Every traveller’s worst nightmare is landing in their dream destination, ready to explore, only to find their luggage hasn’t made the journey with them.
Once all other bags have been collected from the carousel and it’s clear yours isn’t there, travel experts at Bounce recommend one crucial step to limit the damage.
Cody Candee, CEO and Founder at Bounce, has revealed his top tips for dealing with lost luggage this Christmas and New Year.
He said: “As soon as you realise your luggage is missing, find your airline’s representative and file a claim with them before you leave the airport. If you can’t find a representative, source their contact information and give them a call. You will be asked to file a lost baggage report and provide a description of the colour, make and model of your luggage. “
Having a photo of your luggage and noting its identifiable features will simplify this task, reports the Express.
If your luggage is located after reporting it, most airlines will deliver it free of charge.
He added: “This isn’t always the case, so make sure to clarify this from the outset. Ask a representative to have your luggage delivered to your accommodation or your home address if this isn’t possible. Exchange contact details with the airline and ask for a tracking number to check up on the delivery of your bags.”
If your luggage is genuinely lost, you may be able to refund your checked baggage fees and receive reimbursement for the lost items.
Airlines have 21 days to return your bags, but you can still claim for delays within this period.
Candee said: ” If you’re going to be without your luggage for a while, you’ll need to replace items like clothing, toiletries and other essentials to keep you going until you get it back.
“If this is the case, keep hold of your receipts so you can be fully reimbursed. To make your claim for lost luggage more likely to be approved, make sure you check what the airline considers reasonable or necessary expenses and only replace what has been lost.”