CNN
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For those who are already nervous about how to deal with potential flight delays and cancellations, just giving them one more reason to pop an antacid or two is enough: the possibility of your luggage being delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged.
This concern is especially true during peak winter holiday travel periods, flight disruptions due to recent government shutdowns, and global IT outages in summer 2024. These days, handing over a checked suitcase can seem almost unbelievable.
Still, you are not completely helpless. There are several things and strategies you can do to avoid losing your luggage, or at least to minimize the impact of delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Book direct flights: If you’re really worried about checked baggage, prioritize nonstop flights, or at least a well-timed connection, says Scott Keyes, founder of airline ticket trading and travel advice site Going.com.
“Bag loss is most likely to happen when connecting between planes, especially if the connections are tight,” he said, and that’s even more true on interconnected international flights.
Take a photo of your bag and its contents: Joe Hoban, a travel agent in Spanish Fork, Utah, about 80 miles south of Salt Lake City, told CNN Travel that he advises his clients to take a photo of their bag because the first thing the airline office will ask is: What is the brand of the bag? What color is the bag? What size is the bag? What’s in the bag?
She also said that you should line up your bed with whatever you plan to store and take a photo. If you lose your bag, this will help you create a record of its contents.
Use baggage tracking: Many airline apps allow travelers to check the status of their baggage in real time, showing when it’s checked in, loaded onto the plane, and off the plane.
You can set up your own independent tracking: For extra security, you can set up your own baggage tracking. CNN Underscored, CNN’s proprietary guide to product reviews and recommendations, has recommendations. Travelers using Apple AirTags will also have third-party access to their tracking information, giving airports and airlines another tool to locate their luggage in real-time.
Make sure to include proper ID on the inside of your suitcase: Consumer advocacy group Travelers United says to include information on the inside in case the tag on the outside comes off.
The power of carry-on baggage: Airlines never lose baggage you never checked in. Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of travel, suggests packing as light as possible and using only a carry-on. You can save time leaving the airport and have more peace of mind.
Check your credit card coverage: Before purchasing additional travel insurance, Keyes suggested checking your credit card policy for travel coverage. You may be entitled to additional coverage not covered by the airline, not only for lost baggage, but also for refunds for items you need to purchase while waiting for your baggage.
Shipping your luggage: Shipping your luggage separately makes sense for two types of travel, Keyes says.
First case: You plan to live somewhere for more than a month, and you plan to bring a lot of stuff with you. With shipping, you can not only carry more quantity, but also at a lower price. You can also get door-to-door service instead of lugging heavy luggage around the airport.
Second case: You have a few short stops before heading to your final destination and plan to stay there for a little longer. Use carry-on luggage for short trips. Send large luggage to the final destination.
If you’re shipping to a hotel or Airbnb, ask the staff or owner if they can store your package until you arrive, Keyes says.
Check your bags in a timely manner: Advocacy group Travelers United says checking bags at the last minute is likely to lead to trouble.
“Don’t force the system. Even the slightest delay can have serious consequences if your package moves down the conveyor belt and is picked for security before you have time,” the company’s website says.
Keep valuables in your carry-on bag: The TSA urges travelers to bring valuables, such as jewelry, on board. “Do not put them in checked baggage,” the agency’s website says.
Check the destination on your baggage tag: Travelers United advises double-checking your airline baggage tag to ensure you’ve arrived at your destination, especially if you’re doing curbside check-in.
Always keep your baggage claim ticket in a safe place.
Check out other parts of the airport. If your suitcase isn’t on the designated pick-up carousel, travel advice website The Points Guy suggests checking your local carousel. If you can’t find it there, check your airline’s baggage office. This is also a good time to put the aforementioned tracking apps to work.
Report the issue and fill out the form at the airport. If your baggage does not arrive, please let the airline know.
“Airline representatives will often tell you that your baggage has been found, but will be delayed until your next flight,” Travelers United says. “Please wait if you have time. If not, please fill out the appropriate lost baggage form at the airport.”
Have the airline deliver your luggage: Keyes said if the airline finds your suitcase but it might take several hours to arrive, make sure the agent knows your address and use the airline’s delivery service.
Save your receipts: “If you buy anything from a new swimsuit to toothpaste to get you through the day without luggage, keep your receipts. You may need them to get a refund,” Going.com advises.
Check your airline’s billing and compensation policy. Each airline should have information on their website about what to do if your baggage is lost. For example, this is the Delta Airlines page. This is American Airlines’ page. This is the Southwest Airlines page. Additionally, airlines based outside the United States have their own systems. If you fly with British Airways or Lufthansa, please do the following:
If your airline isn’t helping you: “If your airline is dragging its feet for compensation…don’t hesitate to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation,” Keyes said of U.S. airlines. “You can file a complaint here.”
Click here for information on billing for UK flights. Check out the British Civil Aviation Authority’s site here. Click here for more information on Canadian flights.
Limitations on Liability: There are some small details, exceptions, and red tape and documentation hurdles, but ultimately you should receive cash for your lost bag.
For U.S. domestic flights, the maximum liability allowed under DOT regulations is $4,700. Airlines are free to pay more than the limit, but they are not required to do so. Learn more about DOT here. For international flights, that amount is approximately $2,175.
Damaged Baggage: If you discover damage to your baggage while at the airport, please report it to the airport. According to the DOT, airlines are not obligated to pay for damage to items caused by improper packaging, nor are they responsible for “certain categories of items (e.g., fragile items, electronics, cash, perishables, etc.).” We are responsible for any damage to wheels, handles or straps.
Insurance: Baggage insurance usually falls into two broad categories: delayed baggage and lost baggage. CNN Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide owned by CNN, has a guide to baggage insurance coverage.
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