Holidaymakers must do this three weeks later if luggage is lost

You've been waiting what feels like a lifetime for your holiday, you're suitcases are packed with your favourite sunshine necessities and it's time to jet off but what happens if your luggage doesn't take off with you? Missing, or lost, luggage is a risk holidaymakers take with each flight but as millions of Brits head off on their summer holidays, one travel expert has warned holidaymakers to be wary oflost belongings.

In the past year, 62,000 items were reported lost at UK airports and Chris Harrington, Managing Director at hoppa - who specialise in airport transfers - (www.hoppa.com) has some handy advice. “Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do in this situation can make it even worse. Ultimately, we advise Brits that the faster and more informed their response is, the better chances of recovering luggage or receiving updates on its whereabouts.

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“The process isn’t as complicated as one might think, but there are important steps to follow. We’ve outlined them below for anyone planning on flying this summer.”

Chris also urges holidaymakers to follow his 7 vital steps to take if your luggage has been lost...

Report immediately

As soon as you realise your luggage has not arrived, head straight to the airline’s luggage service desk, usually located near the baggage claim area. You will need your luggage receipt or tag and flight details ready, as the staff will need this information to start tracking your bag. Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what’s happened to your luggage.

Provide as much detail as possible

Describing your luggage in as much detail as possible will give you a better chance of it being found and being found quickly. Be prepared to provide information on the brand, colour, size, type of shell and any unique identifiers like tags or stickers. If you have any photos of your bag, show them to the staff as it can help make tracking easier for the airline.

Ask for a written reference number

When you’re at the service desk, make sure to request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference number. A PIR number is a unique code that is used by airlines to trace your missing luggage and will be needed when you follow up on your luggage’s status or if you need to make an insurance claim.

Ask about immediate allowances

Some airlines will provide an allowance so you can purchase immediate essentials like clothing or toiletries while they work on tracking your luggage, especially if you are away from home. Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date.

Speak to your travel insurer

Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12-24 hours. If your luggage is delayed, get in contact with your provider as soon as possible to find out what documents and evidence you will need to make a claim and to ensure you are properly reimbursed for any essentials you have to purchase. Coverage will vary between providers, so make sure you check what your insurance offers.

Follow up after 3 weeks

You should be following up with your airline regularly over the phone or email to check on the status of your bag, but it is especially important that you follow up after 3 weeks. According to International Guidelines, once your bag has been missing for more than 21 days, it is officially classified as lost. At this stage, you need to follow up with the airline and initiate a formal lost luggage claim. Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days, so make sure you act promptly.

Remember the Montreal Convention

Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are responsible for compensating up to £1,300 if your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed. To file a claim, you’ll need to provide proof of your luggage and its contents, so have this information prepared. The more information you have, the more likely you will be to make a successful claim.