What to Do if The Airlines Lose Your Luggage

Feb 1

You’ve just landed in London. Or Paris. Or Rome. Or Elsewhere Fabulous.
You’re jet-lagged, excited, running on adrenaline… and your suitcase doesn’t come out on the carousel.

You’re devastated. Rightly so.
You’re stressed. Rightly so.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: lost luggage is stressful mostly when people ignore the basics.
So let’s walk through exactly what to do—and how to protect yourself before this ever happens.

First, the Golden Rule (Read This Twice)

Never—ever—pack the following in your checked bag:

Medications (prescription or otherwise)
Medical devices or supplies
Glasses or contacts
Jewelry, valuables, or irreplaceable items
Anything you need within the first 48 hours of your trip

If you take nothing else from this post, take this:
👉 Your carry-on is your lifeline.

I strongly recommend packing:

One to two outfits
Underwear and sleepwear
Toiletries you can’t live without
Chargers and adaptors

Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it takes planning.
And yes—when luggage goes missing, this is the difference between mild inconvenience and total meltdown.

Step 1: Track Your Bag (Before You Panic)

You should have AirTags (or Android equivalents) in every checked bag.

Open Find My and see where your luggage is—but know this:

AirTags can lag
Updates may take time
Airports are noisy signal environments

If your bag shows up in Frankfurt while you’re in Rome, that’s information, not a solution—but it helps.

Step 2: File a Lost Luggage Claim Immediately

Do not leave the airport. Do not go to your hotel first.
Go straight to the airline’s lost baggage desk.

You will:

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
Receive a claim/reference number
Be given instructions for follow-up

Take photos of:

The completed claim form
Your bag tag
Any paperwork they hand you

This reference number is everything. No number = no reimbursement.

Step 3: Ask About Reimbursable Expenses (Yes, Right There)

Before you walk away, ask the airline:

What expenses are reimbursable?
Is there a daily allowance?
What documentation do they require?

Each airline handles this differently, but you are entitled to reimbursement.
Which brings us to…

Step 4: Use Blue Ribbon Bags (Immediately)

I pay for Blue Ribbon Bags for my clients for a reason.

Here’s how it works:

Once your bag is delayed or lost, you contact Blue Ribbon Bags immediately
You provide your airline claim number
They independently track, trace, and pressure the airline
If your bag is not returned within a specified window, they pay you cash compensation

This is not the airline. This is backup.
And backup matters when airlines are overwhelmed.

Timing matters here—don’t “wait and see.” Call or email them as soon as you file the airline claim.

Step 5: Yes, You’re Going Shopping (Without Guilt)

Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for delayed or lost baggage—up to roughly $1,700 USD per person (the exact amount fluctuates based on SDR conversion rates). I have a colleague who buys himself a nice suit every time a bag goes missing. It’s how he builds his business wardrobe.

This means you can purchase:

Clothing
Shoes
Toiletries
Basic essentials you reasonably need. No perfumes or luxury items but socks, underwear, deodorant etc. should all pass muster.

What you shouldn’t do:

Go on a luxury shopping spree
Buy things unrelated to necessity
Ignore airline guidance entirely

Think: practical, reasonable, defensible.

You didn’t lose your luggage—the airline did.

Step 6: Save Every Receipt Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)

Airlines will not reimburse what you can’t document.

My recommendation:

Designate one pocket in your wallet or bag for receipts
Take photos of every receipt
Email photos to yourself or save them in a single album

Do this as you go—not three days later when details blur.

Step 7: Engage Your Hotel Concierge

A good hotel concierge…

Can track luggage faster than airlines
Know which courier the airline uses
Can receive and sign for bags even if you’re not there

Loop the concierge in as soon as you get to your hotel. Give them all your information. When United lost my luggage when I flew to Amsterdam in 2024, the hotel concierge at the Sofitel in Amsterdam was amazing. They even called me when I was out and about once my luggage arrived!

Step 8: Be Patient—but Persistent

Most bags do show up within a few days.
That said:

Follow up daily. (But actually, if you have followed my instructions with Blue Ribbon Bags, they will do this for you.)
Reference your claim number every time
Keep communication factual, not emotional

Frustration is understandable. Losing documentation or your temper doesn’t help.

Why I’m So Insistent About This

Because I’ve seen what happens when travelers:

Don’t pack essentials in carry-ons
Skip AirTags
Delay filing claims
Ignore services like Blue Ribbon Bags
Fail to keep receipts

Lost luggage doesn’t have to ruin a trip—but unprepared travelers often let it.

If you prepare properly, the worst-case scenario becomes:

“Annoying, inconvenient, handled.”

And that’s the goal.

Bottom line:
Listen to Krista. I’m not being dramatic—I’m being realistic.

And if you want help making sure you’re covered before your next international trip, you know where to find me.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.

What I Offer…

Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change

I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.