Lost Luggage While Traveling? Here's What to Do Next

It’s a busy travel season and traveling can be STRESSFUL.

Orlando International Airport

That’s why we’re constantly sharing our favorite travel tips like how to book a cheap flight, our best tips for flying through Orlando International Airport, and air travel tips that will change your life. With the recent Southwest Airlines cancelations, there has been a baggage fiasco with travelers being hundreds of miles away from their luggage. So what should you do if you lose your luggage while flying?

There are a multitude of reasons that your checked bag could go missing whether that be a flight cancelation/delay or the bag didn’t make a connecting flight. If this happens to you, here is what you should do next.

Look at Other Carousels

If you notice that your bag has not arrived at the designated carousel for your flight, take a quick peek at the other carousels with bags from your airline. Sometimes the baggage ends up on the wrong carousel or the announcer says the wrong number.

LaGuardia Airport

It’s worth it to take a lap and make sure you don’t spot your bag. Remember to check the tag so you don’t accidentally end up with someone else’s luggage!

Miss a connecting flight?

Like we mentioned above, connecting flights can often lead to lost baggage depending on the situation. If you missed your connecting flight, there is a chance that your luggage did make it. Don’t panic — the luggage should be waiting at your final destination when you get there.

Flying Can Be Complicated

If you have any questions about if the baggage made it on the connecting flight or not, you can talk to an agent and they will do their best to answer your questions.

Report the Missing Bag

Once you’ve exhausted your other options and still cannot find your luggage, it’s time to report your lost luggage. There should be an airline baggage desk near the baggage claim area — locate your airline’s desk and hop in line.

Orlando International Airport

When it’s your turn, let the agent know that your bag didn’t make it and they will help you from there. Be sure to have the copy of the luggage tag that matches the tag you put on your bags — this will make it easier for the agent to track your luggage! Some airlines like United Airlines allow you to look up your luggage’s location in their app, so you can use that feature if it’s available.

Orlando Airport Terminal C

The agent will look for the status and location of luggage — if they are not able to find it, you’ll then need to file a missing luggage report. You’ll want to provide as many details as possible about your luggage when filing a report like the size, color, or anything unique about the bag.

Luggage

Once your report is complete, jot down the number of the airline baggage desk. Also before you leave, ask the agent what the airline will reimburse you for the lost luggage. Each airline has a different policy so you can find it online and/or ask the agent at the luggage desk. They may reimburse things like travel essentials or a set amount and you may be able to get your checked baggage fee refunded to you.

Losing luggage is not fun for any travelers but unfortunately it is a risk you take when flying. When in doubt, ask agents with your airline and they should be able to point you in the right direction. Breathe, have patience, and go down this list — hopefully the agent will be able to get the luggage to you shortly!

Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips.