It's among the worst feelings in the world – your luggage does not appear on the airport carousel and all you're left with is the contents of your carry-on bag. Or worse, it's been stolen, leaving you with little chance of ever seeing it again.
So, what should you do if you find yourself in this scenario? Southern Cross Travel Insurance offer up its top tips on the steps you should take if your bag is lost, stolen or delayed, to ensure you get the best chance at either a happy reunion or a successful claim.
How to keep your luggage safe
Let's look at how you can avoid falling into a sticky situation in the first place, with these simple steps on how to keep your luggage safe and secure during transit.
• Invest in an anti-theft travel bag with heavy duty zips and slash-proof linings. Otherwise, be confident that you have a sturdy enough suitcase that will ensure your belongings remain inside.
• Luggage tracking tags gives you real-time access to your bag's GPS location via your smartphone and makes it easier for airport baggage services to locate it if it becomes lost.
• If using the overhead lockers for stowing carry-on luggage, turn the zip of the bag towards the back of the locker, upside down – that makes it more difficult for an opportunistic thief to open it.
• Pack cameras and electronic devices in your carry-on luggage and store near you, if possible, as they may not be covered by travel insurance if they're in your checked baggage.
• Keep jewellery, watches, cash, bank cards and travel documents with you at all times.
What happens if my bag is delayed, lost or stolen when flying?
Even when you have done all you can to look after your luggage, there are still forces outside of your control, which could result in your bags going astray.
• Don't panic if you are facing an empty carousel. Chances are your bag is on the next flight or has been taken to the wrong airport – and is therefore retrievable. File a claim immediately at the airport's baggage services counter and ask for a report. You'll also be given a reference number and they'll take your contact information, so they can tell you when it arrives.
• Unexpected costs caused by the inconvenience, such as additional clothing or toiletries, will usually be covered by the airline, however, check their mishandled luggage protocol for more information.
• If the airline can't help, Southern Cross Travel Insurance provides Baggage Delay cover under its TravelCare policy if your baggage is delayed for 12 hours or more. Keep the baggage delay report and all original receipts for the purchase of any essential items, as you'll need this when you come to make a claim.
• Should the worst happen and your luggage has completely disappeared, make a claim with the airline in the first instance and get a written report from them.
Following this, you can make a claim through Southern Cross Travel Insurance for any eligible items the airline can't reimburse. You'll need to provide:
• Documentation to show you were on your journey at the time
• The lost baggage report
• Documentation from the airline showing whether they reimbursed you or not, and if
so, how much they reimbursed you for
• Relevant receipts and documentation for any items you have lost
What happens if my bag is lost or stolen during my trip?
You've managed to make it off the plane and out of the airport with your luggage intact, ready to relax and set off on your adventure. However, if your luggage is lost or stolen during your holiday, it is useful to know what actions you need to take to minimise stress during that scenario.
• Most importantly, you need to notify the police or an appropriate authority within 24 hours of discovery and obtain a written report to confirm this event took place.
• Do some research in advance to find out what the address and contact details are of the local police station at your destination.
• Get into the habit of keeping all receipts, as this will speed up the claim process. Be aware that unspecified items will have depreciation applied so it's worth taking only essential items with you when travelling.
• Finally, before checking out of your accommodation, do a thorough check of the room before leaving, including cupboards, draws and under the bed.
For full terms and conditions (including details on the benefits and maximums that may apply and any exclusions or conditions, please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) including Policy wording.
For more great travel tips and advice, visit Southern Cross Travel Insurance www.scti.co.nz/travel-advice