Help … where’s my luggage?

AIRPORT PARKING & HOTELS (APH) has created a guide comparing airline policies for lost or delayed luggage. The research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website: www.aph.com/lostluggage. 

The research compares the lost luggage policies of 18 airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair and compares what to do if luggage, its contents, or any personal items on-board an aircraft go missing.

For all airlines, travellers must report lost luggage to an airline representative or airport customer service desk immediately and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) prior to leaving the airport. Virgin Atlantic also recommends that travellers take a photograph of their luggage prior to travelling to help in the case of missing luggage.

Once reported missing, all 18 airlines provide online tracing services for luggage. British Airways will return lost luggage to any address in the world (with the exception of a few countries due to government restrictions) free of charge within 72 hours. For travellers flying with Air France, easyJet, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic, travellers must complete a baggage claim form for compensation if their luggage is not located within 21 days. This time is reduced for travellers flying with Air Canada, who must file a claim if their luggage is not located within five days.

With regards to expenses for essential missing items during a trip, eight of the 18 airlines researched, including Delta Air Lines, easyJet, and Monarch, offer reimbursement for essential purchases such as toiletries and clothing, with the total reimbursement figure ranging from £50 for customers with Virgin Atlantic to up to £208 for customers travelling in First Class with SWISS Air.

For items lost on-board an aircraft, all airlines recommend that travellers contact the arrival airport's lost property department immediately. For items lost at London Heathrow's British Airways' lounges or on-board a British Airways flight arriving at Heathrow, travellers can search the online database, Bagport, for their lost items. Bagport can take between up to 48 hours to register lost items and once retrieved, the system will ensure the item is kept for three months. But travellers should bear in mind that Virgin Atlantic will destroy perishable items immediately, and charge £5-£20 for postage and delivery of lost property items. 

Regardless of which airline a passenger uses, it is recommended travellers keep valuables in their hand luggage or on their person at all times as airlines will not accept responsibility if valuable items are lost.

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