It is always interesting to get around a group of frequent flyers. It seems they all have stories about the times their luggage was lost or delayed. If you fly much, chances are you have experienced this a time or two, even though the airlines have improved in this area.
Reports of mishandled bags are down 11% for the first six months of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to U.S. government reports. The reports are based on the amount of mishandled baggage reports filed by passengers. Mishandled includes delayed, lost or damaged luggage, plus baggage with items missing.
Airtran Airways had the fewest reports with 1.61 reports per 1,000 passengers for the first half of 2010. American Eagle was the worst at 7.56 reports per 1,000, although they have seen a 9% improvement over last year. According to the European Commission, carriers in Europe are nearly three times worse at handling bags than carriers in the U.S.
So how can you avoid baggage delay or loss? The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) suggests the following:
- Make sure you have your name, address and a telephone number where you can be reached at your destination city on both the outside and inside of your luggage.
- Don’t check in at the last minute. You might make the flight but there is a good chance that your bags won’t.
- Get a claim check for each bag and hang on to them until you reclaim your bags at your destination.
- Know where your bags are checked to, and whether or not you have to pick them up to clear customs short of your final destination.
- When possible, book nonstop or through flights.
Here is some additional advice:
- Remove old luggage tags to avoid confusion.
- Be at the luggage carousel when bags are off-loaded. Bags are often mistaken by passengers who don’t realize they grabbed the wrong one until they get home.
- Anytime you have a change in itinerary after your departure, such as occurs when you miss a connecting flight, be sure to ask a gate agent to locate your luggage and have it tagged for your new flight.
If your luggage is delayed or damaged, be sure to file a claim with the airline before leaving the airport. DOT recommends that passengers “Insist that the airline fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Get the agent’s name and an appropriate telephone number for following up (not reservations).” They also suggest you ask the airline if they will deliver the bag without charge when it is found and to ask about an advance or reimbursement for any items you must buy while your bag is missing.
Of course, the best way to avoid luggage delay or loss (as well as baggage fees) is to not check any bags. Unfortunately, that’s not practical for most of our clients. However, by following these tips you hopefully will have fewer lost bag stories to tell your frequent flyer buddies.