What to do when your luggage goes missing

This dreadful situation is every passenger’s nightmare. Can you imagine arriving at your dream destination, only to find out that your luggage has gone missing!

Being stranded in the middle of nowhere is a very stressful situation, and if you ever find yourself in it, you’ll immediately notice your brain isn’t functioning to its fullest potential.

The least we could do is write this short article, giving you some of the best tips on how to make the most out of this deal. So, let’s begin.

Do not panic

How can you avoid this basic human emotion? Take a few deep breaths, and try to think positive. Most airlines have a way of tracing their luggage, but even despite these advanced systems, it still sometimes gets delayed. Waiting for your luggage at the terminal for a couple of hours may be irritating and it may downright affect your personal life, but most companies are doing their best to reimburse your expenses. There’s one catch though, make sure you keep your receipts at all times!

Head over to the baggage service desk

These terminals are created specifically for these purposes. All you need to do is report that your luggage is missing, give some personal info, and describe your bags in the best way possible (provide the luggage tag, describe the size and color of the bags, and the material they were made of). Try your best to speak in a clear and concise manner, as shouting will get you nowhere fast. Remember, this might be a stessful situation to you personally, but these people are trained professionals who follow a specific protocol, so make sure you cooperate as much as possible.

Learn you reimbursement rights

Don’t worry, we won’t write these in those annoying small letters no one wants to read. After all, this is a quick solution program, so let’s just stick to the basics. When it comes to reimbursement rights, there are two things you should consider. First of all, most airlines will accept to pay you back for some immediate costs you ran into due to your lost baggage. For example, if you were forced to wait for two days, they’ll pay you back for some basic clothes you had to buy. Still, don’t go on a huge shopping spree, as you’ll have a tough time getting your money back this way. Stick to necessities, and you’ll be good to go.

The other type of compensation comes from your travel insurance, more specifically, for those who paid with their credit cards. Any additional travel costs, including a longer hotel stay will be covered, but always remember to keep you receipts!

Request some emergency supplies

Although this might sound like a desperate move to some, know that every passenger has the right to demand this package. It differs from one airport to antoher a bit, but it usually contains some toiletries that could come in handy. Ultimately, while these items aren’t worth a ton of money, they can help you relax for a second. Sometimes, that’s exactly what we all need.

Monitor you luggage progress

As we previously mentioned, most airlines trace their luggage, and you can ask for a website and a toll-free number where you can do the same. This will give you an additional peace of mind, and you’ll regain the sense of control you previously lost.

Plan your day ahead

In case you lost your baggage, or it simply got delayed, the truth is there’s not much you can do. It usually takes some time before your luggage arrives back, but that doesn’t mean you should be sitting around waiting for it to show up. If you get a chance to trace your bags, you’ll know just how far away they are, so plan your day accordingly. After you report a problem, visit a nearby monument, or head down to the restaurant for a good meal. Avoid getting stressed at all costs, and let the situation play out to your favor. These things happen from time to time, but at least you’ll have quite a story to tell one day.