Waiting for luggage at the baggage carousel after a long flight can be tiring. Hadleigh Diamond, commercial director of SCS Chauffeurs, revealed that many of his clients use a simple trick: asking for a "fragile" label on their luggage at check-in.
"Our clients often say that the difference between a smooth and stressful trip often starts with baggage claim," Diamond said. Waiting 30 minutes while everyone else's luggage appears can make a long journey feel even longer.
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Checked baggage being delivered on an airport baggage carousel. Photo: Euro News |
Checked baggage being delivered on an airport baggage carousel. Photo: Euro News
According to Diamond, the "fragile" label is often a time-saver. He learned this tip from both ground staff and frequent flyers. Passengers can simply and politely request the check-in staff to attach a fragile label to their suitcase.
Fragile-labeled luggage is usually loaded last to avoid being crushed, and therefore unloaded first. This trick can reduce waiting time at the baggage carousel, a valuable advantage for weary travelers.
However, the most effective way to save time at the airport is to travel with only carry-on luggage.
Lost luggage can also turn a pleasant trip into a nightmare. Data from the price comparison website Confused.com shows that UK airports recorded over 62,000 cases of lost luggage between 8/2023 and 8/2024.
Experts from Hoppa, a transport comparison and booking platform, offer guidance on what to do if your luggage is lost. First, report the loss immediately at the airport's baggage service counter, usually located near the baggage carousel. The sooner you act, the better the chances of resolving the issue. Provide as much information as possible: the suitcase manufacturer, color, size, material, special stickers, and photos if available.
Next, request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number from the airport. This number is crucial for tracking your luggage and is required for insurance claims. Ask the airline about coverage for essential purchases like clothes and toiletries while waiting for your luggage, especially if you are abroad. If the airline doesn't offer this, keep your receipts for insurance purposes.
If your suitcase is not found within 21 days, it is officially considered lost. Contact the airline to initiate a compensation claim. Each airline has its own claim deadline, usually between 7 and 21 days after the incident.
Under the Montreal Convention (the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air), airlines are liable for up to 1,800 USD for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. To file a claim, provide evidence of your luggage and its contents. Detailed information increases the likelihood of compensation.
"Losing luggage is always stressful, but what's worse is not knowing what to do. Quick action and understanding the process increase your chances of recovery," said Hoppa CEO Chris Harrington.
Anh Minh (DM)
