What are the chances of my luggage going missing?

Question

I'm going on my first plane trip & bought really cute purple luggage & packed all new clothes I bought just for the trip. I'm really worried about my luggage going missing though! does this happn a lot?

Answer 1

The chances of it happening are slim. Connections increase the risk of bags being delayed, so try to fly non-stop when you can if that is an option from the airports you are going to and from. Never pack anything of value or electronics. Always put toiletry items in your carry on as well as a change of clothes. In your luggage you also need to put a copy of your itinerary and contact information at your home and destination so that if for some reason your tags are seperated from the bag, you can be notified.

I served my time in the Dungeon of Baggage Service and it happens the most when you have a connection and one of the flights is delayed or if you are connecting bewteen airlines, say you depart Philedelphia on Delta and fly to Atlanta then transfer to Continental to Houston. That is where they fall through the cracks a lot of the time. The other is International connections from one airline to the other.

Also do not put medication, car keys, a laptop, nail polish or any small bottles that could break in your checked bag. Dont be upset if when you get them back at your destination if they are dirty, the bins of the planes and containers they use are filthy, so there will be some black on your bags.

Should your luggage be delayed, the airline will deliver it to you free of charge. The airline has 7 days to get you your luggage and you are entitled to compensation of $25/day for 7 days for every day your bag is missing. If your wheels and handles are broken off, they are not covered under the damaged bag policy, so be aware of that. Anything protruding on the outside is not covered if it gets damaged. Check the weather of your origin, transfer point if you have one and destination. If it calls for rain, make sure you wrap your contents inside the bag in plastic. The bags will get wet and possibly seep into your luggage if it is raining anywhere a lont the way.

Also know that for checked baggage you are allowed 2 pieces at 50 lb each and you are allowed to carry on 2, your purse counts as one. Carry on bags must be less than 40 lb and no larger than 45 linear inches or approx 22"x14"x9". One piece must fit in the overhead compartment while the other under the seat in front of you.

Enjoy your first trip!! I hope it goes well for you and that you have no problems.

Answer 2

Here is the deal. If you have a direct flight (non-stop) - checked bags never get lost. If you have a connection - but on the same airline, you will probably not loose it. If you are connecting from one airline to another (like from a United Flight to a Luftansa Flight) - that is where lost luggage is more likely to happen.

I personally wouldn't worry about it. The only advice I can give is to not check any expensive jewlery or camera etc. inside the luggage. The baggage handlers x-ray some stuff, and if they think they see jewels, electronics etc. inside - they may go thru and steal it. They have no interest in cute clothes!

Answer 3

Depends.. Are you chaning planes?
On domestic USA flights the chances of your luggage mysteriously going missing are slim.
However.. with international travel it happens all the time.

Answer 4

Ahh not too often and even then you almost always get it back.

I've flown probably 18 or so times. Only lost stuff once and it was found and returned to me by the second day.

Id suggest you have a change of clothes and toiletries in a carryon just in case.

Answer 5

Not on the plane but you should hold onto it once you pick it up.