As thousands have been stranded at airports through a winter storm that carved a frigid path across the United States, their bags have been on a journey of their own, making it difficult for weary travelers to find their stuff.
In the past week, frustrated passengers have experienced travel disruptions and delays in airports across the country, from Los Angeles to Denver and Chicago to New York.
It's too late for holiday travelers to improve their situation, but planning ahead can make finding lost bags less of a hassle.
At the start of the summer travel season, a baggage system malfunction at London's Heathrow Airport was blamed for a breakdown in their handling. Staffing shortages, weather problems and technological failure are some of the reasons for the pileup of bags.
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 the summer baggage mess was the worst summer meltdown for airline customer service he had ever seen.
Danny Cox is the vice president of guest experience at Breeze Airways, a new airline that started last year. He said that the airlines were in survival mode. There hasn't been a lot of money spent on baggage systems. 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 through the phone.
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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