The Airline Lost My Luggage: What Do I Do?

Have you ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your luggage was lost? If this is the case, then you can understand how aggravating and stressful it can be. Don't worry, we'll teach you how to proceed if your luggage is misplaced so you may reclaim it as soon as possible in the article.

File a lost luggage report as soon as possible

File a lost luggage report as soon as possible. Doing so can help increase the chances of your luggage being found and returned to you.

You'll need to provide your travel itinerary so that the airline can track your movements. If your luggage isn't returned to you within a reasonable amount of time, airlines are required by law to give you a refund or recompense. Keep all receipts and documentation relating to your lost bags on hand to make a claim.

Check the airport's 'lost and found' area

The very first thing you want to do if your luggage is lost, check the airport's 'lost and found' area. There's a chance that the airline already discovered your luggage and it's only waiting to be rejoined with you. If all goes well, that'll be quick and easy.

Contact the airline directly

If you can't find your luggage at the airport, the next step is to reach out to the airline directly. It's extremely important to include all of the essential information when filing a lost luggage report, such as your contact information, a description of the luggage, and any identifying marks or tags.

When contacting the airline, you'll need to have the following information on hand:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• A description of the lost item
• The date the item was lost
• The last time and location the item was seen

Check social media platforms

Social media can be useful for more than just staying in touch with friends and family. Some airlines actively use social media platforms to reunite passengers with their lost belongings. So, if you've lost something while traveling, you should try this option.

What are airlines' responsibilities when they damage your baggage?

• Airlines are liable for repairing or reimbursing a passenger if their luggage is damaged while in the airline's care during transit, subject to certain liability limits.
• Airlines will negotiate a compensation amount based on the bag's worth and its devaluation when the damage is irreversible.
• Airlines frequently exclude liability for a variety of objects (for example, fragile items, electronics, cash, perishable things, and other valuables). These exclusions are usually included in the airline's fine print.
• For Domestic travel, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for items they have excluded in their fine print.
• For International travel, airlines are responsible for the items they have accepted for transportation.
• Furthermore, airlines are not legally required to cover the deterioration of checked baggage due to general use, such as wheels, handles, straps, etc.

What are the airlines' responsibilities when your baggage is delayed?

• Airlines are obligated to pay passengers for reasonable, provable, and real out-of-pocket expenses that they may incur as a result of delayed luggage to the maximum liability limits.
• Domestic Flights - Maximum Liability for airlines by regulation is $3800
• International flights - Maximum Liability for airlines by regulation is $1780

Tips

Apple's AirTags are a great way to keep track of your luggage at all times. You can pack them in either carry-on or checked luggage, and even though the charging case has a lithium battery, it's permitted because it's installed in the case.

Airlines have forbidden rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs in checked luggage, but this doesn't apply to the small single-use lithium CR2023 cells. Secondly, they're already in millions of Tiles and key fobs sitting in cargo holds.

Conclusion

Airlines' policies to determine when a bag is lost will differ from person to person. Most airlines will declare baggage as lost between 5 to 14 days after the flight has landed.

While the chances of your luggage being lost are low, it's still a good idea to be prepared. Travel insurance can cover the cost of any lost, stolen or damaged belongings while you're on your trip. Be sure to check the fine print before purchasing a policy to see what is and isn't covered.

Losing your luggage is a terrible experience, but if you follow the steps above, you should be able to get your belongings back as soon as possible. If all else fails, at least you'll be compensated for your loss.