There you are on a business trip, having landed safely at your destination after an hours-long flight, standing at the baggage carousel. One suitcase after another leaves the baggage carousel, but there is no trace of your own luggage. And the uneasy feeling comes over you ... what do I do if my suitcase has disappeared?

But this is not an isolated case. According to Sita statistics, 4.35 pieces of baggage per thousand passengers were lost or damaged in 2021. 71 % were delayed, 23 % were damaged and 6 % were lost completely.

But now the perfectly planned business trip is already over. The suitcases usually turn up after a while, sometimes even days or weeks later and possibly on the other side of the world.

We have put together some useful tips for you to prevent the loss of your suitcase in advance:

• Labelling correctly: Label your luggage with your name, (company) address and telephone number so that others can contact you in the event of loss.
• No addresses: Avoid adding your exact address to your luggage to protect your privacy.
• Documents, medication and valuables in hand luggage: these items do not belong in your checked baggage!
• Unobtrusive suitcases: Inconspicuous suitcases attract less attention than expensive designer suitcases.
• GPS transmitter/tracker: It may be worth investing in GPS transmitters to track your suitcase in this emergency situation.
• Luggage insurance: Consider whether luggage insurance makes sense, especially if the value of your luggage exceeds 1,690 euros.
• Keep a list and photos of the contents of the suitcase as well as proof of purchase for the suitcase and contents in order to provide evidence if necessary.

If, unfortunately, your suitcase does get lost, we would like to show you a few steps you should take:

• Immediately at the counter: Go to the Lost & Found counter at the airport or, if not available, to the airline counter. Fill out the "Property Irregularity Report" (PIR) there.
• Report damage: Report the damage in writing to the airline within seven days in the event of damage and within 21 days in the event of delayed baggage.
• Only buy what you need: Buy replacement clothing, toiletries and cosmetics if necessary.

Good preparation and knowing the right steps to take in the event of a lost suitcase can help you enormously in stressful moments.

Source statistics: SITA:

• https://www.sita-airport-it.aero/
• https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/baggage-it-insights-2022/