The fact that the airline loses our luggage, suitcase or purse is one of the great fears of travelers, and although there are several precautions we can take to minimize the chances of this happening, the truth is that can happen to anyone.
This post is part of our series of guides and resources for travelers.
What to do if you lose your luggage
Well, the first thing to do is assume it's lost. It sounds obvious, but the reality is that when we find ourselves in that situation we are three hours next to the tape in the hope that our suitcase will appear. And in these cases it is important to act as soon as possible.
While this is something that can always happen, you need to be more vigilant and cautious on international flights and connecting flights.
At (almost) all airports, in the baggage claim area, there is an airline counter that is in charge of processing the baggage claim. It is essential to immediately file a claim for lost luggage there.
At that counter, you get the PIR (Part of Baggage Irregularity Property Irregularity Report), which contains the claim code. This paper is the proof of your claim: keep it safe and, in case of doubt, take a picture of it.
Now it's time to call travel insurance, in case you've hired one. They will ask you for the PIR.
It is important to know that while each airline has its own protocol, you always get compensation if you are in a foreign country for the days you do not have your baggage.
Some give you money beforehand and others reimburse you by presenting the corresponding tickets. Usually, you have to complain many times until you get it. Patience and not to loosen up.
Once the claim has been made, there is no choice but to wait. You will most likely arrive at home or airport to be able to pick it up.
Although most of the time it appears, and before 72 hours, the second case and less likely is that the days go by and does not appear. The suitcase is declared lost and the corresponding claim for compensation for the loss of our belongings begins.
Additional Tips
Carry an extra change of clothes and valuables in your carry-on luggage. This way, if your luggage is lost, you will have the essentials for the first day. Every time you arrive at your destination, take off the stickers that the airline puts on your suitcase, and every previous label. These tags have the information on where each bag has to go and can help them end up on the wrong plane if we leave those of other trips or airlines.
Always keep your baggage ticket (it is essential to make the claim for loss).
Personalize your luggage. Let your suitcase not be one more. Try not to let it be plain black, and if it is, look for the turn to recognize it easily. Put colored ribbons, labels, covers, whatever you can think of. So we minimize the chances of someone taking her by mistake.
Take a picture of her before you send her away. It'll be very useful if you get lost on the road.
Include your data in the view (last name and email, for example, but not the address or passport number).
Arrive in time at the airport: if you arrive very just, there are more chances that the suitcase does not make in time to pass through all the security checks and does not board the same plane as you. If possible, avoid tight flight connections, so your luggage has plenty of time to move from one hold to another.