The two-word phrase you should always use when your luggage goes missing as over 62,000 items get lost a year in UK
Shocking data recently revealed that 62,000 items were lost between August 2023 and August 2024 across UK airports.
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But hope is not lost for travellers whose belongings suddenly vanish, as there are ways to mitigate disaster.
"Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do makes the situation even worse," says Chris Harrington, Hoppa's managing director.
"Ultimately, the faster and more informed your response, the better chances of recovering your bag or receiving updates on its status.
"The process isn't as complicated as one might think, but there are important steps you need to follow."
Travellers who lose their luggage are advised to report their belongings missing first before locating your airline's service desk.
Then, give as much detail as possible, providing brand, colour, size, type of shell, plus any unique identifiers, such as tags or stickers.
Crucially, affected travellers should demand a 'property irregularity report' (PIR) reference number.
Chris continued: "Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what's happened to your luggage."
"A PIR number is a unique code that is used by airlines to trace your missing luggage and will be needed when you follow up on your luggage's status or if you need to make an insurance claim."
"Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date."
TRAVEL WARNING CAA warns UK travellers of cabin luggage rule that could be 'catastrophic'
Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12 to 24 hours, so get in touch with your provider as soon as possible.
If you're unfortunate enough to still have luggage missing after 3 weeks, be sure to follow up.
Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days.
It comes after another survey found that holidaymakers are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport.
A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.
HOLIDAYMAKERS are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport.
A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.
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