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.
1
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Why late Queen refused to attend venue's official opening
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a relative of the late Queen Elizabeth, was prevented from taking his shotguns on a flight from Bristol to Aberdeen. The incident occurred as he was travelling to Balmoral to join the Queen for a shooting weekend. Airport staff deemed the plane's hold insecure for the firearms, despite Lord Ivar explaining his royal destination. Upon hearing the account, Queen Elizabeth became 'rather irritated' and dispatched her equerry to arrange for the guns' transportation. The Queen then quipped that she would refuse to open the airport's new terminal, which was subsequently opened by the Princess Royal.
Times
11 hours ago
- Times
Holidaymakers with pet separation anxiety simply pack the pooch
It's not a dog's life if you are a pet in Britain. Our national capacity to spoil our furry friends extends to taking them on holiday with us, according to research. A study has found that growing numbers of people are taking their dogs — and sometimes other animals — on trips because they cannot bear to be separated from them. The study found that roughly one in four (26 per cent) of owners have taken their pets on foreign holidays, and the trend is driven by young people. Half of 24 to 34-year-olds have travelled abroad with their animals, compared with less than one in ten over-55s (9 per cent). Londoners are the most likely to take their pets with them. Holidaymakers may not have noticed the trend because the law forbids pets, except guide dogs, from travelling in the cabin of aircraft to and from the UK. However, most flag carriers, such as British Airways and Air France, have long-established pet cargo schemes. You won't see touring pets in the cabin of the aircraft, they have their own area ALAMY The research found that two thirds of owners would like to be able to travel on a plane with their pets, a practice that is allowed for animals below a certain size and weight on many European and American routes. Most owners who take their dogs with them on holiday to Europe use ferries and Eurotunnel, which both accept animals. Pets are allowed to leave and return to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme, provided they meet the entry and exit requirements, such as having a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate. The certificates must be issued by a vet within ten days of travel. Ferries and Eurotunnel allow for fuss-free travel, but get the paperwork in order ALAMY The survey of more than 1,200 pet owners by the Co-op found that more than half (56 per cent) of those who take their pets abroad do so because 'they're part of the family'. However, roughly one in eight (12 per cent) said they do so because pet boarding facilities are too expensive. Most licensed kennels charge £17 to £20 per dog per day. Rates in London are often far higher — up to £90 a night for standard kennels and even £120 a night for high-end 'canine country clubs'. A third (33 per cent) of owners said they take their pets along because it ensures they will stay active on holiday, but one in three (31 per cent) said they 'couldn't bear the thought of leaving them at home' and would miss them too much. Another factor is that veterinary services are considerably cheaper on the Continent. An investigation by The Times in 2023 found that some procedures are up to three times more expensive in the UK than in France. • 13 of the best dog-friendly Airbnbs in the UK The Co-op says owners need to be careful when travelling abroad with pets because most standard insurance policies do not cover them for emergency treatment overseas. Andrew Nevitt, of Co-op Insurance, said: 'If you are taking your pet abroad, it's important that you ensure you have the correct documentation and they have had the necessary vaccines.' He added: 'Having the right insurance policy in place is also crucial as it will provide you with peace of mind that, should your pet require any treatment, any vet bills will be covered.'
BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Beachy Head cliffs warning after sightseers spotted near edge
Coastguards have warned sightseers to keep away from cliff edges, after dozens of people were photographed dangerously close to the edge of Beachy Head in East photos were taken on Sunday, when Eastbourne was hosting its annual Airbourne air show.A similar warning was issued in March, when a large crack appeared close to the Belle Tout lighthouse, while in April coaches were banned from dropping off and picking up passengers at Birling of the visitors spotted on Sunday had crossed a safety rope several feet from the cliff edge. In October a section of cliff collapsing at Birling Gap was captured on Coastguard described cliffs as "inherently unstable", with weather and the sea constantly eroding the base of a cliff becomes eroded, it said, someone standing on the edge above it is "practically standing on nothing".
