Even though travel is a stress-buster, it can sometimes be overwhelming. One major concern is the lost luggage!
Losing baggage can easily cut your trip short.
The chances of that happening are slim. And, even if it does, you are more likely to get it back within a day or two.
Research conducted by the Association of European Airlines states that 85% of lost luggage is retrieved within two days.
However, loss of property while flying between destinations cannot be ruled out, completely.
So, what do you do in case of lost luggage, and is there a way to retrieve it quickly?
1. Travel with a Carry-on Luggage
The best way to avoid lost luggage is not to check it with the airlines. If possible, travel only with carry-on luggage.
Always go through the baggage policy of the airlines before boarding the flight.
You must know about restrictions on weight, number of bags, and other related information.
Moreover, carry-on luggage is stress-free and more comfortable to move around.
Also, checked-in baggage is sometimes liable for fees. Hence, you can cut down your travel expenses too.
For those of you that have no chance of reducing the bag count, consider the next tip.
2. Select a Non-Stop Flight
Checked-in luggage on multi-leg flights is more prone to being lost. More connecting flights mean more baggage handling.
And, increased baggage movement and transfer may cause a delay in delivering your luggage, if not lose it.
Therefore, book a non-stop flight. Further, while selecting a trip, be mindful of the number of stops.
It is so because not every direct flight is a non-stop flight. There is a difference between both.
Flying with all your belongings lodged in the cabin overhead keeps you at peace mentally.
3. Carry Important Stuff with Yourself
Should you travel with checked-in luggage, ensure that you don’t leave anything important in the checked-in bag.
Chargers, converters, and adapters become essential, especially on a business trip.
Moreover, there is nothing worse than having no way to contact the airline to follow up on your lost suitcase.
So, always pack the charger inside your carry-on. Another tip is to jot down things you may need to survive in an unfamiliar destination.
Carry them with you at all times.
4. Go Through Reimbursement Terms
Different airlines have different reimbursement terms for lost luggage.
The span of the retrieval process and getting compensation varies.
Whether it is a domestic or an international flight also makes a vast difference.
The Warsaw Convention covers reimbursement for luggage lost on an international flight.
Furthermore, it is essential to keep receipts of any you buy.
Therefore, specify everything in the baggage claim form as soon as you lose it.
5. Get Your Lost Luggage’s Web Address
Ask the airlines about the assistance offered by them in lost baggage situations.
Usually, the authorities provide you with a web address and a contact number.
You can use these to track the progress or updates on your luggage.
Did you know that almost every airline around the world uses a baggage tracing system?
Even though it is computerized, but due to vast data, airport staff has to check for any misdirected luggage manually.
Therefore, it takes time to get your stuff back, and you can track it using a code or a web address.
6. Follow Up with the Airline
It is vital to keep a sound follow-up. Do wait for someone from the airport to contact you. Be proactive and conduct follow-ups regularly.
A visit to the baggage office is worth a try. Come across as persuasive but pleasant.
Generally, baggage is handled by subcontractors and not the airlines themselves. Therefore, it is rarely the airline’s fault.
7. Be Polite; the staff is there to Help
You must always remember that the airport personnel are here to offer assistance.
Losing your calm is the last thing you would want. It is important to keep in mind that the airport representative is not your enemy.
Panicking doesn’t help, as you are highly likely to get your stuff back.
And, if not that, then the airline is liable to pay for the items lost.
8. Stay Patient
Stay patient while dealing with airport professionals. It is their duty to help you out, and they will do anything in their power to resolve your issue. Losing temper is of no use.
Moreover, some airlines are generous enough to offer you toiletries and other important things while you wait for your luggage.
9. Ask for Travel Emergency Supplies
Ask the airlines if they can provide you with emergency supplies.
Frequent flyers might be aware of the amenity kits that the airlines hand out to the passengers. You can get one of those from the airways.
10. Rip Off Old Luggage or Travel Tags
Luggage tags denote the route or other information that leads it back to the owner. However, old tags from previous travels still stuck to the bag cause confusion.
Therefore, always ensure to rip off the old luggage tags before checking your bags in for a new flight.
11. Get a Travel insurance
Baggage loss is covered under travel insurance. Reimbursement depends on various factors.
Also, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Certain articles are not covered under some schemes.
Moreover, check with your credit card provider if they offer travel benefits such as lost baggage coverage.
So, getting cheap airline tickets to India from the USA is one thing, but a traveler must also be aware of travel contingencies.
Remember do not panic, if you don’t see your checked-in luggage on the conveyor belt post departure!
Get in touch with the airline through a baggage claim form and follow up.
Most of the time, luggage that is considered as lost, is delayed as a result of baggage mishandling.