You’ve patiently waited for all the bags to take their turn on the conveyor belt. No more seem to be exiting the chute. And, yet, yours is not there. You couldn’t have missed the bright red tape on the handles. Surely no one else took it.
It’s lost.
What do you do?
First, make sure you have the baggage claim ticket. You know those things the check in counter staples to your envelope or hands to you? Don’t immediately discard that little piece.
Most airlines have a counter or office in the baggage claim area. Talk to them and fill out the missing luggage form. It’s possible your bag was sent to the wrong place and you’ll have it in a couple of days. If it is truly lost, you can file a claim for damages. Keep in mind…you will have to make a list of everything that was in your bag. Whew!
And, you will only receive the depreciated value for those items in your bag. You know those shoes you paid $500 for just last year in Venice? You won’t receive $500. Bummer.
So, don’t pack valuable, essential, or priceless items in your checked bag. Make sure your name and address are clearly marked on your bag. Add contact info to the inside of your bag. When the ticket counter puts the destination tag on the bag and hands you the claim ticket, make sure it reads the correct destination. AND…hang on to the claim ticket.