You hop off the plane at your destination and all you can think about is how ready you are to begin these next couple of weeks of relaxation.
No calls, no texts, no stress – just pure bliss.
You walk over to the carousel and wait for your checked bag.
More and more bags are claimed and pulled off of the line, but still no sight of yours.
You stay patient – as long as the carousel is still moving, more bags are sure to be added on.
Eventually, it stops.
Panic begins to ensue – ‘where is my bag?!’
Remaining as calm as you can. you follow the line of the carousel to see if maybe you just missed it when it came by.
Nothing.
You’re halfway across the world and all you have with you is the few things you placed in your personal bag – what do you do?
Don’t panic – as unfortunate as this situation is, there are a few things you can do in preparation in case you are faced with lost luggage, and some steps to take in the off chance this happens to you.
Table of Contents
Travel With Carry On Only
Okay, okay, I can almost hear the collective groan, but hear me out.
Going the carry-on route can save you from the stress of checked bags and the potential heartache of lost luggage. It’s all about embracing the minimalist travel lifestyle. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
But, if even just the thought of going to your next destination with just a carry on terrifies you, go on to the next tip.
Pack Purposefully
Before you even set off to the airport for your flight, you want to take a little extra time while packing your suitcases to know exactly what you have and where. Packing purposefully and carefully is going to save you many headaches in the future.
Here are some tips for packing purposefully:
Personal, Carry-On & Checked: What Goes Where?
Personal Bag
Think of your personal bag as your easy access bag to the must- haves. This is that small, compact bag that stays connected to your hip at all times. No digging should be necessary in this bag, keeps the necessary items at an easy reach.
This is your mini survival kit. It’s where you stash all those small but essential items that can make a world of difference on your journey and is also a starter kit in the off chance that your bag is AWOL.
Here are some ideas of items that have proven useful to have in the personal bag:
| Important Docs | Toiletries | Accessories | Other |
| Passport | Lip Balm | Sunnies | Pen (you’d be surprised how often this comes in handy) |
| ID | Hand Sanitizer | Pair of Socks (for TSA/ getting cold on the plane) | House Keys (keep them with you to avoid any surprises) |
| Travel docs (ie itineraries, train tickets, etc) | Earphones | ||
| Wallet | Book (to read on the plane) |
Carry-On
When it comes to your carry-on, think of it as your bigger survival kit. Pack all the stuff you just can’t do without. Also, think ‘what would I really hate to lose if I don’t see my checked in bag again, or on time?’.
Electronics, anything of significant value – your must-haves.
| Toiletries | Accessories | Electronics | Other |
| Toothbrush | Cozy Sweater (for the plane) | Laptop | Portable charger with cable |
| Lotion | Change of Underwear (you never know) | Chargers | Water bottle (to fill up once past TSA) |
| Contacts (if you wear them) | Extra change of clothes | ||
| Deodorant |
Checked Bag
Leave your checked bag for clothes, bigger sized toiletries, and all those “extra” things.
Document While You Pack
Alright, here’s a tip that will single handedly save many headaches in the future. As you’re packing your checked bag, make it a point to document everything that goes in there.
How, you ask? Simple. Take a picture of each item and jot it down on a list. This way, if your luggage decides to take a detour, you’ve got all the proof you need for your reimbursement claim. It’s like having a backup for your bag.
Drop an Airtag in Every Bag
This is another tip that we use for every trip and it has put an answer to otherwise unknowns.
Popping Airtags in all of your bags allows you to see the location of your bag in real time on your phone, like having a GPS for your luggage.
If your bag ends up somewhere else, you won’t be left unnecessarily waiting at the airport in case it shows up. Having the exact location, you can coordinate with the airline to decide the next steps based on your travel plans – it gives you control of the situation.
It’s a good idea to put one in every single bag, including purses or day packs so you can always have the location handy on every leg of the trip – no surprises.
Lost Luggage: Now What?
Alright, now that your bag is packed, let’s fast forward to that painstaking moment in the airport at your destination – no bag in sight.
