What to do when my baggage is lost?

When your plane is landed, please go straight to the Baggage Reclaim Area after leaving the airplane. Many airlines know which baggage is offloaded and which baggage is not. If your suitcase gets lost or stolen after it is loaded on to the baggage claim area, your claim is no longer with the airline, but with the police.

What to do when my baggage is lost?

If your baggage does not appear on the baggage conveyor belt, here is what to do:

Go to the Baggage Claim Office

The airline will not take any steps to deliver your baggage, unless you formally filed a claim. That is why you should always go to the airports Baggage Claim Office (or Lost & Found Desk) to officially report your baggage as lost. This is called a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Ask for a reference number of your claim, the name of the person who helps you and get a follow-up phone number. Describe the baggage with lots of details: colors, type, brand, damages, stickers, et cetera.

Contact your airline immediately

Make sure you contact the airline immediately. Preferably when you are still at the airport. Go to the airline airport desk. The airline will be able to inform you whether your baggage is registered as delayed. If your baggage was sent to the wrong airport, it can take quite some time before your baggage will arrive at the right destination.

Most of the time, the airline will bring your baggage to your accommodation after arrival at the right airport destination, so you do not need to go back to the airport again. Many airlines will reimburse unexpected expanses caused by the loss or delay. So we advise you to keep your receipts. If the baggage is worth more than the airline reimbursement limit, you can purchase excess valuation protection from your airline. This may also be covered by your travel insurance or credit card company.

Log on to Seal & Trace

Did you wrap/seal your baggage at Seal & Go? Please register your baggage online using the Trace Code and Key Code on the Seal & Trace sticker on the backside of your receipt. If someone finds your baggage, they will be able to contact you. Your personal data will be stored encrypted. The finder will not be able to see your personal information.

How to prevent lost baggage

Make sure to remove all old bag tags from your baggage before you check in your suitcase or bag, so airport/airline staff will not mistake sending your baggage to the wrong flight. Take a picture of your baggage before you check it in, so you will be able to identify your baggage as being yours. It often occurs other passengers accidentally take your baggage because they have similar looking baggage. That is why we always advise you to mark your baggage so it stands out in the crowd. If you have a Seal & Trace sticker, use Seal & Trace to register your baggage online.

What to do if your baggage is damaged?

We advise you to immediately check for damage when you arrive at your destination. Do not leave the airport yet. If your baggage is damaged, please go to the Baggage Claim Office to state your baggage is damaged. Do not rip off your baggage tags. The airline needs them to report the damaged baggage.