What to do when your luggage is lost on a plane

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a month for the airline to recover your lost luggage, plus another 4 weeks to 3 months to refund you.

If your luggage is damaged, ask the airline to pay for repairs.

If your suitcase is torn, missing a wheel or otherwise damaged, the airline is responsible for paying for the repair, or the depreciation. You must be able to prove that you did not bring inappropriate damaged items, especially if the outside of the suitcase is completely undamaged.

If your luggage is delayed, report it as lost as soon as possible.

Most lost luggage is simply delayed, as airlines have sophisticated tracking systems and can find it within a few hours. Most likely, your luggage was mistakenly put on another flight.

However, you should ask the airline staff for documents about the lost luggage. You can give them your baggage check and get a copy of the documents.

Also, you should ask for their phone number so you can contact them when needed. Another important tip is to take a picture of your luggage before you leave so you don’t have to describe it to the airline staff.

Take a photo of your luggage before your flight to provide to airline staff. Photo: Hackcrow.

Check the back of your ticket for compensation.

If the airline's maximum compensation is only $200, you should keep valuables in your carry-on bag.

Request a refund for checked baggage fees

This depends on the airline, but you may be able to request a refund of the amount you paid for checked baggage.

Don't assume that lost luggage will be shipped to you free of charge.

To be sure, check with the airline first, and negotiate with them if necessary.

If sports equipment is lost, ask the airline to pay your equipment rental fee.

Claim compensation if luggage is lost

According to Air Travel Consumer Reports, for every 1,000 passengers, 2.9 bags are reported lost, including stolen, damaged and delayed.

When this happens to you, ask for compensation. The airline will do everything they can to find your luggage and avoid paying.

But once your luggage is actually lost, they will have to refund you. You will have to fill out a form and detail the items in your luggage.

Remember that you never get paid the actual price.

Airlines will only pay for the depreciated value, unless you can prove that the lost item was brand new, similar to clothing or other items you buy to use while waiting for your luggage to be found.

Don't ask for too much

If the airline thinks you are exaggerating, or lying, they will refuse to compensate you completely. They will often ask you for a receipt or proof of purchase, so have it ready, or be prepared to explain in detail.

Check credit card

Some credit cards offer flight and baggage insurance. This is automatically applied when you purchase a flight ticket with your card, so check with your bank about this if it is available.

Be patient

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a month for the airline to recover your luggage, plus another four weeks to three months to refund you. In some cases, they will offer you a voucher worth more than the money they owe you, but you should check the terms and conditions carefully.

According to Zing.vn