Air travel is way up again, with a record number of travelers expected by the end of the year, despite insane security lines and fuel prices.
However, so are the incidents of the airlines losing checked luggage; especially since last August, when a ban on carry-on liquids resulted in a 30 percent increase in checked bags.
In fact, nearly four million bags last year were either lost or damaged, making it the number three complaint by passengers, after flight delays and cancellations.
And while a few airlines are worse than others, this is a situation that is costing all of the airlines dearly — not just in claims, but also in installing new bag technology into airports.
While there have been discussions of various options for the future, what can you do right now to avoid the nightmare of lost luggage? Here are a few tips that may help.
SHIP YOUR BAGS AHEAD
We at PeterGreenberg.com are strong advocates that if at all possible, ship your bags ahead of you via any number of services, including Fed Ex and Luggage Concierge. (For a more comprehensive list, see (Alternatives To Checking Bags Article). Of course, if you decide to go this route, make sure you don’t pack any items you will need over the next 24 hours, such as medicine — and never pack valuables such as jewelry or electronics.
PUT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION INSIDE THE BAG
Of course, your luggage probably already has tags on the outside with your name, address and phone number, however, these can sometimes get torn off during the travel process. Make sure to put another label with your name and contact information (and possibly, your itinerary) INSIDE the bag as well.
TAKE A PICTURE
You might also consider snapping a quick photo of your luggage with your cell phone or digital camera so that if it does get lost, it will be easier for the airline officials to identify.
TAKE A NONSTOP FLIGHT, WHENEVER POSSIBLE
If you’ve ever had to run to catch a connecting flight, you can imagine how easy it is for the baggage handlers to miss getting your luggage on the right flight. If at all possible, take a nonstop flight, but if not, make sure to allow plenty of time for your bags to make your connection.
CHECK YOUR BAGS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT
Don’t wait until you get home (or to your hotel) to see if something is missing from your luggage. Rather, check inside your bag while you’re still AT the airport so that if there is a problem, you can go straight to the baggage claim office and file a complaint.
IF YOUR BAG GOES MISSING
If all of your efforts fail and your bags still wind up MIA, don’t panic. According to industry experts, most passengers get their bags back within 24 hours, and only a small percentage lose their bags forever.
If you are one of those unlucky few, you should know what to expect. For example, you may be surprised to learn that the airline is NOT going to buy you a new vacation wardrobe; chances are, you’ll only be offered a basic bath amenity kit for those first 24 hours (and possibly enough to buy a clean tee shirt). Nevertheless, make sure to keep all of your receipts in hopes that you will get reimbursed — and then know that what you receive will depend on your class of service and frequent flyer status.
Do remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so make sure to get the phone number of the baggage claim office (not the 800 number, but the actual on-site number), as well as the name of the agent you spoke to, and call back early and often.
If your bags are gone for good, don’t expect a whole lot. In fact, the maximum amount you can get is the federal cap of $2800 per passenger, domestically (not per bag) — with receipts required for any item valued over $250. Internationally, you’ll get even less, from about $9.07 per pound of luggage — up to $1500 per passenger (regardless of how many bags), depending on whether or not the country has ratified the “Montreal Convention.” You also may be protected under your homeowners’ insurance or the credit card you booked your flight on, so check with them as well.
While there can never be any guarantees, with a little planning, you may have a much better chance of avoiding the lost luggage woes — and of enjoying your trip!
For more help, check out Luggage Shipping Services: Solving the Lost Luggage Blues.
