You’ve landed at your destination, made your way to baggage claim, and watched every bag come through—except yours. Your heart sinks as the carousel stops and reality sets in: your luggage is missing.
Take a breath. Delayed and lost luggage is frustrating, but it’s also surprisingly common—and most bags are recovered within 24-48 hours. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm Your Luggage Isn’t Just Delayed
Before you panic, rule out simple explanations. Bags sometimes come on later carousels or get held up for additional security screening.
What to check first:
If your bag truly isn’t there after 20-30 minutes, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: File a Report at the Baggage Service Office
This is the most critical step. You must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport to protect your rights and initiate the tracking process.
How to file your report:
1. Locate the baggage service office — Usually near baggage claim, look for your airline’s signage
2. Bring your baggage claim ticket — The sticker attached to your boarding pass
3. Provide detailed bag description — Color, brand, size, distinctive features
4. Get your PIR reference number — This is essential for tracking and claims
5. Provide delivery address — Where should the bag be delivered when found?
6. Get contact information — Ask for direct phone numbers and email addresses
Important: Most airlines require claims to be filed within 4-21 days of arrival. Filing at the airport protects you regardless of the specific deadline.
Step 3: Set Up Tracking for Your Missing Bag
Once you’ve filed your PIR, you’ll be given access to online tracking. Most major airlines use similar systems, though the interfaces vary.
Popular airline baggage tracking portals:
Enter your PIR number to see real-time updates on your bag’s location and status.
Understanding tracking status messages:
| Status | What It Means |
|——–|————–|
| Tracing | Active search in progress |
| Located | Bag found, arranging delivery |
| In Transit | Bag on its way to you |
| Delivered | Bag should have arrived |
| Claim | Unable to locate, claim process initiated |
Step 4: Follow Up Strategically
If you don’t see progress within 24 hours, proactive follow-up is essential.
Effective follow-up strategies:
What to ask about:
Step 5: Document Everything for Potential Claims
From the moment your bag goes missing, start building documentation. This protects you whether the bag is found or permanently lost.
Keep records of:
Most airlines allow claims for essential purchases while waiting for delayed bags. Keep receipts and be reasonable—a new suit for a business meeting is justifiable; a designer handbag is not.
Step 6: Understand Your Rights and Compensation
Your rights depend on your route and the applicable regulations.
For flights within the US:
For international flights (Montreal Convention):
Credit card protections:
Many travel credit cards offer baggage delay insurance that kicks in after 6-12 hours. Check your card benefits—you may be entitled to $300-500 for essential purchases.
Step 7: When Delayed Becomes Lost
If your bag hasn’t been found after 5-14 days (varies by airline), it’s typically reclassified from “delayed” to “lost.”
What happens next:
1. Claim form sent — The airline will send official claim paperwork
2. Inventory required — You’ll need to list all contents with values
3. Documentation requested — Receipts, photos, and proof of ownership
4. Settlement offered — Usually within 4-6 weeks of claim submission
5. Negotiation possible — Initial offers are often negotiable
Pro tip: Don’t lowball your inventory. Airlines expect some items won’t have receipts—reasonable estimates for clothing, toiletries, and personal items are standard.
Prevention for Next Time
While you can’t prevent airline baggage mishandling entirely, you can reduce risk and improve recovery odds.
Smart packing strategies:
Learn more about [preventing lost belongings while traveling][LINK: /prevention-tips/] to protect yourself on future trips.
When to File With Us
If your bag has been missing for more than 48 hours, or if you’re struggling to get responses from the airline, we can help coordinate the search across multiple databases and contact points.
[File a lost property report][LINK: /report-lost-property/] and let us help navigate the system on your behalf.Most Bags Are Found
Here’s the good news: according to SITA’s annual baggage report, 99.5% of mishandled bags are eventually returned to their owners. The vast majority arrive within 48 hours.
Your luggage journey might have taken an unexpected detour, but with the right steps and a little patience, reunion is likely. Follow this guide, stay proactive, and you’ll be unpacking your own clothes soon.