Lost luggage is a risk passengers take when they fly. Although, there aren’t any full-proof methods to prevent lost luggage. Passengers can take a few precautions to lessen the chances of their luggage being lost.
Buy Luggage That Stands Out
Avoid buying the typical black, navy, or dark green bag. Passengers should purchase luggage with unique colors and patters that are noticeable. Luggage can also be made to stand out, by adding colorful ribbons, or florescent colored handles.
Place Identification Tags on the Bag
Tags should be placed on the luggage to identify the owner, just in case it becomes lost. Write the passenger’s telephone number and e-mail address on the luggage tag. Also, place a sheet of paper inside the bag, with the passenger’s name, and phone number.
Remove any old tags from previous flights. Removing old tags will prevent baggage handlers from being unclear, of the bags final destination.
Verify the City Code on the Luggage Tag
Skycaps and ticket agents place tags on bags with a tracking number and a city code (three letter acronym for every city’s airport) printed on it. Double-check the city code to make sure the correct city code is on the bag. Passengers can also print out a list of airport city codes from World Airport Codes.
Tracking numbers are used to identify and locate bags. Tracking numbers should not be removed from luggage, until after the passenger has picked up their bag from the baggage carousel.
Take a Photo of the Bag
Take a picture of the luggage and its contents in case it becomes lost. The photo can be presented to the airline’s baggage claim office to help identify it, if it becomes lost.
Don’t Check Luggage
A good way to avoid lost luggage is for passengers to take it onboard with them. Taking baggage on board, also allows passengers to avoid paying checked baggage fees.
To avoid the airline’s baggage handling process all together there is the option of shipping the luggage via a luggage shipping company such as Luggage Forward, Luggage Free, or Luggage Concierge. This way the luggage can be delivered to the passenger’s hotel room, cruise ship, or their home.
If the Luggage Becomes Lost
Report the luggage missing the moment it does not appear on the carousel. Passengers have 24 hours to report it lost, but the sooner reported the better.
- Give the agent the tracking number that should be stapled to the ticket jacket.
- File a report and get a copy of the report.
- Give a description of the luggage on the report.
- Attach a photo of the bag to the report.
- Get the direct phone number of the baggage service office and their 800 number.
If they cannot locate the luggage, most American carriers (Southwest, jetBlue, Continental, United, Delta, US Airways) will reimburse passengers up to $3,300 per domestic ticket.
Airlines have been known to lose luggage. However, passengers can also do their part to prevent lost luggage. The luggage they choose and the way they label their luggage can all play a role in lost luggage. Double-check airline employees and follow this advice to avoid leaving the baggage carousel empty handed.
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