There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of landing in a new destination, especially when it’s the start of an adventure you’ve been dreaming of. The excitement of hiking new trails, exploring new cultures, or trying a new cuisine is unmatched… until you’re standing at baggage claim, and your suitcase never appears.
Losing luggage may not top anyone’s travel bucket list, but it’s a challenge every frequent flyer risks, especially on multi-stop or international adventures. The key is knowing how to respond calmly, act quickly, and prepare in advance. In this blog, we’ll cover exactly what to do when your luggage is lost and how to go about recovering your essentials. We’ll also share tips on how to prevent future baggage mishaps, so your focus stays on exploring, not stressing.
When Your Bag Doesn’t Arrive: What to Do Right Away
Although airlines have improved their tracking systems, baggage mishaps still occur, particularly during layovers or during peak travel seasons. If your bag doesn’t show up on the carousel, remain calm and follow these steps quickly.
1. Report it before leaving the airport
As soon as you realize your luggage hasn’t arrived, head straight to your airline’s baggage service counter. This is usually located near the baggage carousels. Don’t leave the airport until you’ve filed a report. You’ll need:
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A baggage claim receipt. This is the small sticker you received when you dropped off your checked luggage. It includes a unique barcode and tag number that corresponds to the claim tag placed on your bag.
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A photo or detailed description of your bag. Be prepared to share the specific color, size, brand, and any unique features. This is where personalizing your luggage can be helpful. Consider adding keychains, ribbons, or stickers.
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Your flight information and contact details. You’ll have to provide your current phone number and email, as well as contact information for anyone you may be meeting at your final destination.
The airline agent will file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and give you a reference number. This is your lost luggage lifeline; it’s what you’ll use to track your bag’s status or file reimbursement claims later.
Pro tip: Before you leave the counter, confirm whether your luggage will be delivered to your hotel or if you’ll need to return to the airport if it's found. Get that in writing if possible.
2. Get a reference number and know who to contact
Every airline has a different baggage system, and things move more efficiently when you know exactly who to contact. Make sure you:
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Write down the agent’s name and the baggage office phone number
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Ask for an estimated delivery timeline and if it is likely delayed or missing entirely
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Get login credentials or a link to track your claim online (most major airlines offer this)
If your bag is still at the departure airport or in transit, you’ll often see updates within a few hours. Checking in once or twice a day is plenty. Obsessively refreshing won’t make it appear faster!
If your bag is missing for more than 48 hours, ask about compensation procedures. Some airlines begin reimbursement for essentials after 24 hours, while others require 48 or 72 hours. It all differs depending on the airline.
3. Notify your guide, travel partners, or trip leader right away
If you’re traveling with Adventures in Good Company, tell your guide as soon as possible. This is where having a trusted travel partner truly makes a difference. Our guides are experienced problem-solvers who know how to navigate local systems and languages. So when this type of situation occurs, they are there to be your backup support. They can:
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Help contact the airline directly if there’s a language barrier
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Call ahead to your hotel or next destination so your bag can be delivered seamlessly
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Coordinate a short detour to pick up essential clothing or gear
We’ve even had guides sprint into town to find a replacement phone for a traveler whose smartphone broke while traveling to Redwoods National and State Park. This allowed the traveler to stay connected, stress-free, and, most importantly, check into their flight. Here at AGC, we ensure no traveler is left stranded.
4. Purchase essentials and keep the receipts
Once your report is filed, you can usually claim reimbursement for basic items you need to get through the next 24–48 hours. "Reasonable expenses" typically include:
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Toiletries and personal hygiene items
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A change of non-designer clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks)
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Charging devices
Pro tip: Keep all receipts for essentials purchased neatly organized in one envelope or digital folder. If your luggage arrives later, you can still submit these expenses for reimbursement, and your travel insurance may also cover additional costs.
5. Track your bag with a smart device
If you’ve packed a small tracking device inside your luggage, like an Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag, you have an instant tool for peace of mind, and it’s worth putting to use the moment your bag goes missing.
Open your phone’s tracking app to see where your bag was last detected. Sometimes you’ll know that it’s still at your departure airport or already in transit. Sharing that location with airline staff can significantly speed up the luggage recovery process.
For active travelers, this tech can be a lifesaver. We’ve had women track their bags from thousands of miles away and reunite with them before the airline even sent a text update. Plus, these items are relatively inexpensive, especially for the ease and efficiency they provide.
Please note that an Apple AirTag won't update its location if it is not in range of any other Apple devices, if its battery is low, or if there are issues with the Find My network or your phone's settings.
6. Stay positive and flexible
This is often the most challenging step; we get it. We’re human too, and emotions can arise and affect even the best of us. Losing luggage can feel stressful and unfair, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
Take a moment to reframe the situation: this is an inconvenience, not a catastrophe. You still have your essentials, your itinerary, and a travel team ready to support you.
Most bags reappear within a day or two. In the meantime, let whoever you’re traveling with know what you need to stay comfortable, whether that’s finding a shop for quick-dry pants or borrowing hiking poles for the next day’s trek.
At AGC, we always say: the best stories often start with a slight detour. You might even end up with a new favorite travel outfit or a story to share at dinner that gets everyone laughing.
Smart Ways to Prevent Lost Luggage on Future Trips
Now that you know how to handle a luggage hiccup, let’s talk prevention. While no system is foolproof, these habits can lower your risk:
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Make your bag easy to identify. Choose luggage in a bright color or add a bold strap, stick, or tag.
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Double-label it. Place your contact info both inside and outside your bag.
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Use a tracker. A small device, such as an Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag, can save you days of uncertainty.
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Check old barcodes. Remove any leftover airline tags from past flights.
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Avoid tight connections. Longer layovers mean more time for your bag to transfer safely.
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Pack a day-one outfit in your carry-on. Include essentials like underwear, medications, and your hiking shoes.
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Photograph your luggage. A quick picture can help airline agents identify it faster.
The Role of Travel Insurance (and Why It’s Worth It)
For active travelers, travel insurance is more than just a safety net for flights; it can be a real trip-saver when something like lost luggage occurs. Most travel insurance plans include coverage for delayed, damaged, or permanently lost bags.
Look for policies that include:
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Reimbursement for essentials if your bag is delayed more than 24 hours.
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Replacement coverage for permanently lost gear.
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Trip delay protection , in case luggage issues cause you to miss tours or activities.
When you book with AGC, we encourage travelers to carefully review their insurance options and choose one that suits their comfort level. It’s an easy way to protect your travel investment and your peace of mind before you even leave home.
How Adventures in Good Company Has Your Back
At Adventures in Good Company, we know that travel rarely goes 100% according to plan, and that’s often how the best memories are made. From delayed flights to misplaced luggage, our guides have seen it all, and they’re pros at transforming those “oh no” moments into opportunities for connection, creativity, and laughter.
When you travel with AGC, you’re never left to figure things out on your own. Our guides bring a unique blend of calm confidence, in-depth local knowledge, and genuine care for every traveler.
That’s the AGC difference: real support, delivered with heart. Whether it’s sprinting into town to replace a lost phone, helping you find a warm jacket when your suitcase takes a detour, or rearranging the day’s plans so you don’t miss a single hike or cultural experience, our guides handle the details so you can stay present in the moment.
Ready to experience the AGC difference for yourself? Take a look at our upcoming adventures and find the trip that’s calling your name. Explore our trips here.
