Will my luggage be lost if I have a connecting flight?

Question

I am going to be traveling in the next month or two, and I will have to have 1 connecting flight to my final destination. Is it safe to have a bag checked in and still have it show up when I reach the end? I am scared that if I check it in and I change planes it will end up lost. I have traveled before, but only with a carry-on. I will be gone a week and need a big bag. Does it matter if I swap carriers? Or should I look for a flight that stays with the same one?

Any advice from experienced travelers?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I really wouldn't worry about it. For sure, airlines do lose bags now and again, I have to fly internationally on about a dozen flights a year for the past 7 or 8 years, and have a connecting flight each time, I have yet to lose a bag or even had one delayed. Baggage handling is all computerized these days, and whether you fly the same airline or connect with a different one, I don't think would make much difference, I"ve done it both ways with no problems. Just in case, it's always a good idea to bring your essential items in your carry-on, as well as a change of clothes or two. Good luck!

Answer 2

Do us all a favor and check your luggage. The average traveler hates being stuck in the security line behind people who carry on everything. We all have to wait while it is only a convenience to you.

If you are worried about it, then do take a toothbrush, a hairbrush, change of underwear and shirt and any medicine in your carry on. Also write down the brand, colour, size and style of your bag.

I generally find lost luggage not too bad at all. It usually means that your heavy and bulky bag is delivered to your hotel room within half a day. AND you don't have to lug it in and out of taxis and through lobbies yourself. Oh, and if it is lost and you are being nice about it but state you have something important first thing in the morning and no luggage some airlines have a small toiletry kit they will give you.

I would try stay with one carrier or at least carriers that are partners. It makes a difference, and typically should be a better rate anyway. It is more likely to happen if there is little time between your flights.

Answer 3

I traveled from Florida to Freeport, Bahamas. No problem. Luggage arrived safely. But, on the return trip, I was asked if I wanted to upgrade and take a flight out two hours earlier. I said, " Sure... upgrade me". very bad move. The upgrade was no problem, but no one informed baggage. So when I arrived in Florida, no luggage. So, do not take an earlier flight if one is offered because they do not always change the flight plan number on luggage, just on the ticket. I have flown many times and had connecting flights, and that was the only time I had a problem. I really think you will be fine as long as you stay with your original flight plan.

Answer 4

I have flown ten different trips in the last three years and all of them have been with connecting flights. I have never lost any piece of luggage. Many of my friends and coworkers have had the same result. Even if they do lose it, they will return your luggage within three days.

Just in case though, pack things you need (e.g. 1 set of clothing, under ware, and personal hygiene items) in your carrier on. Then if your stuff is lost, you will have stuff that you need and will have time to buy other items.

Answer 5

If they are the same airline and there is plenty of time between flights it will probably be ok. The problems occur when you are running from one plane to another and there is no time for the baggage to make it. That is why I have never traveled with checked luggage.

Answer 6

It's always a possibility,even with direct flights,
but highly unlikely. You may feel more at ease if you send only clothing thru the check-in,keeping valuables, medications and small toiletries, contact lens solution,etc in a carry on just in case. Also, one change of clothes, if possible. It is also a good idea to put your itinerary on the inside of your luggage.

Answer 7

don't worry I travel with alot of connecting flights, my baggage just follows me everywhere i fly, i never lost a bag, You will have nor problems, ut i don't mean to scare you, but from my experience, my baggage is never lost unless i fly Airtran ( i hate those BUMS) but that has only happened once. I assure you everything will be ok,

Answer 8

if you stick with the same airline there will most likly be a less chance of you loseing your baggade in the end but if you switch airlines for your connecting flight there is a bigger chance fo someone loseing your baggade along the way. so i would stick with the same airline for both flights.

Answer 9

they automattically take it