What to do if your luggage is lost at the airport: a step-by-step guide for travelers
13.06.2024

Proven ways to recover lost items at the airport during travel. We tell you what actions to take and where to go if you lose your luggage at the airport.
We explain how to quickly and without unnecessary stress find your suitcase or get compensation.
Often your favorite items mistakenly fly on a different flight or get lost at the airport. An inexperienced tourist may experience severe stress when faced with lost luggage for the first time. We have compiled step-by-step instructions to guide you on how to proceed and what compensation you can expect.
1. Contact the lost and found service
In English, it is called Lost & Found. Here you need to write a statement about the loss of your luggage. If you cannot find such a desk, you should contact a representative of the airline that operated your flight or the airport administration.
2. Fill out a report on missing items
It is called Property Irregularity Report. If the loss occurred abroad, the letter must be written in English. This document is usually drawn up by airport staff and contains information about the passenger and their missing items. It is important to get a copy of this form: it may be useful in case of filing a second complaint. In the statement, provide your name, surname, passport and contact details, flight number and date, and also describe your suitcase in detail: what color it was, what material it was made of, what was inside. Remember: if you leave the baggage claim area without a copy of this document, the airline may refuse to compensate for the damage.
3. Wait for the results
Lost luggage is usually found within 48 hours. But there are cases when this happens later — sometimes even after 21 days. Things can be damaged, and they may not be found at all. In this case, you can demand compensation from the airline. If the suitcase was found on time, the airline is obliged to deliver it to the specified address. In reality, this does not always happen: sometimes you have to go and get it yourself.
4. Buy what you need and keep your receipts
If your suitcase is lost at the airport after you arrive in a new place, buy essential items. It is important to keep all receipts in order to receive monetary compensation later. The conditions for the return of lost items may vary depending on the airline's rules. Most often, expenses for hygiene products and clothing are reimbursed. Usually, the amount of compensation is limited — not more than 100€. In some countries' airports, you can get essential items right away at the Lost and Found desk. Usually, these include a tooth kit, shampoo, comb, and T-shirt.
5. What to do if your suitcase is not found
The status "Lost" is assigned to luggage if it is not found within 21 days. In this case, the airline is obliged to compensate the passenger for the damage after this period has expired. You also have the right to receive moral compensation, even if the luggage is found. For clarification of the conditions, contact the official representative of the airline at the airport.
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