What Happens If My Suitcase Gets Lost?

What Happens If My Suitcase Gets Lost?

Losing your suitcase while travelling can be stressful, but it is not the end of the world. Many people experience this, and airlines have systems in place to help you get your luggage back. In this article, we walk you through what happens if your suitcase gets lost and what steps you can take to get it back quickly. 

Image: A photo of a blue suitcase resting on a wooden floor.

First, Don’t Panic

It is easy to feel anxious when your suitcase doesn’t show up on the baggage carousel, but panicking won’t help. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try not to worry. Most of the time, your suitcase is not really "lost". It is just delayed.

Airlines usually track bags and can tell where they are, so in many cases, your suitcase will arrive on a later flight. It might have been placed on the wrong plane or delayed during a transfer, but airlines work hard to reunite travellers with their luggage as quickly as possible. So just stay calm and follow the right steps.

Report to the Baggage Claim Office

Once you realise your suitcase did not arrive, go straight to the airline’s baggage claim office. This is usually located near the baggage area. You will need to file a report with your luggage tag number (the one they gave you when you checked your bag), describe your bag, and give them your contact details.

The sooner you file the report, the quicker they can start searching. Most airlines use a system called WorldTracer, which tracks missing luggage around the world.

They will check where your bag was last scanned and track its movements. Often, the suitcase was simply put on a different flight or left behind during a transfer. In most cases, lost luggage is usually found and returned within 24 to 48 hours.

If it has been misplaced at the airport, they might find it sooner. However, if it is stuck in another city or country, it might take longer, especially if it is on an international flight. Airlines will usually keep you updated on the status of your bag through phone calls, emails, or even text messages.

While waiting for your suitcase, most airlines will give you a budget to buy essential items like clothes, toiletries, and other necessities. This is called a “baggage delay allowance,” and you can usually get reimbursed after showing receipts. 

Image: A photo of a vibrant collection of suitcases stacked together.

What If My Suitcase Can’t Be Found?

While most suitcases are returned, there is always a small chance yours might not be found. If the airline can’t locate your bag after a certain amount of time (usually 21 days), they will declare it officially lost.

At this point, you can file a claim for compensation. Airlines are required to compensate you for lost luggage, but the amount varies depending on the airline and the country you are flying to or from, as well as the international rules.

Airlines in the U.S. have a limit of around $3,800 for domestic flights. In Europe, you could receive up to around €1,600.

To get compensation, you will need to provide a list of everything that was in your suitcase. The airline might also ask for receipts or proof of purchase, so it helps to have a rough idea of the value of your belongings.

If you have travel insurance, it can also help cover the cost of lost luggage. You could file a claim with your insurance company for any belongings the airline wouldn't fully reimburse.