Travel expert reveals what to do if you lose your luggage - as OVER 62,000 items go missing at UK airports in a year
But you've been there a while and the crowds have thinned – but still no bag. It's a travel nightmare that many of us have experienced.
In fact, UK airports saw more than 62,000 items reported lost between August 2023 and August 2024, according to data shared by Confused.com.
Now experts from Hoppa, a transport comparison and booking site, are advising holidaymakers on what they should do if they find themselves without their luggage.
'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.'
In the event you can't locate your luggage, the thing to do immediately is to report it.
Head straight for your airline's luggage service desk, which is usually found near the baggage claim area.
'Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what's happened to your luggage,' says Hoppa.
It's important to provide as much detail as possible, the firm adds, with information on the brand, colour, size, type of shell, plus any unique identifiers, such as tags or stickers. If you have any photos of your bag, show them to staff.
Hoppa urges any affected travellers to make sure they request a 'property irregularity report' (PIR) reference number.
'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.'
Be sure to ask about whether your airline will cover essentials, such as clothing or toiletries, while they track your luggage – especially, says Hoppa, if away from home.
'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.'
Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12-24 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. Once your bag has been missing for more than 21 days, it is officially classified as lost, and you'll you need to follow up with the airline and initiate a formal lost luggage claim.'
Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days.
And remember the Montreal Convention, which means that airlines are responsible for compensating up to £1,300 if your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed.
'To file a claim, you'll need to provide proof of your luggage and its contents, so have this information prepared. The more information you have, the more likely you will be to make a successful claim'
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