Losing your suitcase, of course no one wants that. But what do you do if you, lose your suitcase? In this blog you can read all the ins and outs.

Are you sure you are at the right luggage belt and all luggage has been dropped. Then unfortunately your luggage is lost. Report this immediately to the service desk, the airline concerned or your tour operator. Make sure you have, your boarding pass and your baggage ticket handy (the ticket you get when you check in your suitcase). You will be given a PIR (Property Irregularity report) form by them, which you need to fill out. Are there items in the suitcase belonging not only to you but also to your traveling companion? Have him or her fill out a form as well! Any compensation, will be paid per person. Ask for a copy of the form or take a clear picture of it with your mobile phone.

Compensation

Depending on the airline or tour operator, they may give you an allowance. For example, this could be X amount per person per day to buy some important items such as clothes and toiletries. Always check the terms and conditions with the airline for this, as the amount may increase after 48 hours. Also, always check with your travel insurance.

If your suitcase is really lost (after 3 weeks this applies) then you are entitled to compensation of +/- € 1300. It is possible that the airline will not pay the full amount. Check whether you are still entitled to supplement from your travel insurance.

And above all, don’t forget these tips:

• Always make sure that when you check in a piece of luggage you check it in under the name for which you have booked luggage! If your baggage gets lost, it will cause problems if it is checked in under a different name.
• Go for a distinctive suitcase, that way you can be sure someone else won’t accidentally take your suitcase.
• Always remove old luggage stickers.
• Provide a card with your name and phone number (including country code) and address, if applicable.
• Are you traveling with a party and have more than 1 suitcase? Then divide the stuff. In case one suitcase is lost, at least you still have some clothes and underwear in the other suitcase 😉
• Take items that are valuable to you in your carry-on luggage. For example, I always take my medicine, camera and bikini in my trolley.

Check here what to do if your flight is delayed.