Did you land here because your lost luggage at the airport is keeping you up at night? Or is your damaged luggage not as nice as before and you’re starting the holiday with a bad mood?
You’ve been waiting for the holidays for months, packing your bags, checking the blogs for must-visit tips… It’s finally time to go! You’re on the plane, your luggage is quietly in the hold and following you to your destination…or this is what you think!
On the arrivals tarmac, in front of the baggage carousel, after waiting you begin to wonder what could have happened… Has your luggage been lost at the airport? Damaged? or delayed? 
All the people sitting next to you on the plane were able to collect their suitcases and start their vacation. But you, you are still waiting… Total panic!
Every year, billions of suitcases travel around the world and it sometimes happens during air transport that some get lost, break, are slightly damaged or arrive late. Missing luggage is common! But rest assured, most of the time the airlines find a solution to your problem within 24 hours.
So go without further delay to the claims counter to declare either the absence of your baggage or the damage it has suffered. Above all, do not leave the arrival area before having completed the declaration of loss, otherwise you will no longer be able to assert your rights!
Lost luggage
When claiming your suitcase lost during transport, you will need the baggage registration slip received at check-in. A written statement of loss will be drawn up and a copy will be provided to you to keep safe.
If your lost luggage is not found within 3 to 5 days, a form, called World Tracer, must be completed to broaden the search.
If your suitcase lost at the airport is not found within a maximum period of 3 to 4 weeks (waiting time differs according to the airlines), it will be considered as definitively lost and you can request financial compensation from the company. The amount of compensation will depend on the company, but the best thing is to remember to take a photo of the contents of your suitcase before leaving on your trip for an adequate reimbursement.
Damaged or broken baggage
In the same way as for a lost suitcase, you must make a declaration of damaged luggage before leaving the airport control area. But there it becomes more folkloric because the rules of compensation depend not only on the airlines but also on the countries of destination! Yes, there are countries where throwing suitcases on top of each other is completely acceptable! 
Worse still, some airlines put in black and white in their transport regulations that they cannot be held responsible for damage caused during transport! It is therefore better to choose a suitcase with a sturdy shell before leaving… A broken suitcase at the airport is not always the best way to start the holidays!
Delayed baggage
A late suitcase is the least bad news. Indeed, it already means that at the time of your claim they have managed to locate it and it is therefore not lost! let’s see when it will arrive…
Usually delayed baggage follows with the next flight, either the same day or the following day. Some airlines will take the details of the hotel where you are staying and have your loved suitcase delivered to your doorstep.
So there is no reason to panic, you can start your vacation quietly and enjoy a quick trip to the local market to buy something to survive the first days.
Prepare your suitcases
If you’re not sure what to pack, check out our checklist of things to pack.
Painful experience done, better prepare your luggage for the next time. By taking into account the following points, you will travel more serenely:
- Put your valuables such as jewelry, camera, computer, only in the cabin bag or in your backpack. No valuables in the hold bag!
- Important and vital medicines must also be stored only in the cabin bag to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of lost luggage, or even delays during connections between planes.
- We know you want to take photos worthy of Instagram’s super influencers, but no need to tempt fate by packing all your beautiful designer dresses in the suitcase… opt for comfortable, inexpensive and easily replaceable clothes. Remember that airlines (like insurance companies for that matter), turn a deaf ear when it comes to reimbursing anything….
- Mark your suitcase clearly, so that it is easy to distinguish it on the arrival tarmac and there is no confusion with other luggage. This way, not only will you find it easily, but you will also prevent someone else from accidentally leaving with it.
- Check with your credit card if travel insurance is included and if it includes loss/damage to the suitcase.
- And last advice, it may seem silly but make it anyways…. Take a photo of your belongings inside the suitcase.
Conclusion
Yes, your suitcase is not there and it’s very annoying… but put it into perspective! Look on the bright side… You have arrived at your destination! The plane could have fallen…you could have fallen down the stairs and broken your leg…It’s just material! So what better than to start your vacation by taking a trip to the local market where all the necessities are sold. Not only will you participate in sustainable development by buying locally, but you will also support the local economy by promoting artisans. And it’s the best way to get straight into the local mood! 
In the end, what counts in your vacation is the wonderful moments and experiences you have! Stay zen.
