Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service
P: (631) 587-8500
The good news? Lost bags are actually getting rarer. In 2015, the nation’s largest airlines misplaced only 3.24 bags per 1,000 passengers (compared to 7 per 1,000 back in 2007). The bad news? Losing luggage still occurs.
While we hope this doesn't happen to you - knowing what to do should you find yourself in this situation is necessary:
Before you board:
- Take a photo. You may know what your “black suitcase” looks like, but trying to describe it to a tee to a stranger may be a little difficult. The more details you can give the agent surrounding color, shape, size, and other details - the better (aka: photos help).
- Include your name inside your bag. You probably have an ID tag attached to your bag, but in case it falls off or goes missing - it’s a good idea to have your contact information listed inside as well. A business card, note, or additional ID tag on top of your clothes will work fine.
- Purchase a tracker. For those looking for some serious peace of mind, purchase a tracker to help track your bag while traveling. Trakdot, for example, is a palm sized device that fits in your checked luggage allowing you to track it from point A to point B.
- Report it immediately. Most “lost” bags are actually delayed and airlines can track them within a few hours. Regardless, you’ll still want a paper trail. Go straight to the airport baggage office to file a paper report and keep a copy for yourself. Also, get a phone number so you can follow up with someone just in case you feel left in the dark.
- Ask for reimbursement. Generally, you’re entitled to getting back “reasonable interim expenses” while without luggage. Though what you consider reasonable and what the airline considers reasonable may not align. Delta, for example, will pay as much as $50 per day for five days - provided you save your receipts and you’re buying the necessities.
- If your bag is gone forever, set a claim. So it’s been a few hours, days, weeks, and the airline has declared your luggage officially lost. Now’s the time you’ll need to set a claim. And though, per government rules, domestic travelers can receive up to $3,300 - many receive far less. According to the US Department of Transportation, “Airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs.”
While losing luggage is certainly a stressful process, getting home doesn’t have to be. Skip the hassle of public transportation and arrange for Dynasty Limousine to handle your airport pick up needs. We’ll navigate the roads surrounding LaGuardia or JFK so you can relax and follow up with airlines as needed.
