What should I do if my suitcase is missing? Your personal guide to lost luggage

A lost suitcase is one of the biggest stress factors when traveling. According to an airline report, there were an average of 10.6 baggage incidents per 1,000 passengers in Europe in 2023—mostly because suitcases were not forwarded correctly during transfers on connecting flights. But even on direct flights, it can happen that a suitcase arrives late or not at all. The good news is that many suitcases reappear after a short time.

Even if the initial shock is great, staying calm helps. Immediately after landing, you should contact the airline's lost and found desk and fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report contains a description of your luggage, your contact details, and flight information. It is important to keep the reference number safe, as it allows you to track the status of your suitcase online at any time, for example via WorldTracer.

If your suitcase is missing at your destination, airlines will usually cover the cost of necessary replacement purchases such as toiletries or clothing. To do this, collect receipts and inform the airline as soon as possible. In the case of package tours, the tour operator should also be contacted. Damage to luggage must be reported within 7 days, and loss within 21 days at the latest. If the suitcase is still not found after this period, it is officially considered lost – in which case travelers can claim compensation under the Montreal Convention, usually up to around 1,600 euros.

Digital tools such as AirTags or GPS trackers have proven to be a real relief for many travelers. They allow you to track the location of your suitcase on your smartphone and, if in doubt, find out where it is more quickly. To ensure that the technology works optimally, old luggage tags should be removed to avoid confusion or even misuse. It is particularly important to note that tags with QR or barcodes often contain personal data, so they should be disposed of at home, not at the terminal.

Even small tricks can significantly reduce stress in an emergency. Sometimes luggage simply ends up on the wrong conveyor belt – a quick glance at the neighboring carousels can help. It also makes sense to take photos of your suitcase before departure. These make it easier for airline staff to identify your luggage and can be useful later on for insurance or compensation claims. Using multiple trackers also increases the chance of finding your luggage quickly. And last but not least, being friendly to staff pays off – if you remain cooperative, you will usually receive assistance more quickly.

In addition to your initial response, follow-up is also important. Keep your PIR number handy and use it whenever you communicate with the airline. Enter deadlines in your calendar so you don't miss any claims. Trackers are helpful, but they are not a substitute for official reports – they are only for guidance. If you regularly sort your documents, save photos of your luggage, and remind the airline in a friendly but firm manner to process your claim, you will be much more relaxed and ultimately have a better chance of getting your luggage back or receiving compensation.

Whether delayed or lost, with the right strategy you can stay relaxed. React quickly, keep receipts, meet deadlines, use technology, and stay on top of things—this will increase your chances of getting your suitcase back quickly. And if it really is lost, you are entitled to clear compensation. With a little preparation, even a mishap like this at the airport is manageable—and your vacation can still go ahead.