important to know your rights. Losing luggage is stressful enough; you don’t need an airline to give you the runaround on top of everything else.
5. Ask for Emergency Supplies
As annoying as it is to lose your luggage, many airlines provide emergency toiletries that you can stash in your carry-on. While it won’t make up for a week’s worth of clothes, they’ll at least float you a few freebies until you’re reunited with your suitcase.
6. Get Contact Information
Grab any phone numbers or emails from your airline: both allow you to track your bag’s progress and follow up for any updates. That info is especially important if you requested home delivery.
7. Request Reimbursement
As you can imagine, airlines won’t exactly jump at the chance to reimburse you—but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Check their policies to see how long it takes until they shell out any fees. Some pay up to several thousand dollars in damages, though it might take a few weeks.
8. Go Through the Fine Print
Between paperwork and various links, airlines don’t always make it easy to file a missing luggage claim. They can also sneak in hidden fine print or request specific documents before moving forward. Read the fine print to ensure you get what’s owed.
9. Remember to Be Kind
We know it’s frustrating to lose your suitcase, but try not to lose your head too. Berating staff members not only puts you in the wrong, it can also delay any updates or make the whole process even longer. That person at baggage claim can only work so hard, so keep a good attitude throughout.
10. Stay Patient
Airlines often request a few weeks to find any missing luggage. After all the paperwork is filled and all the claims are filed, the only thing left to do is wait. That said, you’re well within your rights to politely request updates—just be kind about it!
A misplaced suitcase turns fun travel into a nightmare, but luckily, we have a few tips and tricks on how you can avoid it in the future.
1. Book Nonstop Flights
If you can, book nonstop flights to your destination. It might cost a little more, but it’s more than worth it for your peace of mind. Nonstop flights ensure luggage is kept nice and close, which means you won’t have to worry about the headache of misplacement.
2. Try and Pack Light
You don’t need to pack your closet for a long weekend getaway. When you travel light, you travel safe, and you might even squeeze everything into a carry-on. That might sound crazy, but some carry-on luggage is surprisingly spacious, so it’s worth reconsidering your checklist.
3. Bring Essentials in Your Carry-On
Even if you don’t pack everything in your carry-on, you should at least bring the essentials. A spare change of clothes, toiletries, your wallet, and essential electronics all deserve a spot in your bag. If your suitcase goes missing, at least you won’t be without underwear!
4. Check-In Early
Is there anything more stressful than checking in late? Airlines send all kinds of push notifications about your flight, so there’s no reason to cut it close! Checking in early also nudges your bag to the front of the line, ensuring it’s one of the first to get loaded—and one of the last to go missing.
5. Invest in Luggage Trackers
Whether it’s an Apple AirTag or a distinctive luggage tag, trackers provide extra security. Pop one into (or onto) your bag to keep tabs on your items during travel. Multiple companies offer similar devices as well, so you have more than enough variety to choose from.
6. Choose Distinctive Luggage
As cute as your luggage tag is, bold options aren’t always enough—sometimes, you need bold luggage, too! Instead of your classic black suitcase, look into brighter colors or noticeable patterns; it’s harder to misplace something that everyone can see.
7. Pay Attention at Baggage Claim
You’d be surprised just how many people “lose” their luggage at baggage claim. In reality, even a quick distraction can pull focus from the carousel. Eyes on the board at all times! The last thing you want is to go through the rigmarole of paperwork when you don’t have to.
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8. Avoid Short Layovers
It’s always better to give yourself more time between flights, least of all for your luggage. Short layovers mean less time for airline workers to safely transport your suitcase, which is a nightmare for everyone. Aim to give yourself at least a few hours between connections.
9. Remove Old Tags
Airlines issue new tags for every flight, so remove the old ones before boarding. Old tags can carry anything from expired QR codes to old flight numbers, and that miscommunication can send it somewhere else entirely. They also make it harder to track missing luggage.
10. Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth it for frequent fliers. That added protection covers you in the event of lost luggage, which takes at least one thing off your plate. Even if you don’t want to spring for standalone coverage, your credit card might offer travel insurance, too!
