What to Do about Lost Luggage

Airlines have policies and procedures in place to recover lost luggage and deliver it to you as quickly as possible, whether or not you have travel insurance.

The specifics of these policies vary, but the airline will review your claim and provide compensation of up to approximately $2,780.

This article reviews the immediate steps you should take if your luggage is lost, highlights the appropriate policies of Canada's most popular airlines, suggests ways to prevent lost luggage, and more.

5 things to do about your lost luggage

If you've lost your luggage, the first thing to do is speak with an airline agent. Smaller airports may not have dedicated staff to assist you, so you'll have to call your airline for help. Some airlines might allow you to file a claim online.

Here's a list of steps to take if you suspect your luggage is lost:

• Speak with an airline representative
• Request delivery
• Request reimbursement
• Submit a claim
• Inspect for damage and missing items

Lost luggage step 1: Speak with an airline representative

Once you're certain that your luggage didn't make it with you, head to the airline's customer service desk, and they'll explain your next steps. If there's no one at the counter, call your airline's customer service number before you leave the airport.

Don't wait to contact the airline about your lost luggage. If you end up having to file a claim, you'll need to keep track of how long you've been waiting for your luggage to be returned to you.

Lost luggage step 2: Request delivery

No one wants to go back to the airport to pick up luggage. Instead, ask for your recovered luggage to be delivered to you and ensure the airline has the correct delivery address.

If you're staying at a hotel or resort for a while, you can also have your luggage delivered there.

Lost luggage step 3: Request reimbursement for baggage fees

Check your airline's policy for reimbursing you for lost or delayed bags.

You can also find out whether the airline will reimburse you for incidentals, such as toiletries, that you had to purchase while waiting for your bags.

Lost luggage step 4: Submit a claim

Once you've waited the amount of time required by the airline, fill out the lost baggage claim form. This usually involves giving your contact info, baggage claim tags, an inventory of what was in your bags, and a description of your luggage.

If you're eligible for reimbursement, be sure to include receipts for incidentals purchased while waiting for your luggage.

Lost luggage step 5: Inspect for damage and missing items

If you do happen to get your luggage back, immediately check inside to see if all of your belongings are there. Check for any damage, too.

Depending on the airline, you may get compensation for the item's value or the cost of any repairs.

Airline lost luggage policies

Although most airlines have a pretty standard procedure for locating or reimbursing passengers for lost luggage, policies can vary by airline. For instance, check out the policies for these popular airlines:

• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Porter
• Air Transat

Regardless of which airline you fly, it must follow the guidelines established by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). In return, passengers must follow CTA requirements, which include filing a written claim as soon as the airline officially considers your luggage lost.

A successful claim entitles you to a refund of any baggage fees you paid and up to $2,780 CAD.

You may see slightly different maximum payouts published by individual airlines, but they're all Canadian dollar conversions of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). The SDR is a value set based on several major currencies, and it's used by the Montreal Convention to standardize international rules for reimbursing airline passengers.

If you're unhappy with the payout you get, or you don't hear anything from the airline within 30 days of filing your claim, you can contact the CTA for support.

Air Canada lost luggage policy

If your luggage has been delayed, report your delayed bag on Air Canada's website or by scanning the QR code near the Air Canada baggage service counter.

You can provide delivery information if you'd like your bags sent to you, or, if you'd prefer to pick up your luggage from the airport, you can make arrangements with a baggage agent.

If your luggage was delayed, Air Canada will reimburse you for baggage fees you paid and any incidentals you had to purchase.

If you lost baggage while on an Air Canada flight or in a dedicated Air Canada space within the airport, complete a Chargerback lost item form and be as detailed as possible. Air Canada will process your form and email you about how to recover your luggage.

Learn more: Air Canada baggage policy

WestJet lost luggage policy

You can create a baggage report within 12 hours of arrival at your destination or speak with a WestJet Baggage Services Agent at the airport who can help you file a lost luggage claim.

WestJet will reimburse you for reasonable expenses, as Air Canada does, and you may be entitled to compensation for delayed baggage.

Learn more: WestJet baggage policy

Porter lost luggage policy

If Porter loses your bags, you can start the lost luggage claim process at the airport or by emailing after you leave. You should report your missing bags within 4 hours of your arrival, and if it's still missing after 5 days, you'll need to fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.

Porter states that they'll compensate you for reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses, and any lost luggage not located after 21 days is eligible for compensation up to $2,805, or 1,519 Special Drawing Rights.

Learn more: Porter baggage policy

Air Transat lost luggage policy

If your bags don't arrive when you do, you should let an Air Transat agent know. The agent can help you fill out a Property Irregularity Report, or you can submit one online before you leave the airport.

Transat uses the WorldTracer system to track your baggage, allowing you to view its status online.

