Before boarding your flight, remember to:
1. Prepare a carry-on bag with important items
The importance of carry-on luggage becomes obvious if your checked baggage is lost. So remember to pack important and valuable items in your carry-on. This includes electronic devices, essential medications, and one or two changes of clothes.
2. Switch from air freight to sea freight
Another way to completely eliminate the worry of losing your checked baggage is to switch from air freight to sea freight. This can also directly deliver your luggage to your destination safely and conveniently.
3. Get baggage insurance
Unfortunately, we can’t predict whether or when our baggage might get lost. But we can prepare for it. Baggage insurance at least ensures you’ll receive some compensation if your luggage is lost. Many credit cards offer baggage insurance services. Once your baggage and person are confirmed to have arrived safely, the bank will reimburse the insurance premium.
What should you do if your checked baggage is lost?
1. Report it immediately
Go to the baggage claim office to fill out some forms and file a report. Be sure to report it before leaving the airport, even if the queue is long. If the airline is uncooperative, you can also file a report with the transportation authorities.
2. Make a detailed list
List all the items in your baggage in detail, and make sure to clearly note the price of each item. By law, U.S. airlines must pay $3,400 (approximately 20,990 RMB) for each lost checked bag on domestic flights, but this doesn't guarantee everyone will receive the same amount. So be prepared to negotiate with the airline, and keep receipts for all items in your luggage in case the airline asks for proof of value.
3. Stand up for your rights
If your baggage is lost or delayed, the airline is obligated to provide financial assistance, often in the form of a few dollars’ worth of cosmetics as consolation. Don’t be shy—ask for it. Some airlines may offer flight vouchers instead of cash compensation.
4. Know your rights
Airlines should refund any fees paid for lost baggage. Airlines should provide the same baggage allowance and fees for all flight segments. Airlines should compensate passengers for reasonable losses due to baggage loss, damage, or delay.
5. Don’t panic
Most importantly, remember that lost baggage is still rare—more likely, it’s just delayed or taken by mistake. If you can’t find your bag, don’t automatically assume the worst.