Lost suitcase? This is how you can ensure your holiday happiness again!

Lost suitcase? This is how you can ensure your holiday happiness again!

Losing your luggage at the airport can seriously impact the start of your vacation. This makes it all the more important to take the right steps to solve the problem quickly. If luggage does not arrive at its destination, travelers should act immediately.

First, it is crucial to report the loss. The first step is to go to the Lost and Found desk and fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). In addition, the airline should be informed, ideally directly on site or online. For package tours, the tour operator must also be informed of how World reported.

Important steps in the event of lost luggage

Another essential step is sharing the location of the suitcase. Suitcase trackers are useful for this to determine the whereabouts of your luggage. Many airlines offer the option to share location links. Travelers should also purchase necessary items, such as underwear or toothbrushes, and keep receipts for these purchases. It is advisable to keep costs as low as possible.

After purchasing the replacement items, you can request a refund from the airline. The application must be submitted online along with the PIR number and purchase receipts. The legal background is particularly important: If a suitcase remains missing for more than three weeks, it is considered lost and the airline is obliged to replace the contents of the suitcase, with a maximum liability limit of just under 1,900 euros. Travelers should keep evidence of the contents of their luggage, such as photos.

Travelers who have booked a package holiday also have the option of reducing the travel price. Claims for compensation or reductions due to useless vacation time can be asserted. Depending on the individual case, this reduction can amount to between 20 and 50 percent per vacation day.

Traveler rights and refunds

Loss, damage or delay of luggage are annoying situations, especially on the outward journey. Travelers also have rights, which are explained by ADAC experts. The airline is obliged to reimburse the cost of replacement clothing and toiletries if the luggage is lost. However, this refund only applies to essential items that are needed immediately, such as underwear, swimwear and toiletries.

The maximum limit for replacement purchases or losses is currently just under 2,000 euros per person. It is important to keep receipts for emergency purchases. The airline must also pay for lost or damaged items, with compensation being provided at the original price for new items and the current value for used items. Valuables such as jewelry or laptops are exempt from liability, so travelers should be particularly careful here.

If the baggage is damaged, this must be reported in writing within seven days, while baggage delay should be reported within 21 days of the baggage's arrival. In the case of package tours, a luggage delay is also viewed as a travel deficiency, which also allows claims for travel price reductions.

In summary, it is crucial for travelers to act quickly and efficiently in the event of lost luggage and to understand their rights in order to secure compensation. Information on the exact procedures and legal framework can be found at ADAC.