The Best Things To Do When An Airline Loses Your Checked Luggage, Per A Travel Agent

Your plane has finally landed, and you're ready to grab your checked luggage and be on your way. Except, when you get to baggage claim, your luggage is nowhere to be found. The airline seems to have lost your suitcase with all your essential belongings inside.

Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation — or return home from one — but it unfortunately happens to millions of travelers each year. To find out the best way to cope when your suitcase goes MIA, we reached out to Victoria Fricke, owner of the travel agency Vic's Vacations. As the travel expert exclusively tells us, the very first thing you should do if your luggage gets lost is head straight to your airline's baggage office, usually located in the baggage claim area. "There you'll identify what your luggage looks like and provide your luggage tag receipt (given to you when you checked your luggage)," Fricke explains.

Often, the luggage is just delayed rather than truly lost. The airline will usually be able to locate the item and begin making arrangements to deliver it to you. As Fricke tells us, "From there they'll let you know when the next flight is that it should be expected to be on and hopefully you have a plan to get it." If you're in your home city, the airline will ship the luggage to your personal address. If you just started your trip, they'll likely offer to send it to your hotel instead.

Nothing beats getting your luggage and personal belongings back, but while you wait, you can expect to receive compensation from your airline, according to Victoria Fricke. The travel agent explains that customers are given a daily per diem (around $100 per person per day) for delayed bags, though you may receive more if you have travel insurance or you are forced to replace a high-cost necessity (make sure to keep all receipts until you've received compensation). If your luggage will be delivered to your hotel, Fricke notes that it's crucial to notify the front desk and ask them to record the time of the delivery. If your delivery was later than anticipated, you may be eligible for an additional day's allowance.

For luggage that can't be tracked down, the process is a little different. "If the luggage is truly lost you would file a claim with the airline to seek reimbursement for the luggage and items in it," the expert reveals. During this time, keep all documents given to you by the airline, which should contain your claim number and other vital information. If the airline is uncooperative or fails to reimburse you for your loss, it may be time to get the law involved over your lost luggage.

Sometimes, planning for the worst can help you sidestep disaster, especially on vacation. If your luggage goes missing after your flight, a few tips can make the mishap easier to handle. First, Victoria Fricke suggests using tracking devices to reunite you with your baggage. "Apple AirTags have saved me personally and countless clients from lost luggage mayhem," she shares. "While the airline is typically very fast at locating your luggage, sometimes things go wrong. Maybe the barcode on your luggage got smudged and didn't scan right and there isn't a pulse on where your luggage is. The AirTag can help identify where your luggage is." Don't have AirTags? Try these alternatives.

Another valuable piece of advice, courtesy of Fricke: Pack your carry-on wisely. "I stress to clients to pack a change of clothes in their carry-on. If you have a couple extra items on your person you can often get through the first day or two!" Be sure to also keep any medically necessary items in your carry-on, such as medication.

Finally, the travel agent urges fliers to try to remain patient. "The airline is trying their best, and as soon as they can get your items to you, they will," she says. Keep in contact with the airline regarding your luggage, but until it's located and delivered, try to make the best of the situation and enjoy your trip.