Is your luggage delayed, lost or damaged? What to do

(CNN) — It’s enough to give another reason why anyone panics about chaos in the sky: delayed, lost or damaged luggage.

The concern is valid.

Handing over checked baggage can seem like a leap of faith these days.

How bad is the problem?

In May 2021, 0.38 out of 100 bags were mishandled. That figure is up to 0.56 per 100 bags planned in May 2022.

However, that still makes over 99 out of a hundred bags go where they need to go without a problem.

Scott Keyes, founder of Flight Agreements and TRavel says advice site Scott’s Cheap Flights is encouraging people to avoid baggage issues on flights and holidays.

“Every bag that goes missing is a huge disruption for people who have bags — and I certainly don’t want to trivialize that — but I want people to have the right attitude in most cases, your flight is about to fly and your checked bag is about to arrive,” he told CNN Travel.

Paula Twidall, AAA’s senior vice president of travel, sees better days ahead.

“As staffing improves, more pilots are trained and flight frequency increases, we will see this issue start to disappear,” she said in an email to CNN Travel.

Until then, you are completely powerless. There are things and strategies you can do to avoid or at least minimize the impact of lost and delayed baggage.

Before going to the airport

Book non-stop flights: If you’re really concerned about your checked baggage, prioritize nonstop flights or at least a generous amount of time, Keyes said.

“Bags are more likely to be lost during transfers between connecting aircraft, especially if there is a tight connection.” And that goes double for international flights with tight connections, he said.

Consider discount airlines: Full-service airlines are more likely to lose your luggage than discount airlines, as they have more non-stop flights and are less likely to lose a bag in transit.

Older airlines tend to have more connecting flights. Keyes said he wouldn’t make a booking decision based on that alone, but it’s an “interesting side issue to think about.”

Take a photo of your luggage and its contents: Joe Hoban, a travel agent in Spanish Fork, Utah, about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City, told CNN Travel that she recommends her clients take a photo of their bags as the first thing airline offices ask for. The brand name of the bag, the color of the bag, the size of the bag and what the contents of the bag look like.

She said people should put what they plan to pack on the bed and take a picture of that too. This will help create a record of the contents if the bag is lost.

Use Baggage Tracker: “Many airlines allow you to check the status of your bag in their apps, which can help give you peace of mind that your bag is on the flight with you — or at least give you an idea of ​​where your bag is if it’s delayed.” Scott’s Cheap Flights said in an emailed news release.

“I dropped off a bag at the Salt Lake Airport. [City]. Fortunately, I knew the people who took my bag, so it was easy to exchange, “But then again, what if I didn’t know those people? What if they are strangers and take my bag home? Hopefully they are good and honest people and will see that I have a name and phone number in the bag and call me and let me know the mistake. “

Power of transports; Airlines can’t lose baggage that they never checked in. Twidale Pack as light as you can and only use carry-on items. Save time getting out of the airport and have more peace of mind.

Review your credit card coverage: Keyes recommends checking your credit card policy for travel protection before purchasing additional travel insurance.

You may receive additional compensation (for items not covered by the airlines) not only for lost bags, but also for items you need to purchase while waiting for your bag.

At the airport before you fly

Check your bags on time: Travelers United says last-minute baggage check-ins can lead to major problems.

“Don’t push the system. The slightest delay can have serious consequences as your bag zips down the conveyor belt and is picked up for security in no time,” the website says.

Rework that phone camera. Before Casey hands over your checked bags, open them and take a photo.

“If your bag is lost and you have any valuables in there… getting a photo of what’s in there will strengthen your case for compensation after the fact.”

If your luggage is delayed

Report your problem and fill out the forms at the airport: Notify the airline if your bags do not show up.

“Many times airline staff will explain that the bag has been found but will be delayed until the next flight,” says United Travel. “Wait if you have time. If not, fill out the appropriate lost baggage forms at the airport.”

Have the airline deliver your bag: If Cayce Airlines can find your bags but it will be hours before they arrive, make sure the agents have your address and use the airline’s delivery service.

Save receipts: “If you’ve bought anything to get you through the days without your luggage — from a new swimsuit to toothpaste — keep receipts. You may need these for a refund,” advises Scott’s Cheap Flights.

If your luggage is lost

“They’ve got a special Office of Aviation Enforcement to be more proactive in protecting consumers and when airlines don’t give their customers the kind of compensation or compensation they deserve. Follow federal laws.”

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: There are fine print, exclusions, and paper/documentation hurdles, but you can eventually get cash for your lost bags.

They are responsible for damage to the wheels, handles and straps.