What to do when an airline lost your luggage?

These days, airlines are responsible enough to ensure your baggage is safe and secure throughout the journey and reaches its destination correctly before you. However, if they lose the baggage, you don't need to worry. The major airlines have a specific policy for lost baggage that states what you can do in that situation and various associated terms and conditions. Usually, when the baggage is lost, you first need to report it so that it can be searched for. You can claim for the loss if the baggage is not recovered within the given time. The airline will compensate for the lost baggage if it's their fault and ensure you are satisfied. The article below will teach you to report lost baggage and other details. Let's begin. 

How do I report lost luggage to an airline?

When you reach the airport, if you realize the baggage is missing, report it immediately to the airline's Airport Lost and Found baggage office. You must complete the 'Passengers Irregularity Report' (PIR) form and ensure every detail is provided. You can submit the 'baggage missing report' form and hand over the physical copy to the baggage department. The team will check everything and process the recovery soon. In case you have already left the airport, report the missing baggage online: 

• Open the airline's website and search for 'Lost and Found' page 
• You can access the 'report missing baggage form' and open it
• Please fill out the details required in the form, such as contact details, baggage information, etc, and submit it online
• Make sure to provide correct information and be specific 
• You can note the reference number to track the missing baggage online
• The team will do everything and try to recover the bag as early as possible 

How do I claim lost baggage from the airline?

The airlines usually take around 21 days to recover the missing bag. They hand over the bag to you or ship it to your address once it is recovered. Moreover, it is assumed to be lost if not recovered, and you can submit a claim for the lost baggage then. The procedure to claim baggage is as follows: 

• Visit the official website of the airline your ticket is booked with
• Search for the 'refund and compensation' page 
• Several links are available on the new page to claim compensation for 'Lost baggage.' 
• The claim compensation form will open up, provide all the information 
• You are required to attach the receipts, proof of items, and other details to support your claim
• Then, submit the claim form and wait 
• Someone from the airline's compensation department will connect with you and do the needful. 

Do airlines reimburse for lost luggage?

Yes! Airlines reimburse for lost baggage until it's their fault, at which point you can claim compensation. As per the US Department of Transportation, if the airline finds your baggage lost, it is responsible for compensating for the bag's content subject to a liability limit and depreciation. They also need to provide a refund of any fee you paid for lost bag transport. They may ask you for receipts and other proofs of valuables in the lost bag. 

Conclusion: If you lose baggage or any item with the airline, report the missing bag immediately at the airport baggage office. You can submit the missing baggage form by providing details at the airport or online. You can also claim compensation as soon as possible if the baggage is not recovered within the given period. The article above includes all the details about the lost baggage recovery process. You can contact the airline's customer service representative or visit the official website for more information or to avoid confusion.