Get in touch
If you added Baggage Protection to your flights and booked through Alternative Airlines, you can reach out to our Customer Service team.
We'll advise you on what to do next and how to recover your lost baggage.
Lost Baggage Guide
Find out what to do if your baggage is lost
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
What is lost baggage?
Lost baggage refers to any checked bag that doesn’t arrive when and where it should. It might be delayed, still en route on another flight, or in rare cases, it could be misplaced entirely.
It usually happens due to tight layovers, tag mix-ups or handling errors behind the scenes. Sometimes, bags are pulled for security checks and don’t make it onto the plane in time. Overloaded flights or bad weather can also cause delays in baggage handling.
While it’s frustrating, most lost bags are found within a few days and returned to the traveller. But we know that doesn’t help when you’ve just landed and your essentials are missing.
The good news? You’re not powerless. There are clear steps you can take to report the issue, track your bag, and, if needed, claim compensation. We’ll walk you through exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to make the process as stress-free as possible.
And if you booked with us, you may already have Baggage Protection, which means extra cover and quicker payouts if your bag can’t be found.
What to do if your baggage is lost
If your bag doesn’t show up at baggage claim, don’t panic, but don’t leave the airport just yet.
- Head straight to the airline’s baggage desk to report it. You’ll need to fill in a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is your official record and proof that your bag is missing. Keep hold of the claim or reference number - you’ll need it to track your bag and file a claim later.
- Next, speak to the airline’s customer service or use their online baggage tracker. It’s also worth contacting them by email or phone for updates.
- Start building an inventory of what was in your bag. Keep any receipts for essentials you buy while your bag is missing - these can often be reimbursed.
It's important that you act fast. Airlines have strict deadlines for claims, and the sooner you report your bag as missing, the better.
💡Booked Baggage Protection with us? You may be eligible for a fixed payout if your bag isn’t found within 96 hours - no receipts needed.
What compensation can you expect?
Airlines are usually responsible for reimbursing essential expenses, like toiletries and clothes, while they search for your bag.
You’ll often need:
- Receipts
- A PIR report
- A formal claim with the airline
Compensation limits vary, but most airlines work under international agreements like the Montreal Convention.
🎒 Booked with us? Our Baggage Protection means you can get a fixed payout, fast, without jumping through hoops. It’s designed to ease the stress while your bag finds its way back to you.
Alternative Airlines Baggage Protection
Worried about lost luggage? Our Baggage Protection cover gives you extra peace of mind when you fly.
If your checked bag can’t be located within 96 hours of your arrival, you're entitled to up to $2,000 in compensation - no need to list what was inside or provide receipts. Just a straightforward payout to ease the stress.
You can add Baggage Protection to your flight during checkout, just before you confirm your booking. It covers any checked bags included with your ticket, plus any extras you’ve purchased.
If your luggage is delayed, mishandled or goes missing, and you’ve added Baggage Protection to your booking, you’ll be able to file a claim online, quickly and easily.
This service is powered by our trusted partner, BlueRibbon Bags. You’ll find all the details, including what’s covered, in the terms and conditions.
How to file a lost baggage claim
Filing a claim might feel like extra stress, but with the right info, it’s straightforward. First, make sure you’ve already reported the missing bag at the airport and received a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is essential - you’ll need it for any formal claim.
✈️ For airline claims:
- Head to the airline’s website and look for their baggage claim form.
- You’ll need your reference number, boarding pass and baggage tag.
- Include a detailed list of what was in your bag and upload receipts for essentials bought while waiting.
- Submit everything within the airline’s time limit, usually within 21 days.
🧳If you added Baggage Protection with us:
You can file a claim directly through our partner, BlueRibbon Bags, if your bag hasn’t been located within 96 hours. No need to list items or find receipts - just fill in a short form online.
💡 Quick tip: Keep photos of your bag and any valuables inside. It helps speed things up.
How to avoid losing your baggage
Before you travel 🧳
Taking a few simple steps before check-in can reduce the risk of lost luggage:
- Tag your bag inside and out. Include your name, email, and phone number - not just your address.
- Remove old baggage tags or stickers. These can confuse airport scanners and send your bag the wrong way.
- Book direct flights when possible. More connections means more chances for your bag to go missing.
- Check in early. Giving baggage handlers more time helps your bag make it to the plane.
- Use a tracking device. Smart tags like Apple AirTags or Tile let you keep an eye on your bag in real time.
At the airport and onboard ✈️
Once you’re checked in, a few extra habits go a long way:
- Double-check your baggage tag. Make sure it matches your destination before your bag disappears down the belt.
- Keep valuables in your carry-on. Items like laptops, medication and jewellery should never go in checked bags.
- Secure your bag. Use a strong TSA-approved lock to protect it and help prevent it from popping open in transit.
- Hold onto your receipts and boarding pass. You’ll need these if your bag does go missing.
Even with the best prep, things can still go wrong. That’s why adding Baggage Protection to your booking gives you extra peace of mind, and compensation if your bag doesn’t show up.
Special considerations for assistive devices and valuables
When it comes to lost or delayed baggage, assistive devices and valuable items are treated a little differently.
If mobility aids like wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetics are delayed, damaged or lost, airlines are usually required to prioritise repairs or replacements and cover associated costs. Always report issues immediately at the airport. Most airlines will also offer temporary alternatives to keep you mobile while they resolve the issue.
