You finally land after a long flight. The crowd thins out. The baggage carousel stops moving. Everyone else has left. Your luggage never shows up.
For some travellers heading into Japan recently, this scenario has become increasingly common. A Malaysian man shared online that within just one week, at least 18 people reportedly did not receive their luggage upon arrival.
He was unsure which airport or party was responsible, but decided to share what travellers should do if they ever find themselves in the same situation.
First things first, do not panic
As stressful as it feels, staying calm is crucial. Panicking or getting angry will not make your luggage arrive faster. What matters is taking the right steps immediately.
What to do immediately when your luggage does not show up
If your luggage never appears on the carousel, here is what you should do before leaving the area:
- Stay inside the baggage claim area
Do not exit the arrival hall. Once you leave, resolving the issue becomes more complicated. - Go straight to the airline or lost and found counter
Approach the baggage services desk to report the issue as soon as possible. - File a missing luggage report
You will need your boarding pass, passport, and luggage tag sticker. Be ready to provide your hotel address for delivery later. - Ask for a reference or case number
Make sure you receive a copy of the report and keep all documents safely.
After that, head to your hotel and wait
Once the report is done, waiting at the airport will not help, especially if your luggage is still in another country.
Most airlines use an online tracking system such as WorldTracer, which allows you to monitor your luggage status. Once located, the bag is usually delivered directly to your hotel.
Why travel insurance helps in situations like this
If you purchased travel insurance, you may be able to claim compensation for delayed or missing luggage. This can help cover essential items like clothes and toiletries while you wait.
It may not remove the inconvenience entirely, but it can significantly reduce the stress.
Simple habits that can save you a lot of trouble
To avoid major inconvenience in future trips, here are a few tips many frequent travellers follow:
- Place an AirTag or any tracker inside your luggage so you can track where it is
- Pack one day of clothes and essentials in your hand carry bag
- Stay calm and follow the process rather than panicking
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