Air Transat reimburses for essential out-of-pocket expenses up to $50 per day per baggage item for a maximum of 7 days. If your luggage isn't found after 21 days, you'll need to file a compensation claim – unfortunately, the airline doesn't specify how much you'll receive.

Learn more: Air Transat baggage policy

Lost luggage insurance

Travellers can purchase travel insurance that covers lost luggage, and several travel credit cards offer this coverage, too.

Read the terms and conditions of any policy to learn the coverage limits and requirements for filing a claim. Many policies require you to wait a specific period before filing.

For instance, an Allianz travel insurance package includes up to $200 in coverage for delayed baggage and up to $500 for lost baggage. These amounts are per traveller, and you can only file a claim if your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours.

Best credit cards with lost luggage insurance

Travel credit cards usually come with significant insurance coverage, and this may include compensation for lost luggage.

This coverage is independent of whatever the airline may give you. To be covered, however, you must charge the cost of the trip to your credit card.

As with any insurance, you must notify the insurer and provide proof that your bags were lost. This is where a report or claim number is useful.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards that offer lost baggage insurance:

Card name	Annual fee	Insurance coverage types	Welcome bonus	Learn more
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege	$399	12	Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms)	Learn more
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card	$599	12	Up to 80,000 bonus points (terms)	Learn more
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card	$599	12	Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms)	Learn more
National Bank World Elite Mastercard	$150	10	None	Learn more
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard	$150	12	$150 GeniusCash + Up to 115,000 bonus points, first year free (terms)	Learn more

How to reduce the risk of lost luggage

Travellers can take several steps to prevent lost luggage, including choosing brightly coloured and well-labelled bags, booking direct flights, and taking extra care when packing.

Here's a list of steps to help reduce risks and make things easier if your luggage is lost:

• Book direct flights: Every additional layover between you and your destination is another opportunity for your luggage to go missing. Booking a direct flight greatly reduces the chance that your luggage won't make it with you.
• Make (and keep) a packing list: If you do end up having to file a claim, knowing exactly what was in your bag can help you file an accurate claim, so you're reimbursed for absolutely everything you lost.
• Pack smart: If you're travelling with medication, important documents, or treasured valuables, keep them with you. Put these in your carry-on bag rather than checking them. Besides, many insurance providers won't extend coverage to items that you pack in your checked luggage.
• Choose bright luggage: You'll have a much easier time spotting a bright bag versus a black one.
• Use a luggage tag: Remember to fill in your contact information so that if your bags are misplaced, they can be returned to you faster.
• Also place contact info inside your bag: It's all too easy for luggage tags to go missing during a trip, so be sure to put your phone number and address in your luggage so they're visible as soon as you open the bag.
• Take off old barcodes and stickers: Whether you just haven't gotten around to removing old barcodes or you like the look of them, think twice. Airline staff can have a harder time determining where your bag is supposed to go if they have to choose from several outdated barcodes.
• Take pictures before your trip: Photograph your luggage so you can share the photos with airport staff who may have to hunt it down if it goes missing. Knowing what to look for can really help.
• Check in early: Checking in early gives baggage handlers plenty of time to stow your luggage. If you check in at the last minute, they might be rushed and more likely to misplace your bag.

FAQ

Can you tell me what to do if they lost your luggage?

If your luggage is lost, you should speak with your airline's customer service agent, who can direct you on how to file a lost luggage claim. The airline will track down and deliver your luggage to the address you specify. If they can't find it, they're required to pay you for the loss of the bag.

Do airports usually find lost luggage?

While there aren't recent studies about Canadian airlines' lost luggage recovery rates, airlines have thorough policies in place for locating and returning lost luggage. For instance, Air Canada uses a Baggage Tracing tracker, so you can submit and monitor a lost luggage claim.

Can you tell me how to buy unclaimed luggage in Canada?

There are a few ways that you can buy unclaimed luggage in Canada, but the easiest is to visit unclaimedbaggage.com and browse the options. You may also find online auction sites that sell unclaimed bags and cargo from various sources.

What is the Air Canada lost luggage policy?

If your luggage is lost and you've filled out a lost luggage form, Air Canada will reimburse you for the baggage fees you paid and for incidentals you had to purchase. Like all airlines, Air Canada is required to reimburse you if they're unable to return your luggage to you, up to a max of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights, which is approximately $2,780 CAD.

What is the WestJet lost luggage policy?

WestJet's lost luggage policy is similar to Air Canada's policy. You'll need to submit a claim, and if WestJet can't locate your luggage, they will reimburse you up to approximately $2,800 CAD per person. Though this figure is slightly higher than the maximum limit listed by the CTA, it's based on the same standard: 1,519 Special Drawing Rights.

How can I get lost baggage insurance?

You can usually purchase lost baggage insurance separately from a travel agency, your airline, or your current insurance provider. It's probably easiest to get coverage by booking your flight with a credit card that provides lost or delayed baggage insurance.