Airline lost your luggage? Your bags didn’t arrive as scheduled? Sadly, it happens. The reasons vary but it’s safe to say it’s not anything you did.
Below are the steps to take for making a claim, and get reimbursed for expenses related to lost or delayed baggage at the airport:
What Do I Do?
1. Don’t Panic
Although you are in a foreign country, the airline employees who will assist in filing a claim and retrieving any lost luggage are multi-lingual. Not only do they speak English, they speak Hindi and several other regional languages of India. This allows you to speak with nearly any contact involved in locating your baggage.
2. Don’t Get Angry
Remember you are in India, a land that for all intents and purposes is a peaceful country. Locals may raise their voice, wobble their heads and argue a point ad naseum, yet they don’t take kindly to the same behavior from tourists. Keep your hands off your hips, don’t cross your arms in a closed position against your chest, speak in a calm manner, don’t point, don’t throw your other bags around in disgust and don’t swear.
3. Find an Airline Representative
Because all international flights arrive within a 4 hour window at the 5 largest airports of India, numerous airline representatives can easily be found within the baggage claim area. Locate a representative from the airline flight to India which you were last a passenger on. I.E. If traveling from the USA on Delta, but transferred to Air France in Paris, you will be looking for an Air France representative. Ask him/her to assist you with the lost luggage procedure.
How Does it Work?
1. Complete a Claim Form
The airline representative will get you to the proper lost luggage desk. From here you will be aided in the completion of a Lost Baggage Claim. Besides general contact information, have the following information handy:
Bag: Color, Style, Brand
Combination to lock (If applicable)
Flight #, Flight Date, Class of service (Coach/Business) & Ticket #
Luggage Claim Tag (Provided from the originating airport ticket desk)
Temporary address in India (Hotel, Guest House, Friend or family home)
Temporary contact #
2. After the Form
Once the form is completed, ensure that any temporary contact information is correct. This should be the location you will be for the next 48 hours. Individual airlines operate one flight to India per day. Your luggage, if located, will therefore not arrive at the earliest until the following day. The airline will courier the bag(s) to the temporary address. If you are in transit upon arrival into India, lost luggage will be transferred to the next location and couriered (if possible) to the temporary address on file at the final destination.
3. Ask Questions
This is the best time to obtain as much information as possible from the representative as passengers cannot reenter the airport after exiting. Ask for a card and/or any contact information of the representative as well as the local office. Ask for a follow up plan if lost luggage does not arrive on the next flight. Get a copy of ALL paperwork and keep in a safe place.
Now What?
1. Get Some Sleep
You will be given a small kit containing some very essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and other misc toiletries. You may be able to obtain further items from the hotel front desk (if applicable).
2. Go Shopping, Save Receipts
Save any receipts for items you bought as a result of lost or delayed luggage. This would include clothing, toiletries, accommodation, food, etc.
3. Retrieve & Check Luggage
Luggage will be delivered directly to the temporary address on file. If staying at a hotel or other accommodation, the courier will drop at the lobby. Ensure all items are inside the bag immediately. You will need to file an additional claim for any missing items.
My luggage was delivered at the time promised directly to the hotel lobby in Delhi. It was shrink-wrapped for security purposes which aided in keeping the contents safe.
4. Get Paid
Once you arrive home you should submit your receipts along with a brief letter explaining any purchases as a result of the lost or delayed luggage. A contact address will be provided with the paperwork as well as a time line for submission.
I submitted receipts for clothing (new undershirt, shirt and socks) plus two nights at a local hotel since my plans were not to stay in Delhi. Within 10 days of submission a letter from Air France was received confirming my expenses. Within 4 days from this letter, a reimbursement check for $197 arrived.
What Can I Do To Prevent This From Happening to Me?
The reasons a bag may be lost or delayed are numerous. The following are suggestions on how to best prepare in case of a delay:
1. Mark Your Bag Well
-Use a baggage strap to help your luggage stick out from the crowd.
-Place a baggage ID inside any checked bags.
2. Pack Smart
Pack any essential toiletries needed as well as a change of clothes in a carry-on bag. Remember to follow the airline security rules for liquids and sharp objects. All prescribed medications should be packed in this bag to avoid any medical complications. All electronics should be included in this bag. Money, credit cards, ID and any travel documents should also accompany this bag. Make a list of all items you must have if your luggage was lost or delayed upon arrival to India. These items should be in a airline size approved carry-on bag.
3. Be Prepared
Have all contact information readily available upon arrival to India. This includes any travel agency contact person, hotel, driver, or onward flight information.
4. Don’t Worry
Really, don’t. It won’t do any good and your bag will most likely arrive the following day.
