What to Do if Your Luggage is Lost - Flugo.ro

What to Do if Your Luggage is Lost

If you cannot find your suitcase on the baggage carousel, don’t panic – it hasn’t disappeared without a trace. Airport staff are there to help. Most major airports have a Lost and Found office that handles such cases. To file a report with an airport staff member, you simply need to present your baggage tag. One copy of the report will be sent to the airline, while the other copy remains with you.

What Happens After Reporting Lost Luggage?

The information you provide in the report will be compared with unclaimed luggage that has been found. A Lost and Found office employee will carry out this process and inform you if your luggage has been located. If the answer is affirmative, your luggage will be transported to you on the next available flight. If a few days are required to return it, the airline will send your luggage to the address you provide.

How Long Does the Search Last?

The maximum search period for luggage is three weeks. If, after a week, the luggage hasn’t been found, you will be asked to recall what items were in the suitcase. Usually, after providing a list, the luggage is found. If the search is unsuccessful, the airline will compensate you for the lost luggage. Generally, the compensation is no more than 20 euros per kilogram (based on the weight indicated on the baggage tag), with a maximum of 1500 euros.

Common Causes of Lost Luggage

• Damaged baggage tag (during loading/unloading of luggage);
• Technical error;
• Theft.

To avoid these issues, it is advisable to carry valuable items and necessary documents in your carry-on luggage.

Preventing Lost Luggage

1. You can take several measures to reduce the chances of losing your luggage:
2. Choose a bag with a tag or microchip for owner identification, or complete the identification card on your suitcase;
3. At check-in, make sure the information on the baggage tag is printed correctly;
4. Take a photo of your luggage, so you can show the airline what it looks like – pictures are often more helpful than verbal descriptions;
5. Use brightly colored markers, like neon labels or tape, so your bag isn’t mistakenly taken by another passenger;
6. Check in as early as possible to give the airline sufficient time to load your bag onto the plane.