When you travel a lot, you’re going to run into issues with your luggage at some point. Whether that’s delayed bags or lost luggage, the ultimate insult, none of it is a good time.
It can turn your dream trip into a pretty crappy travel experience.
We try not to check our bags after a few awful experiences of our own, but sometimes hanging over your luggage is unavoidable.
Our experiences in this department mean that I have some tips for you about how to respond when there are problems with your luggage. I’ve also put together some tips on how to avoid losing your luggage to keep delays from happening in the first place.
But first, I have to share what happened to us to help us become unwilling experts in this area.
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Our Bag Takes an Icelandic Adventure
Boy, was I ready for Iceland. I spent months doing research on the best gear for the bucket list activities we’d be participating in. I read reviews and comparison-shopped. I even got an Icelandic sweater.
I was ready.
And so we landed in Reykjavik, following a sufficient amount of drama already because of canceled connections due to wildfires in California.
Emotions were high from jet lag, a belly full of Boston chowder, and the emotionally manipulative movies I stayed up to watch on the Icelandair flight.
We were at the baggage claim, staring ahead, watching people grab their bags.
It was us and another couple who remained when the conveyor belt stopped. We did what everyone does in this situation.
We checked all of the carousels, the oversized/weird-shaped luggage area, and that random corner with a bunch of suitcases stacked on top of each other. No dice.
Begrudgingly, we shuffled over to the lost baggage counter, where we were asked if we had packed anything dangerous in our bags. If two bottles of wine and an adorable Icelandic sweater are dangerous, I don’t want to live a safe life.
Thankfully, the woman at the counter was able to locate our checked luggage in Boston. Plans were made to have the bags delivered to our hotel room the next day.
We’d have left Reykjavik by then on our drive of the Golden Circle, but apparently, this was OK, and she promised our bags would be delivered no matter where we were.
The problem was, we had plans to sit in some natural hot tubs at the Blue Lagoon that day. We had a tour to snorkel in the Silfra fissure, literally in between two continents, the following morning.
Luckily, we were traveling with another couple who had a Costco membership. We went to the store and spent $157 on new thermals — Iceland is not a budget destination — so we wouldn’t freeze our buns off on our snorkel tour the next day.
The following morning, while on our way to the tour, we got the news that our bag wouldn’t be delivered that day as promised. A one-day delay was turning into quite a situation.
Apparently, the flight from Boston wasn’t going to get into Reykjavik in time for the lost luggage van driver to get it out to us. He has limited hours, I guess, as if that’s my fault.
A group decision was made to return to the airport after our snorkel tour, about an hour’s drive out. This was November, so we lost a chunk of daylight just so we wouldn’t lose another day without our bag.
We arrived at the airport hours later, and I went to find someone to yell at with my traveling friend, but the guy behind the counter wasn’t in charge of anything.
He was busy trying to explain to a family of five why there were still missing bags in their pile, days after they arrived in Reykjavik.
In their case, the winds that came in after they landed made it impossible for the airline to unload their luggage, so an entire airplane full of people was left without bags. I was lucky enough to leave the airport with mine.
I guess it could have been worse?
Our Bag Takes a City Break
The Iceland debacle was the second time this region of the world had screwed us.
On a two-week tour of Scandinavia the summer prior, Brian’s bag was lost on one of the legs flying into Alesund via Oslo on SAS.
The bag stayed behind in Oslo, perhaps more interested in checking out “The Scream” from Edvard Munch than allowing us to have a lovely time amongst the fjords.
That time around, we had to hit up a shopping mall in Alesund to get Brian some unmentionables and shoes.
It was summer, so we didn’t need as much gear. This was also just Brian’s bag.
We got him a pair of shoes at Norway’s version of Payless, a glorious hoodless sweatshirt at some men’s discount store, and a couple of things to sleep in, and we were on our way.
The most irritating part was dealing with the woman at the lost bags counter.
“When this happened to me, I was going to Greece. I left the airport, got new bikinis, no problem!” she told us.
Cool.
Fun fact: This was not a bikini-type trip, nor is it usually ever a bikini-type trip, but thanks for the hot tips.
The luggage ended up getting delivered to us in Geiranger two days later.
Brian had to do some waterfall and glacier hikes in skinny jeans and his replacement shoes, but otherwise, we survived.
He was in better spirits than I would have been, er, than I was, when this happened to both of us in Iceland.
READ MORE: I have so much more about traveling as a couple in my guide to things I’ve learned as a duo abroad!
My worst travel experience(s) turned into learning experiences real quick. Let’s get started with these luggage tips, shall we?
What to Do When Your Luggage Goes Missing
Hopefully, your bags are only lost temporarily. We’ve never had them go missing forever, and I hope I didn’t just jinx us. Here’s what to do if your bags have gone missing.
Don’t panic.
Or at least limit the panic to a minute or two before you find the lost bags counter. You’ll need to report your bag lost as soon as possible, as it could just be sitting on a different carousel or something. Probably not, but you never know.
Turn over your baggage claim tags.
You know those baggage claim tags that you stuck in the romance novel you were reading on the plane? You’ll need those to turn over at the lost bags counter, so they can try to locate your bag.
