Lost baggage is every traveler’s worst nightmare and even more so for backpackers.
Our backpack is literally all that we own and the best companion for the trip we’ve been saving up for a long time. We at Travset are also the first to admit that we have a rather unhealthy, overprotective relationship with our backpack and would find losing it devastating.
Sure, is very inconvenient and might put a damper on your trip, but all is not lost!
1. Stay calm
The first thing that’s important is to stay calm as all hope is not lost.
The number of baggage that ends up lost forever is very minuscule and you most likely will not end up being part of this statistic.
2. Make sure your baggage did not arrive
Some baggage takes time to arrive on the conveyor and its best if you enquire whether the offloading is complete or there is more to come.
3. Head over to the baggage claim office
All airlines have officers or representatives in the airports they fly to. You must, therefore, visit these as soon as possible (some airlines have guidelines on how fast you should file a claim) and inform them of the issue in question. This visit serves two purposes; informs the airline of the loss and creates a paper trail you can use for claiming damages or loss.
Be prepared to answer any questions they might have and produce your baggage ticket.
A few of the questions we recommend asking from the baggage claim office is
How long do lost bags usually take to be found?
How to make periodical checks on the bag?
Will there be an update from the airline when it’s found?
Will the airline be delivering the bag?
Details on compensation for costs incurred during the wait for the bag and a situation where the bag cannot be located
4. Continue on with your plans
You have followed the necessary procedure and fretting will not do you any good.
We recommend checking into your accommodation and continuing with your plans.
Incurred any expense in purchasing any clothes or toiletries whilst waiting for your lost baggage? You might be able to claim it back provided you have receipts to provide.
