Lost Luggage Compensation - Dealing With Lost Luggage

Ah, vacation, we look forward to a few glorious days away from the nine to five. We save for the trip, plan our leisure activities and happily pack our swim suits. Ideally, vacation times should be a stress free time and they usually are, but then sometimes things go wrong.

Maybe you are one of the unlucky few who are victim to the loss of your precious belongings and luggage. Luggage can go missing due to a luggage identification tag that has gone missing or an airline's luggage organizational problems. Either way walking around in the same clothes for five to ten days is not appealing for most people.

So can you get lost luggage compensation in for the inconvenience and loss of your belongings? Each airline will have there own policies on luggage compensation. Check their website or ask your agent.

Many airlines don't consider luggage lost until it's been missing for over 7 days. Airlines typically have a maximum value assigned to lost luggage; ask what this maximum cap is when checking in. You may wish to purchase extra insurance at the time. Also ask the airline about their reimbursement policy. Usually you'll need proof of your luggage contents to be able to collect. Keep receipts if possible. If your luggage fails to turn up, they may reimburse you only 50% of your replacement purchases upon submitting receipts. Don't neglect to also check with your home owner's policy. Some home insurance policies cover a portion of personal items lost during travel. Lastly, remember airlines won't accept liability for many items like cameras, jewellery, cash, computers and artwork.

Before leaving, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. When packing for your trip, consider packing an outfit or two in your carry-on luggage. If you're travelling with a partner consider placing some clothing items in each others luggage bags, just in case one bag makes it but the other doesn't. Also when packing, lay out all your items and photograph them with the luggage. Then create a list of your items, this helps you to prove the contents of your luggage. Make sure you label your luggage preferably inside and out with your home and destination details. Use a strong luggage tag that won't easily fall off. When you check in, make sure the agent places their tag on all the luggage pieces before sending them down the conveyor belt. And hopefully that trip down the conveyer belt isn't the last you'll see of your luggage.

Eve Duncan is a freelance writer, researcher and web publisher from Canada. If you're looking for new unique luggage visit Luggagegoodies.com where you can find popular polka dot luggage sets and vintage Hartmann luggage.

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