TravelTST’s Experts

If this happens, there’s one important first action.

Get a baggage claim number from the airline before you leave the airport.

Airlines require that you file a claim within four hours of your baggage loss. The best way to do this is to file the claim at the airport. You will have to search to find an airline representative or may have to find and use a representative of a third-party baggage handling service. Don’t leave the baggage area until you have that claim number!

Once you have the claim number, you can followup on your airline’s website to find the status of your bag, or call their central baggage service number (check their website.)

If you need to buy things like toothpaste or underwear; keep your receipts. If and when your airline finds your bag, you can file a claim for the needed things you bought. It’s worth a shot. You might find the form on your airline’s website, or an agent at the central baggage hotline number can fax one to you.

Great article by Sacha Segan What To Do About Lost Luggage at Frommers.

Here’s the bad news – “Too many settlements from airlines continue to not meet the claim made by the passenger.” The problem is that if the bag is lost, it’s hard to prove what was in it, or how much it was worth.

Stuff Airlines Exclude

Typical list – (this is from Frontier Airlines…)

Optics
keys
jewelry
money
silverware
negotiable papers
securities
business documents
files
books
manuscripts
publications
blueprints
precious metals
antiques
heirlooms
irreplaceable items
collectibles
artifacts
paintings/works of art
art supplies
medication
orthotics
surgical supports
samples
natural fur products
photographic/video/electronic equipment and accessories
sound reproduction equipment
CDs, DVDs, musical instruments
computer equipment (including hardware, software and all accessories)
hand and power tools
machinery and/or their parts
unsuitably-protected recreational and sporting equipment
bags made from lightweight material not designed for shipping
toys
fragile articles
similar valuable items
commercial effects

(Any wonder more people are shipping their bags?)

Remember that on the majority of trips, your bags will arrive safe and sound. Being prepared for the worst though, can make it seem like an inconvenience, rather than a disaster.