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What travelers need to know when airlines handle lost or delayed luggage


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Air travel has kicked this summer – and baggage issues are a factor among many other problems for travelers like Flight cancellations and delays.

Nearly 220,000 bags were “mishandled” by US airlines in April 2022, meaning they were lost, damaged, delayed or stolen, according to the most recent figures. data published by the United States Department of Transportation.

The number of baggage mishandled in April was more than double the approximately 94,000 cases of baggage mishandled in April 2021, although slightly less than the March 2022 tally, and levels in April 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the ministry data.

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What do those numbers look like to visitors? Consider this: Last week, Delta Air Lines flying an airplane full of 1,000 pieces of stranded luggage – and no passengers – from London’s Heathrow Airport to Detroit to expedite the move of late baggage.

Why do airlines have a hard time managing baggage?

Airlines have competed with shortage baggage handlers, pilots and other staff when travel demand is high, after it has stabilized during the pandemic outbreak. More than 2.4 million Americans passed through airport security on Sunday, up 10% from a year ago and more than tripling the same day in 2020, follow for the Transportation Security Administration.

While lost luggage or delays in reaching your belongings can ruin a great trip, it’s worth noting: In many cases, travelers can get a refund. often finance from airlines when their luggage goes missing. There are also steps to take before flying to make the process easier.

Sara Rathner, a travel expert at NerdWallet.

Here’s what to know if your checked baggage goes to MIA or returns with a few dents.

Airlines must compensate passengers when passengers lose their luggage

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Under US regulations, airlines are required to compensate passengers for lost, delayed or damaged baggage, up to a limit.

“Financial compensation is helpful, because it’s not what you would normally spend,” says Rathner.

Policy may vary between service providers. For example, airlines have different time standards for when baggage is considered “lost”; Most declare a bag lost after five to 14 days, according to the Department of Transportation. Airlines may ask for receipts or other proof of items in your bag.

Airlines may also waive the return of certain items, including cash, electronics and fragile items.

Turn your lost luggage desk into your ‘first call gate’

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According to travel experts, if the baggage carousel is empty and you have not retrieved your luggage, talk to the airline staff before leaving the airport to check in.

Aiden Freeborn, senior editor of the travel site, said: “For lost luggage, the first port of call should be the airport’s lost baggage counter to report the problem. The Broke Backpacker.

It is the responsibility of the airlines to determine when and when checked baggage does not arrive.

“In some cases, they can locate the item and arrange for it to be forwarded,” Freeborn said. “Unfortunately, this could mean waiting a few days, and having to go back to the airport to get it.”

He added that airlines differ in terms of liability acceptance and turnaround times for claims.

The same advice applies to late bags, damaged bags or the contents of the bag – declare it before you leave the airport. In regards to a damaged bag, the airline could argue that the damage occurred after leaving the facility, experts say.

After leaving the airport, travelers should also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation, according to Charlie Leocha, president of United Tourists, an advocacy group. The agent will forward your complaint to the airline, which in turn helps get you to the top of the queue, he said.

How to pack to reduce the risk of lost luggage

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According to experts, there are things travelers can do before flying to reduce the risk of losing their bags – or headaches if they do.

Perhaps the most obvious – but impactful – tip is to avoid bag checks when possible.

“Right now, if you can always travel with carry-on luggage; that’s my #1 rule for you,” says Leocha.

Of course, that is not always possible. If you need to check baggage, consider booking a direct flight instead of a multi-hop (again, if possible) to eliminate any possible baggage errors when transferring planes. If a pause is necessary, choose a longer time to ensure there is enough time to transfer your luggage.

Do not leave anything of value, such as jewelry or camera equipment, in checked bags: These are unlikely to be insured if lost. It’s also better to keep travel essentials such as some clothes or medical prescriptions in your luggage, which if delayed or lost will affect your health or prevent you from enjoying the trip mine.

“Travelers would be wise not to put all their eggs in one basket – instead, spread the items all over the bags,” Freeborn said in an e-mail. “I personally always carry a few days’ worth of clothes and underwear in my luggage just in case my luggage gets lost.”

Experts also recommend taking pictures of what you pack (an easy task with a cell phone camera) and writing down the value of anything you paid in cash during the trip. These steps will come in handy in case you need to file a baggage claim and list your personal belongings and their cost to the airline, Leocha says.

In addition, some travel insurance policies may cover costs related to lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage, experts say. However, purchasing an insurance policy may not be necessary; A travel credit card used to finance a trip may already carry some baggage-related protection.

Travelers may also consider shipping certain must-have items to their destination ahead of time – although that will almost certainly cost more and the airlines won’t pay, says Leocha. .



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