Travel Tip Tuesday | Lost Luggage

How To Handle Lost Luggage

Losing luggage is a nightmare regardless if you are arriving at a new destination or returning home. There is nothing worse than being the last person standing at the luggage carousel hoping to see your luggage come floating down the suitcase ramp. 

As most seasoned travelers know, there is always the possibility of an airline losing your luggage. While some airlines offer a few dollars for toiletries, many don’t. In order to avoid misplaced baggage blues, below are five tips to keep in mind when you are packing for your trip.

1) Pack A Change of Clothes

As a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on along with a few must-have toiletry items and your medication. Pack a clean pair of socks, underwear, leggings or pants, and a shirt or blouse. After a long day of travel, you will be happy to have these items at your fingertips. Having a change of clothes also saves you the hassle of shopping for them in a new destination when you are tired.

2) Pack Essentials

It is always handy to have travel-sized essentials in your carry-on as well as your medication.  Your toiletries kit should include a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, and any other “essential” that you just can’t go without for a day or two.

3) Power Up

If communication is important to you then always pack your cell phone cables and charger in your carry-on so you can power up the low battery on your cell phone or computer.

4) Contact the Airline

Never leave the airport without talking to the airline that has lost your luggage. Locate the baggage desk for the airline that operated your flight.  Make sure that you fill out a lost luggage claim that provides the airline with your contact information. Request delivery to your home or hotel. Don’t forget to get the phone number for lost luggage updates. 

5) Ask the Airline What is Covered

Most airlines only offer compensation for bags lost more than 24 hours. If this is the case, keep receipts of your incidental expenses. Some airlines keep amenity kits on hand to give to travelers with missing bags. If you are returning home from a vacation or trip, most airlines will not cover any expenses incurred for delayed baggage.

Most bags are usually delayed and not lost. In many cases, the airline can tell you where your bag was last scanned and most of the time, the bag arrives in a few hours.