As millions of us take to the Easter skies, an unlucky few will inevitably end up waiting in vain at baggage claim for their missing suitcases.
But some top tips from experts can help you get your luggage back as soon as possible, and help you receive compensation even if it's tragically lost.
The Sun's head of travel, Lisa Minotebun, recently boarded Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest new cruise ship.
Minotebun, a travel professional, has made quite a few mistakes in his travels.
But from them she learned exactly what to do in certain situations.
“First of all, if your baggage is not on your belt, find your airline's lost baggage counter at the airport and let them know that your baggage is not on your belt,” Minotebun said.
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She pointed out that when you check your luggage, you're usually given a barcode sticker that matches the one on your suitcase.
Airline staff typically paste this onto your paper boarding pass.
However, if you checked in online, it may also be linked to your passport.
Either way, barcodes are your lifeline.
“We hope this will help you find your luggage, or at least help you understand where it was last located,” Minotebun said.
Once you find your airline's lost baggage counter and talk to a representative, “insist on regular updates and updates,” she continued.
TravelPro also recommended taking a photo of your luggage before takeoff.
That way, if your case gets lost, you can show the photos to your airline representative.
“Adding unique stickers, bands, or even ribbons can help identify your case,” says Minotebun.
Another smart tip that all travelers may not have thought of: interior luggage tags.
“Make sure your contact details are written on the inside as well as the outside of the case, in case the luggage label comes off during transit,” Minotebun explained.
Having a luggage tag with your contact information in your suitcase is a must before your next trip.
However, if the airline cannot find your case right away, you will need to purchase the item to complete your trip.
Minotebun insists on keeping all receipts and “verifying that all purchases are reasonable and necessary.”
“Adding your own stickers, bands, or even ribbons will make your case easier to identify.”
Lisa Minotebun
“Airlines will not refund the cost of designer equipment,” she explained.
It is very unlikely that the airline will not be able to locate your luggage. In that case, you should receive compensation.
However, it is unlikely that the given amount will be able to cover all losses.
“That's when travel insurance comes in. File a claim with your travel insurance company and provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim,” Minotebun explained.
Tips to reduce luggage loss
Losing your luggage isn't ideal, but it's also not inevitable. But you can take steps to prevent it from happening, and it's easy to deal with when it does happen.
Travel expert Lisa Minotebun suggested:
- Decorate your suitcase with unique stickers, ribbons, etc. for easy identification.
- If you're traveling as a family, separating your clothes into multiple suitcases will ensure everyone has something to wear even if your suitcase runs out.
- Tracking tags like the Apple Air Tag can help airlines track your case if it gets lost.
