The Apple AirTag tracking device that was placed in Datta's luggage before she left Cleveland showed that the suitcase arrived in Paris the next day. Ms. Datta and her family didn't plan on going to Paris. They went to Washington, D.C., and Barcelona, but not Paris. It was the family's first trip outside of the US since the start of the Pandemic.
Ms. Datta filed a lost luggage claim at the airport, but when the suitcase was not delivered to their hotel in Vienna the next morning as promised, she began emailing the airline, sharing the bag's location every day. There was no reply from her. She said that when she called the customer service number she was given, there was no way to leave a message or pick up the phone.
Air travel demand and airport staffing shortages have made this a difficult summer for lost luggage. The recent baggage system malfunction at London's Heathrow Airport, which caused such big backups that flights were canceled to give workers a chance to sort out the mess, have only made things worse.
The last few years have changed the trajectory of mishandled bags because of new technology. According to the most recent report from the Department of Transportation, the number of bags that were delayed or lost rose to 6 out of 1,000 in February.
The American Economic Liberties Project is a nonpartisan organization that promotes equal access to economic markets. He said that this summer is the worst for airline customer service he has ever seen.
After a few days with no word from the airline, Ms. Datta and her husband, Alan Peyrat, began to email various executives at United Airlines and Austrian Airlines. The hotel concierge helped them reach out via social media. The email reply from Austrian Airlines was seven days after they arrived in Europe. The reality right now doesn't allow me to give you any concrete information.
Danny Cox is the vice president of guest experience at Breeze Airways, a new airline that started last year. He said that the airlines have been in survival mode. Staffing shortages have a domino effect. If you are looking for a mechanic to fix something, you are pulling from the same people who are doing other work.
If you follow these tips, you will have a better chance of getting your luggage back. Zen mind-set of patience can help with much of the trouble because it's beyond your control.
Do you know your luggage? If you want to help the airline find you with lost luggage, you should put your initials and phone number on the exterior of the suitcase. Take pictures of the luggage and note its dimensions. You should keep your baggage claim check.
To avoid getting caught in machinery or another bag, tuck in loose straps. Don't put bar code stickers on luggage from previous trips.
Kevin Larson, the manager of central baggage services at Alaska Airlines, said that a black carry-on bag is the most common bag that can be used to misplace luggage. It is possible that the luggage is on another carousel. Passengers are advised to place a colorful ribbon on the outside of their bag. A bright luggage tag can make a suitcase stand out.
Don't wait to act. Inform the airline if you don't get your luggage at the airport. It has been difficult to get in touch with someone. On June 30 of this year, Delta Air Lines received a recorded notice on their phone that said they would have to wait 80 minutes for a call back.
It's a good idea to pack smart. The Department of Transportation recommends passengers avoid packing items in their checked bags that are valuable, fragile,perishable or irreplaceable, and allows airlines to specify types of items they won't cover if they are lost. Leave them at home or keep them with you. Important medication should be in your carry-on.
Don't forget to keep a close eye on it. You can use a phone app to monitor the bag's location if you put a small tracking device in it. The cost is the same as checking one bag. If someone takes your bag off the carousel instead of their own, it's a good idea to use a tracker.
Baggage tracking can be done via the carrier's website or mobile app.
The rules for compensation are known. Airlines have to follow the rules when luggage is lost or delayed. The amount of money an airline can owe a passenger is very small. Most passengers on flights with an international leg will get about $1,800.
Passengers need to check the website of their airline to find out about their policies. If you claim the contents of your luggage are worth more than 1,500 dollars, you need to have a receipt. Other airlines may specify a longer time before declaring a bag lost.
While a bag is missing, you need to stock up. When luggage goes missing, airlines will reimburse passengers for things they buy to tide them over while the company tries to find their bag. The United States government does not allow airlines to impose a daily spending limit, so travelers may feel unsure about what they can and can't eat. Travelers can fill out a claim form at the airline's customer service desk or website. They should explain why the purchase was needed.
Protection is used. Premium credit cards can offer lost luggage coverage, but it can be difficult for passengers to get it. More than 25 types of Chase credit cards offer up to $3,000 in compensation for lost luggage to make up the difference between the reimbursement from the airline and the value of the luggage and items in their luggage. If a customer wants to replace an item valued at $25 or more, they need to give a copy of their receipts to the store.
Compensation for lost or delayed luggage can be included in travel insurance, but be aware of the fine print.
Don't look at the bag. Carry-on only is the best way to make sure your bags aren't lost by the airlines. What do you need to pack? At the destination, what can you purchase? Is it possible to wash out your socks in the sink. Book a nonstop flight if you check your luggage. Something to go wrong is possible when a transfer is made.
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