Managing Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Luggage: Essential Steps
Minimize the risk of delayed, lost, or damaged luggage with these essential tips Learn how to safeguard your belongings before you head to the airport, what precautions to take while checking in, and what steps to follow if your baggage is delayed or ultimately lost
Dealing with potential flight delays and cancellations can already be stressful enough, but the added worry of delayed, lost, or damaged baggage can make it even more overwhelming. The fear is understandable, as trusting checked suitcases can feel like taking a leap of faith in today's travel environment.
Before you go to the airport
Nevertheless, you are not completely without power. There are steps you can take and tactics you can employ to prevent or at least lessen the consequences of delayed, misplaced, stolen, or damaged baggage.
A traveler searches for a suitcase in a baggage holding area for Southwest Airlines at Denver International Airport on December 28, 2022.
When booking flights, prioritize nonstop options or layovers with ample time if you're worried about your checked luggage, according to Scott Keyes, the founder of flight deals and travel advice site Going.com.
Bags are at a higher risk for getting lost during plane transfers, particularly when there is a tight connection. This risk is even greater for international flights with tight connections. Additionally, full-service airlines are more prone to losing baggage compared to discount airlines, as the latter typically offer more nonstop flights with a lower risk of baggage loss during transit.
Keyes said he wouldnt make a booking decision based solely on this, but its "an interesting side factor to consider."
Suitcases roll onto a Sundair A320 aircraft at Dresden International Airport in Germany. Take a photograph of your luggage. It could come in handy later.
Robert Michael/picture alliance/Getty Images
When traveling, it's a good idea to take photos of your luggage and its contents. Jo Hoban, a travel agent from Spanish Fork, Utah, recommends this practice to her clients. According to Hoban, airline offices often ask for details about the bag such as the brand name, color, size, and contents. Additionally, she suggests taking a photo of the items you plan to pack as a way to create a record in case the bag gets lost.
Optimize luggage tracking: "Numerous airlines offer the ability to monitor your baggage status through their apps, providing reassurance that your bag is on the same flight as you or enabling you to keep track of its location in case of any delays," stated an email news release from Scotts Cheap Flights.
Alternatively, you can personally arrange independent tracking. Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel for AAA, recommended AirTag, which links to an Apple device for easy tracking of the tag's location.
Ensure to label the inside of your suitcases as well: According to Travelers United, it is advisable to include your contact information inside your luggage in case the external tag becomes detached. This recommendation is also echoed by Hoban.
"I once had my bag mistakenly taken from the airport carousel in Salt Lake City. Luckily, I recognized the individuals who took it, so it was easy to retrieve. However, what if I didn't know them? What if they were complete strangers who took my bag home? Hopefully, they are honest and would notice my name and phone number inside the bag and contact me to rectify the mistake," she said.
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The convenience of carry-ons: By sticking to carry-on luggage, you eliminate the risk of lost baggage. Twidale recommends packing as minimally as possible and relying on carry-ons. This will save you time at the airport and give you added peace of mind.
Assess your credit card benefits: Instead of purchasing additional travel insurance, Keyes advises reviewing your credit card's policy for travel protection.
At the airport before you fly
You may be eligible for additional compensation (beyond what the airlines provide) not only for lost luggage, but also for refunds for items you may have to purchase while waiting for your luggage.
Ensure timely baggage check-in to avoid potential issues. According to Travelers United, last-minute check-ins increase the risk of problems with your luggage. "Avoid pushing the system – even the slightest delay can result in serious consequences if your luggage is selected for last-minute security inspection," the organization's website advises.
Keyes recommended using your phone camera to snap a photo of the contents of your checked suitcases before handing them over. This can be helpful in the event that your bag gets lost and you need to provide evidence of the valuables it contained to support your claim for compensation.
If your baggage is delayed
Double-check your baggage tags for the correct destination. It's important to ensure that your airline luggage tags are going to the right place, especially when using curbside check-in. Also, remember to keep your baggage claim ticket or sticker, as advised by the North Carolina Consumers Council.
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Explore other locations within the airport: If your luggage is not found on the assigned pick-up carousel, according to The Points Guy travel advice website, consider checking adjacent carousels and then proceed to the airline's baggage office if they are not located. This is also an opportune time to utilize tracking apps previously mentioned.
Notify the airline of your issue and complete necessary forms at the airport: If your bags have not arrived, inform the airline.
"Instead of waiting for your delayed luggage, consider using the airline's delivery service if they can locate your bags but it will take hours for them to arrive at your destination. Provide the airline representatives with your address so they can deliver your bags to you."
Keep records of your purchases: "If you purchase any items to help you during the days without your luggage — from a new swimsuit to toothpaste — make sure to keep the receipts. You may need them in order to be reimbursed," advises Scott's Cheap Flights (now Going.com).
If your luggage is lost
Suitcases can really pile up in a baggage claim area, such as this one in Hamburg, Germany. If your luggage is lost, you can get compensation.
Jonas Walzberg/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
Ensure you are familiar with your airline's claims and compensation policy for lost luggage. Each airline typically provides information on their website regarding the necessary steps to take if your bag is lost. For instance, refer to Delta Air Lines' page, American Airlines' page, and Southwest Airlines' page for specific instructions. If you are flying with an airline based outside the United States, be sure to familiarize yourself with their respective procedures. For example, if flying with British Airways, here is what you need to do.
If the airline is uncooperative, don't hesitate to voice your concerns to the Department of Transportation, advised Keyes. You have the option to file a complaint here.
"They have a dedicated aviation enforcement office that is taking proactive measures to safeguard consumers and crack down on airlines that fail to meet the federal requirements for compensation and reimbursement."
Click here for information on how to make claims for UK flights and visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority's site for more details. For information on Canadian flights, click here. After her luggage was lost, a kind stranger came to her aid.
Liability Limits: While there may be some details to go over like fine print, exceptions, and paperwork, you can still receive compensation for your lost luggage. For domestic flights in the US, the maximum liability amount set by DOT regulation is $3,800. Airlines have the option to pay more, but they are not obligated to do so. For international flights, the maximum liability amount is $1,780. For further information, visit the DOT website.
If you notice damage to your bags at the airport, report it immediately. According to the DOT, airlines are not obligated to cover damages caused by inadequate packing or certain categories of items. However, they are responsible for damage to wheels, handles, and straps.
This article was first published in August 2022 and is updated periodically.