It’s a good idea to carry a copy of the device’s details, including photos, model numbers, and any repair or replacement documentation.
As for valuables (like laptops, jewellery, passports or medication), these should always stay in your carry-on. Airlines often exclude high-value personal items from baggage liability, which means you might not be reimbursed if they’re lost from checked luggage.
💡 Helpful tip: If you need to check a medical device or specialised item, notify the airline in advance and ask about their handling procedures. Label it clearly and include contact info inside and out.
Why baggage gets lost
Lost baggage isn’t always the result of something going wrong. Often, it’s just how the system works under pressure. Here are the most common reasons bags don’t make it to the carousel:
- Tight layovers. If your flight connection is short, there might not be enough time for your bag to switch planes.
- Mishandling during transfers. Bags can be sent to the wrong gate, held in the wrong terminal, or simply left behind.
- Human error. Mistakes like misprinted tags or loading the wrong bags onto the wrong flight happen more often than you'd think.
- Technical issues. Broken scanners or tracking failures can cause bags to drop off the system.
- Security holds. If your bag raises a flag during screening, it might be pulled for inspection and miss the flight.
- Late check-in. Bags dropped close to departure might not get through baggage handling in time.
- Overcapacity or weight restrictions. On very full flights, some checked bags are held back and sent later.
The good news? Most 'lost' baggage is actually just delayed. Bags often turn up within 24-72 hours. Still, it’s always worth being prepared, especially on longer trips or if your bag holds important items.
💡 Add Baggage Protection at checkout to get up to $2,000 if your bag can’t be located within 96 hours.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does baggage get lost?
Baggage gets lost for a few common reasons and most are out of your hands. The biggest culprit is tight layovers, where there’s not enough time for your bag to transfer between flights.
Mistagging, misloading or system errors can also send bags off in the wrong direction. Sometimes your bag is held up for extra security checks or gets bumped from an overpacked flight. And if you check in late, your bag might not make it onboard in time.
The good news? Most lost bags are actually delayed and show up within a few days.
How common is lost luggage?
Not that common at all. In 2024, the US Department of Transportation reports a mishandled baggage rate of 0.55%, or roughly 5.5 bags per 1,000 checked - a significant improvement from the approximately 7 per 1,000 in Q1 2022, so the vast majority of checked baggage still reaches its destination without any issues.
You'll be pleased to know that the rate of mishandled baggage on a global scale has been on a downward trend. In 2020, only 3.5 bags were lost per 1,000 passengers, which is an 86% decrease in total mishandled baggage since 2007!
Is my bag delayed or lost?
If your bag didn’t arrive, don’t assume it’s lost straight away - most are just delayed. A delayed bag means the airline still knows where it is and plans to return it to you, often within a few days.
A bag is usually classed as lost only after 21 days, depending on the airline’s policy. During this time, the airline should give updates and attempt to reunite you with your luggage.
If your bag can’t be tracked within 96 hours, and you booked with us, you may be eligible for compensation through Baggage Protection.
What should I do if my bag doesn’t arrive?
Stay calm and go straight to the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. Report your missing bag and ask to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). You’ll receive a claim or reference number - keep this safe, as you’ll need it to track your bag or file a claim.
Contact the airline’s customer service and use their online tracking tool if available. Keep hold of your boarding pass and baggage tag. If you’ve booked with Baggage Protection, you can file a claim if your bag isn’t located within 96 hours of landing.
How long does it take to get lost luggage back?
Most lost luggage isn’t truly lost - just delayed. In most cases, bags are returned within 24 to 72 hours. If your bag was misrouted or missed a connecting flight, airlines usually put it on the next available one.
You’ll often get updates through their baggage tracking system. If it’s not found within five days, it may be escalated to a central tracing office. Bags are generally declared officially lost after 21 days.
What to do if something is missing from your luggage?
If something’s missing from your luggage, report it straight away, ideally before leaving the airport. Head to the airline’s baggage desk and file a claim for missing items. Take photos of the bag and the damage (if any), and list exactly what’s gone. You’ll likely need to provide receipts for higher-value items.
If you’ve already left the airport, contact the airline’s customer service as soon as possible. Claims for missing contents usually have a short time limit, so don’t wait.
If you booked with Baggage Protection, this may offer additional support - check your confirmation email for claim details.
What if my bag is damaged?
If your bag arrives damaged, report it at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. Take clear photos of the damage and keep your baggage tag and boarding pass.
Most airlines require you to file a damage claim within 7 days of your flight, so don’t delay. Some airlines may offer a repair, replacement, or partial refund depending on the damage.
If you’ve got travel insurance, you might be able to claim through them too. And always check your bag as soon as it arrives - spotting issues early makes the process much easier.
What’s covered with Baggage Protection?
If your checked bag goes missing and isn’t located within 96 hours of your flight’s arrival, our Baggage Protection cover gives you up to $2,000 in compensation. No need to list items or provide receipts - just a simple, fast claim process. It covers any checked baggage included in your booking, plus any extra bags you’ve added.
You can only add Baggage Protection during checkout when booking your flight with us. It’s powered by BlueRibbon Bags and designed to ease the stress of lost luggage. Full details are in our terms and conditions.