How to manage lost luggage: a step by step guide

Do not forget these pointers if your suitcases disappear during a trip.


Next to forgetting to pack something important, as Your passport , Arriving at their destination to discover that your baggage has been lost is one of the most dreaded travel emergencies. In fact, the fear of being separated from their bags is so large that many travelers are lengthwise to avoid completely checking a bag. But if you are in a difficult situation where your belongings have disappeared, there are a few essential things to keep in mind to prevent your entire trip from derail. Read the rest for a step -by -step guide on how to manage lost luggage, according to travel experts.

In relation: 10 essential tips for packing light .

1
Immediately report any missing baggage.

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Whether because of a technical error on the system scale, a violent time or simply bad luck, having a missing bag on any stage of your trip can be a monumental headache. If you hope to solve things as quickly as possible, it is best to start the search process for your belongings immediately.

"As soon as you realize that your luggage is missing, find the representative of your airline and submit a complaint with them before leaving the airport," said Cody Candee , CEO and founder of travel travel company Bounce. "If you can't find a representative, get their contact details and call them."

After that, you will probably be asked to submit a lost baggage report and provide a description of the color, manufacturing and model of your luggage.

"If you do not hear the airline after three days, it is best to update your complaint with more specific details on the content of your bags," he suggests.

Time is really essence in this situation. "My credit card company and the airline told me that it is very unlikely that the items will be recovered after 72 hours," said Amber Haggerty , the travel blogger behind Amber everywhere .

2
Replace the essentials and keep the receipts.

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Dropout

Arriving without your goods does not mean that you should scratch your travel plans. But don't expect to get money for your problems immediately.

"Whether your luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you to replace essential items such as clothing and toiletries so that you can continue your trip," explains Becky Hart , Expert on travel and content marketing strategist at Travel insurance in seven corners . "It is a false common idea that you will get money in advance to buy these items. In reality, travel insurance reimburses you for the replacement effects."

Once you have made purchases, you must keep your receipts so that you can be completely reimbursed.

"To make your complaint for lost luggage more likely to be approved, make sure you check what the airline is reasonable or necessary expenses and only replace what has been lost," said Candee.

In relation: 7 surprising TSA items can tell you about airport safety .

3
Arrange to have your luggage delivered.

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BET_NOIRE / ISTOCK

Putting all the information necessary to help locate your luggage is enough a chore without having to come physically. Fortunately, if your bags arise, you may be able to save yourself a return trip to the airport.

"After pointing out that your lost luggage, most airlines will deliver it to you for free if it is found, although this is not always the case, so make sure to clarify this from the start," said Candee Better life . "Ask a representative to have your luggage delivered to your accommodation or your personal address if possible."

He adds that it is preferable to exchange contact details with the airline and request a tracking number to check the delivery of your bags.

4
See if your credit card offers insurance.

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Credit card companies offer many advantages to attract new customers. In many cases, this is in particular a travel insurance that could be very practical when you The bags disappear . Haggerty says Better life She recently was able to use the coverage included with her American Express Platinum card for lost luggage.

"More specifically, I lost my mobile phone in the boarding of JFK and I could not recover it by lost and found airport," she said. "In the end, Amex covered the entire cost of the lost phone after submitting complaint documents such as the original reception of the purchase, the proof that I tried to file a complaint with the airline and The proof that I submitted it to the lost and official database. "

However, there are still warnings. In order to use the credit card insurance, Haggerty explains that you need to use the card to reserve flights.

"And be aware that certain credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire, can force you to book the flight via their travel gate, instead of simply using the card to book trips on the airline website," adds- she.

In relation: 30 essential travel essentials of less than $ 25 .

5
Have a photo of your bags ready to go to the airline.

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A report on lost luggage generally obliges you to describe what your missing bags look like. Taking an additional moment before putting them back can help you improve your chances of being united with your personal effects.

"Taking a photo of your luggage before checking it is an easy and effective way to make sure it is not lost and make it easier to find if it is," said Hans Mast , a travel agent with Golden Rule Travel . "A clear and recent image of your luggage gives airline workers a good idea of ​​what to look for if your bag disappears."

Do you fear that your shots will still not help you? Make sure to include photos of your luggage taken from different angles and make sure you take marks or features that distinguish it, suggest Mast. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

6
Invest in devices to follow your bags.

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Even if you give your bags to the door agents, know where they are at any time can give you the peace of mind. Fortunately, technology now allows us to do this exactly with a small object.

"Before you even have the possibility of losing them, equip all bags - devoted or not - with aéraiss or the equivalent," said David Rimmer , CEO of AB Aviation Group . "They are invaluable to find out where they are at any time and can help detect if your bags are simply sitting at the airport or have been stolen."

He explains that small aircraft recently helped him follow his things when they were lost on a trip.

"Even if we were separated, I knew that my bags were seated in Beijing long before Emirates recognize him and that they were comforted that they were not affected until they were picked up a flight "He said.

7
Prepare for the worst by packing up your hand luggage with essential elements.

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Yacobchuk / Istock

There are trips where to avoid a saved bag is simply not an option. But although this may mean a little more to pirer by the airport, you will be happy to have wrapped your hand luggage with the essential elements if your recorded luggage was lost or delayed.

"As they always say:" Expect the worst, hope the best "" Jenny Desmond , founder and president of Vive Mas Tours . "If you pack with a change of clothes in your hand luggage, your medicines, your toothbrush and other vital items, then if you will be much easier to manage if your bag is delayed."

If you can help her, she says that hand baggage only is always the best answer.

"If you pack enough clothes for five days, you can get them in hand luggage," said Desmond. "Investigate if you can pay for clothes to whiten during your trips."


Categories: Travel
Tags: / How-To / Travel Advice
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