Although nothing will fully make you feel any better in that moment, follow these next steps to make sure you at least get all of the help you can receive.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Rule Out Other Locations
First things first, don’t panic. Your bag might just be playing hide and seek.
Check out other carousels and don’t forget the “oversized baggage” area.
Don’t hesitate to ask the airport staff. There might be other places like the baggage office or a separate holding area where your bag could have been rerouted to.
Step 2: Head To The Lost Luggage Desk
With your AirTag info at hand, you can show them exactly where your bag is. Even if you don’t know the exact location, still go to the desk to leave personal information, to devise a plan for your bag’s safe return, and to be clear on options and next steps.
Request for your bag to be delivered to you. Most airlines do this for free.
Step 3: Call the Airline (before you leave the airport)
At this point, you probably feel so defeated, frustrated, angry and just want to be done with it.
But before you leave the airport, make that call to the airline. Ask them about the exact steps you need to follow to ensure your claim gets approved.
Yes, it can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s crucial to gather all the necessary information to comply with their reimbursement process.
Be sure to ask them about any specific information they might need. Sometimes, they might have certain requirements that could trip up your claim. So, get all the details upfront – even consider filing the claim over the phone if possible (if you do file over the phone, don’t forget to ask for a confirmation email and a case number for your records).
We have experienced too many run arounds with sneaky airline loopholes – cover all of your bases.
Step 4: File Your Claim With the Airline
If you weren’t able to file over the phone on the spot, you will have to file the claim online.
💡 Here’s a tip: Keep track of all the times related to your luggage saga. When did the plane land? When did the bags start appearing on the carousel? When did your AirTag show a different location? When did you visit the lost luggage desk and what did they say? When did you call the airline and what was discussed?
Remember, there’s no such thing as too much information in this case. But too little? That could cost you.
Step 5: Buy Necessities – Keep All Receipts
Coming to terms with a missing bag upon arrival to another country is frustrating in itself, but, when you go out and buy your essentials, remember to keep those receipts safe.
Snap a picture of each receipt right away and maintain a detailed record of every purchase you make until your bag is back with you.
These records will be super handy when you file your claim for reimbursement. It’s like your personal paper trail to getting your money back.
Summary
Travel With Carry On Only (Implicit):
- Embrace minimalist travel to avoid checked bag stress and lost luggage.
Packing Purposefully:
- Personal Bag: Your mini survival kit for essential documents, toiletries, accessories (lip balm, sunnies, pen), tech (phone, earphones), and comfort items (socks). Keep accessible.
- Carry-On: Your bigger survival kit for must-haves, valuables, electronics, a change of clothes, and refillable water bottle.
- Checked Bag: For clothes, larger toiletries, and non-essential extras.
Documenting Your Packing:
- Photograph and list all checked bag contents for reimbursement proof if lost.
Using Tracking Devices:
- Place an AirTag (or similar) in every bag (including personal items) to track their real-time location and gain control if luggage is delayed.
Lost Luggage: Now What?:
- Step 1: Stay Calm & Rule Out Other Locations: Check all carousels and the oversized area; ask airport staff.
- Step 2: Head To The Lost Luggage Desk: Provide your information and AirTag location (if known); request delivery.
- Step 3: Call the Airline (Before Leaving Airport): Inquire about claim procedures and specific requirements; try to file over the phone and get confirmation.
- Step 4: File Your Claim With the Airline (If Not Done by Phone): Document all times and details related to your luggage issue.
- Step 5: Buy Necessities – Keep All Receipts: Photograph and retain all receipts for essential purchases for reimbursement claims.
So remember, pack purposefully, document and take photos of everything as you’re packing it, drop some AirTags in every bag, and, if the unfortunate does happen and your bag goes missing, follow the five steps above to make sure you get the reimbursement and all the help you can receive from the airline.
Over everything, remain calm, document meticulously and stay informed. With proper preparation, nothing can get in the way of you and your amazing time ahead.
As always, sending you lots of love.
Until Next Time,
Cristina Marie
