Don’t Freak Out if Your Luggage is Lost — Do This Instead

lost suitcase
Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

You’ve stepped off a long flight and all you want to do is get to your accommodation and take a shower. You arrive at the luggage carousel and wait, watching the bags go round and round. Except that yours doesn’t appear to be there—So what do you do if your suitcases take an unexpected detour?

Keep Calm and Get In Contact

Take a deep breath. Losing luggage is frustrating, but it isn’t the end of the world. Head to the baggage claim area and report the missing luggage to the airline’s representative. Give them your contact information and flight details, and they should provide you with a reference number which you can use to track your luggage online or through the call center.

Get Descriptive

To help the airline find your cases as quickly as possible, it’s best to describe them as best you can. Color, material, and any special features can help in the search. Most airlines will have a claim form that you need to fill out before leaving the airport.

Acquire the Essentials

You are likely going to need a few essential items to get you through the next few days until your bags are returned. When purchasing toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medication you need, don’t forget to keep the receipts for these items as you may be able to claim them back from the airline.