Baggage Reclaim and Missing Luggage

You’re finally off the plane and ready for your adventure to begin…but wait! First, you need to get your luggage.

To find your luggage, follow the signs for ‘baggage claim’.

If you don’t have any hold luggage with you, you can follow signs for the ‘exit’. You’ll still have to go through customs, which we will talk about in the next part of this lesson.

Usually, claiming your luggage from the carousel is quick and easy. That said…

Did you know that around 3 in every 1,000 bags go missing at the airport?

Most of the time, this is because a bag is sent to the wrong destination. Don’t worry! Here’s what you need to do if you discover that your luggage has gone for an adventure of its own.

Step One:

You should report your missing luggage before you leave the airport. Follow the signs for the ‘baggage claim office’. It may also be called ‘baggage claims’, ‘baggage service’ or ‘lost baggage’. You get the idea. If there are no signs, ask a member of staff near the carousel who will point you in the right direction.

Step Two:

At the lost baggage counter, fill out a report. You need to give your personal details, information about your flight, describe your missing bag, give a delivery address (where you are staying) and your contact details. This information helps the airline to find your bag as quickly as possible.

Step Three:

You will receive a reference number and contact details so that you can check on the status of your lost luggage. Some airlines have an online tracker so you can see any updates conveniently, and other airlines will give you contact details so you can call them when you want an update about your luggage.

Some airlines offer to reimburse you for some expenses if your luggage is missing. For example, you may need to buy some overnight essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste. If your bag is delayed by a few days, you can even be reimbursed for the cost of some underwear and cheap clothes to wear while you wait for your bag. Always check the reimbursement policy with your airline and make sure you keep your receipts for all items purchased! Not all airlines have a reimbursement policy.

That’s it! You’ve done everything you can for now. The airline will deliver your bag to your delivery address as soon as it arrives at the airport.

Now you know what to do if your luggage goes missing.

Let’s practise so you can handle this situation confidently if it happens to you.