Why baggage gets lost and how can you prevent it
Every year, more than 28 million pieces of baggage are lost or delayed globally. More than half of these are not immediately recovered.
The most common cause? Loss of the identification tag attached at check-in.
Without this tag, the baggage loses its “identity” and it is no longer known who it belongs to or where it should be sent.
A brief guide to packing your checked baggage for the flight
We know how important your baggage is. It’s where your personal belongings are kept, whether it’s a gift for a loved one, souvenirs or even things you need urgently.
Unfortunately, sometimes your baggage gets lost. Whether it’s because of scanning errors, because the tag comes off, or because the time between connection flights is very short.
The good news? There are also simple, free solutions at your disposal that can help you recover your checked baggage quickly — or even prevent it from being lost.
- If you have a manufacturer’s tag, use it. If not, you can add a simple, handwritten one.
- Label your baggage correctly. Clearly write your full name, phone number (with international prefix), an email address, and, optionally, your destination address.
- Put a copy of your airline ticket, a business card, or an extra tag inside your baggage — in case the outer one gets damaged.
- Take a picture of your baggage before you check it in — it helps you describe it if it gets lost.
- Avoid ribbons and accessories hanging from the handle, which can clog the scanner lanes.
- Remove any old tags from previous flights — they can cause system errors.
Want more control? You can put a tracking device (like Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, or Tile) in your bag.
These use Bluetooth or GPS technology and can show you in real time where your checked baggage is, anywhere in the world.
How to recover your lost checked baggage – quickly and efficiently
- Go immediately to the “Lost&found baggage” desk at the airport.
- Fill out the PIR (Property Irregularity Report) form and keep the reference number.
- Provide details about the baggage: color, size, brand, contents, any distinctive marks.
- You will receive a tracking number. With this code you can check online what is happening to your baggage (WorldTracer or equivalent).
- If you need to buy essential things in the meantime, keep the receipts – you are entitled to a partial refund from the airline.
Another practical tip: if you are traveling with someone, divide your clothes and personal belongings into both bags– in case one is lost, the other contains the bare essentials. Avoid leaving valuables or important documents in your checked luggage. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
Additionally, check before handing over that the zippers are closed, the straps are fastened, and the baggage is not damaged – it can come loose during handling..
In most cases, delayed baggage arrive within 24–72 hours. But it is also up to you to make it easy to identify.
A baggage without any information about the owner is difficult to return. A baggage with a simple phone number written inside — can be found in a few hours
A well-identified baggage is a baggage that always returns home.