Never throw those barcode stickers away, no matter how right it feels.
File a lost bag report.
Even if they locate your bag right away, file a lost bag report. They’ll ask you questions about the size, color, and type of bag, maybe even asking you about something that’s inside it. Be as detailed as possible. TWO BOTTLES OF WINE, LADY!
Get a copy of your lost bag report.
The lost bags folks will give you a copy of said lost bag report, along with contact information on how to check the status of your bag.
Jot down the name of whoever is handling your claim in case you need to follow up later. Most airlines have a website you can now check rather than calling the counter and harassing the airline.
Note: You’ll probably check on its status obsessively during the entirety of your missing bag’s journey.
Know your rights.
This is where the airline folks try to tell you to file a claim through your credit card for any purchases you need to make while they’re searching for your bag. It’s some BS.
Brian had the Chase Sapphire at the time, which offers reimbursement of up to $3,000 on any lost items in this scenario. If you’re out for blood, though, keep your receipts and file a lost luggage claim with the airline. Chase didn’t lose my bag.
You’ll want to investigate the airline’s processes for any relevant refunds, too.
In this case, we were flying internationally and didn’t have to pay any checked bag fees. If you’re flying domestically and your bag is lost, you should get reimbursed for your fee. What’d you pay for, really?
Ask for an overnight kit.
You should receive some kind of overnight kit at the counter. When our bag was lost the first time, this meant a toothbrush, toothpaste, and an XXL white undershirt. Hey, free is free.
How to Avoid Losing Your Luggage
Prevention is always best in these situations. Here are a few more tips on how to avoid losing your luggage in the first place.
Pack a carry-on.
If you can pack everything in a carry-on, that’s by far the best solution. The only reason we didn’t do so flying to Iceland was because we had packed away two bottles of wine due to the exorbitant cost of everything once you’re there.
Fun fact: You better believe we drank it all following that debacle. We’ve been stuffing everything into carry-ons ever since, opting instead to do laundry locally if we really need to.
Keep essentials with you.
If you REALLY need to check a bag or if the airline makes you for whatever reason, have some essentials in your carry-on. Properly-sized toiletries, undies, even a change of clothes, will all come in handy.
It may just be a day or two that you’re without your bag, and avoiding shopping time would be awesome.
I’m not even talking about the hassle of getting refunds for replacement items. The time you waste shopping for new stuff is pretty annoying on vacation, too, as I know I never make good purchasing decisions when I’m stressed.
READ MORE: Learn about the comfort item that always comes with me on lengthy flights!
Track your bag.
If we’re worried about a bag we know is getting checked, it’s getting an AirTag.
If your bag gets sent to another city, it could be frustrating to watch its progress on your phone, but that’s better than the airline telling you they have no idea where your bag is.
With Apple AirTags, you’ll be able to see it in near real-time, even if the airline loses track. That can help travel feel a little less stressful after reading about my bad experiences with the airlines.
Know your rights.
This one is important in both scenarios. Have an understanding of your lost baggage rights based on the airline you’re flying, and the credit cards you use for travel. I’m not going to lie to you and say that I get travel insurance for every trip.
We’re well aware now of what our credit cards offer us in these situations, though, so we’re not wasting time on doing that research abroad.
Leave the real valuables at home.
For example, it can really spice things up on vacay to leave your wedding bands at home.
If you need to bring any pricey electronics with you, make sure they’re with you in your carry-on, alongside those fresh undies and your reading materials.
Make your bag recognizable.
If you’re into black, tie a whimsical ribbon around it. You don’t want to make the hunt for your bag even harder if all you’ve got to tell the counter people is, “It’s a black roller bag.”
Note: It’s not a bad idea to snap a pic of your bag, either, even getting proof of what’s inside.
Have your contact information readily available on both luggage tags and the inside of your bag.
Avoid situations where bags get lost.
Tight connections or arriving late at the airport lead to a perfect storm of things that could go wrong.
Be a good planner. Investigate whether half an hour between landing and take-off is enough time to even get on your next flight, no matter your bag. Don’t be a doof and get to the airport so late that you’re running through the terminal Home Alone-style.
Be cool.
Even the best-prepared can lose their shit when they lose their shit. I’ve been working on this, and am proud to say I’m less of a baby when things happen in travel. Be cool. Cool heads prevail or whatever.
Your bags will probably arrive without incident.
There’s something like over a billion bags checked annually. The vast majority arrive at their destination without delay.
If the worst comes to pass, though, you’re armed with enough information now to address the situation in as chill a manner as possible. You’re also armed with prevention tips to increase your odds.
I believe in you…and your bags.
More travel tips to keep things stress-free:
- Airbnb Tips to Consider Before You Book
- How to Act Right at the National Parks
- Road Trip Advice for Traveling Duos
- Does the Length of Your Trip Really Matter?
- Unique Travel Gifts for Frequent Trippers
I’m not done yet! Here are a few more tips for travel:
- A Review of an Airbnb Booking Alternative
- How to Behave When You’re on a Food Tour
- An Introvert’s Tips for Traveling Better
- Top Reasons Why Travel Is a Big Deal
- Thanksgiving: You Should Book a Trip Abroad!
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