Don't lose your Luggage

Making sure your luggage arrives when you do – and how to cope when it doesn’t

In the last year alone, more than 42 million pieces of luggage are mishandled or delayed, costing the global industry upwards of AUD5.8 billion annually.

An average of over 115, 000 bags were mishandled on any given day last year according to SITA, the IT provider which tracks baggage information for airlines and passengers across 220 countries and territories, the added pressure of tighter security and less carry-space brings further challenges.

Yet, according to Karen Waples of local Brisbane Travelscene American Express agency, TRAVELSCENE TAIGUM, there are a number of simple steps you should take to minimise the chances of your luggage disappearing, and maximise your chances of coping in the event that it does.

“The obvious first step is to ensure that you pack the right stuff. Never ever pack valuables in bags which are to be checked on to the plane,” Karen said. “And do yourself a favour – make sure you pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage so that if an airline does lose your checked bags, at least you will have a fresh set of clothes to wear.”

“Try to fly direct and arrive early to check in,” Karen said. “Connections and extra flights increase the risk of lost luggage as does checking in late.”

“Pay attention to the bags you’re checking. Make a note of their brand, size, colour and style and, if you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, take photos of your bags and carry them with you, ideally on your phone or your digital camera,” Karen said.

“Take the time to remove any old destination or arrival stickers or tags to reduce the possibility of misdirection

The differing luggage restrictions can also create confusion.

“If you’re travelling overseas, and especially if you’re connecting to a low-fare airline in Europe or Asia and the USA, make sure you check each airline’s limits. Some airlines such as Ryanair, for example, now charge for each piece of checked luggage. It’s also worth remembering that the QANTAS’ allowance is amongst the most generous in the world. I’m aware of many an Aussie traveller who have found themselves in the US only to learn that their suitcases are too large for internal flights.”

So what do you do if your luggage does disappear? Karen says a little bit of preparation, a couple of deep breaths and a lot of persistence is what’s required.

“If the worst happens, and you arrive but your luggage doesn’t, then don’t leave the airport until you’ve filed a missing luggage report with as much detail as possible. Make sure you provide contact information for the next 48 hours and that you have the proper forms to lodge a lost-baggage claim.”

“It’s important to understand that if your bags are simply delayed, the airlines don’t legally owe you any compensation. However, if you need to purchase certain items in the interim, such as toiletries and reasonably-priced clothes and underwear, you may be able to claim reimbursement. If your bags are really lost, travel insurance will pay you far more handsomely than the airlines which generally use the International Air Transport Association guidelines for compensation. Travelscene offers a fantastic range of insurance packages which cover delayed and missing luggage.”

Travelscene American Express’ Top Tips for Safe Luggage:
1. Pack the right stuff
2. Fly Direct and Check-in Early
3. Tag your bags with Name and Phone Numbers inside and out
4. Know Your Bags – make sure they stand out and that you have a digital
picture of them on your camera or phone, particularly if you don’t speak the
local language
5. Check the baggage allowances of each airline your travelling on
6. If you arrive but your luggage doesn’t, don’t leave until you’ve filed a
missing luggage report