Lost Luggage Happens… Let’s Talk About It
Lost or delayed luggage is not something most people deal with. But when it happens, it can absolutely hijack a good trip if you’re not prepared.
And the thing that makes it so stressful isn’t the bag itself… it’s not knowing what to do, who to talk to, or when it’s okay to stop standing at baggage claim staring at the carousel.
So I want to walk you through this the same way I would if you texted me from the airport.
But first – I think its important that we talk about what to do before you take off.
What You Do Before You Fly Makes A Big Difference
This is the part people skip because everything usually goes fine. Until it doesn’t. This preparation is key… so please humor me and read through these tips.
My most important rule
Do not travel with anything you can’t afford to lose.
If you’d be upset to lose it, it does not go in a checked bag.
My partner learned this the annoying way when his brand-new Ray-Bans disappeared from his luggage. We filed a claim and were reimbursed…but it was still a headache that didn’t need to happen.
Always keep a personal bag with you
I don’t care if it’s a carry-on or a personal item. You just need one bag that never leaves your side.
That bag should have:
▪ Medications
▪ Electronics
▪ Jewelry or valuables (if you must bring them – they never leave your side)
▪ One change of clothes
▪ A bathing suit
Here’s why this matters.
When you land internationally, you can’t always grab a cab and run to Target. You’re dealing with different languages, different hours, and stores that may not carry what you need.
Your personal bag isn’t about convenience. It’s about making a bad situation … a much more comfortable one.
Take a few photos… you’ll thank yourself later
Before you leave home, snap photos of:
▪ The photo page of your passport
▪ What’s inside your suitcase
If a bag is officially lost, especially on an international trip, you may be asked to list what was inside. Photos make that a lot easier.
Once you check your bag at the airport, take a photo of your luggage claim sticker. Bag tags fall off more often than you’d think.
One important warning
Do not travel with THC gummies or vapes. Period. Please don’t.
These can flag your luggage. That means your bag may not be lost…it may be pulled aside for inspection. And that can turn into a very serious conversation very quickly. It’s not worth risking your trip.
Track your bag
I also never check a bag without an AirTag. I hide it under the liner with an adhesive holder. It’s not there to argue with anyone…it’s there so I know where my bag is.
Travel protection is part of preparation
Before you fly, take two minutes to look up your airline’s baggage rules. Every airline handles lost and delayed bags differently, especially internationally.
This is also why I recommend travel protection.
Some plans include baggage delay and baggage loss coverage. Faye, for example, offers a digital card inside their app that can be used right away for essentials if your claim is approved. That matters when you’re standing in a hotel lobby at night needing clothes…not weeks later.
You Land… and Your Bag Isn’t There
First. It’s annoying. I know.
But this is manageable.
Step 1: Go to the baggage desk
File a delayed baggage report. Get your claim number. Confirm where the bag should be delivered.
This part is going to be hard because your stressed and upset… try to smile.
The person helping you didn’t lose your bag. They’re the first person who can actually help get it moving again.
Once you have a claim number, it’s okay to leave the airport.
This is also your signal to move to the next step.
Will The Airline Deliver Your Bag…And When?
In most cases, yes.
If your bag is delayed (not lost), airlines typically deliver it to you once it arrives. This could be your hotel, resort, or home address, depending on what you listed on the report.
A few things to know so expectations are realistic:
▪ Delivery is usually handled by a local courier, not airline staff
▪ You may not get much notice before it shows up
▪ Same-day delivery is possible, but next-day is more common
▪ International deliveries can take longer than domestic ones
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, let the front desk know you’re expecting a delayed bag. Most are used to this and will hold it for you.
If your plans change, update the airline as soon as possible. Delivery instructions matter.
This is also why tracking helps. When you can see movement, you have a better sense of timing.
Once delivery is arranged and confirmed, you can mentally stand down a bit. The waiting part is annoying, but the work is done.**
This is also your signal to move to the next step.
Step 2: Save everything
Hold onto your boarding pass, bag tag, and claim number.
Screenshot the airline app. Save your AirTag location if you’re using one.
Step 3: Track calmly
Check the airline app.
If you have AirTag data, use it factually.
“My bag is showing near baggage services in Terminal B.”
Helpful. Calm. Effective.
If you haven’t already, this is still an appropriate time to contact your travel protection provider and let them know a baggage delay is in progress.
Step 4: Buy what you need if your bags were lost heading to your destination
Stick to necessities. Keep receipts.
This is when travel protection really comes into play.
Once a delay is confirmed, start your claim so support is available now, not later. With providers like Faye, opening the claim is what unlocks access to their digital wallet for immediate purchases. You don’t need to wait for the situation to be resolved to do this.
Step 5: Submit reimbursement
Follow the airline’s process. Upload your documentation. Keep copies.
What Airlines Owe You… Quick Version
For U.S. domestic flights, airlines reimburse reasonable, necessary expenses. There are limits, and documentation matters.
International travel is less predictable. Rules vary, proof matters more (thats why we took all those photos earlier), and timelines are slower. That preparation gives you leverage.
You got this
They’re just “things” and things can be replaced. Think of it this way – next time someone compliments you, you can say “thank you, I got it in St Lucia.”
