7 rules for lost luggage

By Charles Leocha

Travel columnist

updated 2:22 p.m. ET March 18, 2005

As difficult as it may be to believe, the major airlines have actually improved their mishandled-baggage record in the recent past.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the chances of your luggage getting “mishandled” - a term that includes lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered baggage - are about 1 in 200. Of course that’s not much consolation if an airline has lost your luggage.

Is there a way to improve those odds? And when your luggage doesn’t show up on the carousel, what should you do?

Here are the basic rules.

1. Plan ahead for problems. When you pack your carry-on baggage for an extended trip, make to sure to throw in a change of clothing for one day as well as necessary toiletries. This is your simplest insurance policy. For the most part, airlines manage to get lost luggage reunited with its owners within 24 hours.

2. Tag your bag. Pay attention to your bag’s destination. Check your luggage check tag to insure it’s checked through to the right place. Believe it or not, this is the biggest single miscue when checked luggage doesn’t arrive at the proper airport. With more and more travelers checking luggage at curbside, the chances for errors have been compounded.

3. Check luggage on time. Today’s airports have luggage check-in rules that, theoretically, allow time for sorting of luggage and delivery to the correct aircraft. Don’t push the system. Weather, mechanical, security and human delays can all have serious consequences when your luggage is cruising down the conveyor belt and selected for security examination with little time to spare. If you are checking in luggage, allow time for the entire process.

4. Identify your luggage — inside and out. This sounds simple, but few travelers put identification and destination inside their luggage or know the basic descriptions of their luggage. If baggage tags have been torn off, having identification and destination information inside luggage can be a Godsend. Anyone who has stood in a lost luggage line can attest to this basic fact: most travelers can’t describe their luggage. Take a moment to note the bag brand. Is it a Travelpro, Samsonite, Delsey or American Tourister? Also take a good look at the color. Is it dark blue, purple, tan, black or burgundy?

5. Fill out all forms at the airport. Do not leave the airport without either the luggage or a lost luggage report from the airline. When luggage doesn’t show up on the carousel, jump into action. Make sure to immediately fill out the appropriate lost luggage forms. Many times, airline personnel explain that the luggage has been located, however will be delayed until the next flight. If you have the time, wait. If not, fill out the forms and the airline will get the baggage to your home or hotel.

6. Ask the airline what it can do for you. The baggage service offices at airlines are full of surprising information. If luggage loss is going to be extended, some airlines in some locations will issue petty cash to purchase toiletries and sundries. Others will provide coupons for rental of special clothing and equipment such as ski and snowboard outfits. I’ve heard stories of airlines picking up tuxedo rentals for special occasions. If you luggage is damaged, point out the damage and the airline will have your suitcase repaired or, may have a supply of replacement suitcases in their backroom which can solve the problem on the spot.

7. Make a claim. In the rare case or completely lost luggage, the airlines have a liability limit of $2,500 for domestic flights. International liability limits are not quite so generous. Some credit cards and travel insurance policies cover lost and damaged luggage — read the fine print. And household goods and renters insurance normally also cover your property, even when in transit on public transportation.

Vacations without hassles are are far more relaxing. Follow these rules and the chances of losing the game of airline baggage roulette will be significantly decreased.

Charles Leocha is nationally-recognized expert on saving money and the publisher of Tripso. He is also the Boston-based author of "SkiSnowboard America & Canada." E-mail him or visit his Web site .