There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of standing at the baggage carousel, watching every bag roll past, except yours. Lost luggage is one of the most frustrating travel mishaps, especially when you’re far from home and unsure what to do next.
But while losing your belongings abroad can feel overwhelming, knowing the right steps to take, and how travel insurance can support you, makes a big difference. This guide walks you through what to do, how to claim compensation, and whether travel insurance covers lost luggage.
1. Stay at the baggage carousel until you’re sure it’s missing
Sometimes bags arrive late, especially on connecting flights. Check with nearby staff before leaving the area. Your bag may still be in transit, or it could have been placed in an “oversized” or “priority” claim area.
2. Report the lost luggage immediately
The moment you realise your bag hasn’t arrived, head straight to the airline’s baggage services counter at the airport. Don’t leave the arrivals area until you’ve filed an official report.
Make sure to:
- Provide your baggage claim tag and boarding pass.
- Describe your bag (size, color, brand, identifiable features).
- Get a copy or confirmation of the report, including a reference or tracking number.
Airlines usually begin tracking your bag right away, and most delays are temporary. But having a formal report on file is essential for both airline compensation and any future travel insurance claims.
3. Ask for immediate support (essentials or allowance)
Some airlines offer a small reimbursement or essential kit if they confirm your bag is delayed. Ask what support is available and how to claim it, especially if you’re continuing to another city or don’t have access to shops right away.
4. Track your baggage online or through customer service
Many airlines allow you to track missing luggage through their website or mobile app. Use the reference number from your report to check for updates. If your bag isn’t located within 24 hours, follow up regularly and take note of who you speak with.
5. Buy essential items and keep the receipts
If your bag doesn’t turn up within a few hours and you’re stuck without clothes or toiletries, you’ll likely need to shop for basic necessities. Most travel insurance policies reimburse reasonable expenses caused by baggage delays, such as clothing, toiletries, and personal care items.
Keep the receipts of your purchases, note the dates of all communications, and keep your boarding pass and claim reference in a safe place. This will make any claims process, whether with the airline or your insurer, much smoother.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Yes, most travel insurance policies do offer coverage for lost luggage, although the exact benefits and limits can vary. Typically, insurance can cover two main scenarios: baggage delay and baggage loss.
If your checked luggage is delayed, you may be reimbursed for the cost of essential items, such as clothing and toiletries purchased while waiting for your bags to arrive. If the baggage is confirmed lost or stolen, your insurer may compensate you for the value of the missing items, up to the policy’s coverage limits.
There are usually conditions to keep in mind. Insurers often set a maximum payout per item or category (for example, electronics or valuables), and you’ll likely need to provide proof of ownership, like receipts or photos. Some items, including fragile goods or high-value electronics, may be excluded or partially covered.
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to check your policy details and take photos of your packed belongings. This can help simplify the claims process if something goes wrong.
In short, while airlines may offer basic compensation, travel insurance adds an extra layer of support, which is particularly useful if the value of your lost items exceeds what the airline can provide.
How to claim lost luggage compensation
When your luggage is lost, you may be eligible for compensation from both the airline and your travel insurer. The key is knowing how to file the right claims and filing it on time.
Claiming compensation from the airline
Airlines are responsible for your checked baggage under international regulations (such as the Montreal Convention, which Thailand is part of). Under these regulations, bags are usually declared officially “lost” after 21 days, but you can begin a claim earlier. The documents needed to file a claim are:
- Baggage loss report (filed at the airport)
- Boarding pass and baggage tags
- Receipts for contents or essential purchases
- Passport copy (some airlines may request it)
Note: Airlines may reimburse you only up to a certain limit, which might not cover the full value of your items. That’s where travel insurance makes a real difference.
Claiming compensation from your travel insurance provider
If you have travel insurance, you can file a claim for lost luggage independently of the airline. Here are the documents you need to file a claim with your travel insurer:
- A copy of the airline’s lost baggage report
- Proof of delay or official confirmation the luggage is lost
- Receipts for the lost or replaced items
- A completed claim form and your policy number
Once submitted, your insurer will assess the claim and let you know how much you’ll be reimbursed. Roojai makes it easy with online claims and 24/7 support in Thai and English, as we strive to make the process as stress-free as possible, ensuring you receive the assistance you need whenever you need it.
Note: You can usually claim from both the airline and your insurer, but you can’t be paid twice for the same item.
Tips to avoid losing your luggage in the future
While not every setback is preventable, there are ways to reduce the risk of losing your bags or at least lessen the inconvenience:
- Use a unique luggage tag and a bright or distinctive suitcase. It makes your bag easier to identify and less likely to be taken by mistake.
- Place a copy of your itinerary and contact details inside your bag. If your bag is lost, this helps staff reunite it with you faster.
- Avoid tight layovers as short connections increase the chance that your luggage won’t make it to your next flight.
- Track your luggage with a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags or Tile trackers which can help you locate your bag even if the airline can’t.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on and keep one change of clothes, basic toiletries, and any valuables with you at all times.
Final thoughts
Losing your luggage abroad can feel like a travel nightmare, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By knowing what steps to take, keeping good documentation, and having the right travel insurance, you can reduce both the stress and the cost.
If you’re planning an international trip, consider choosing a travel insurance policy that includes coverage for baggage loss and delay. Roojai’s travel insurance is designed to protect against multiple scenarios so you can travel with confidence, even when things don’t go as planned.
Explore our online insurance options and follow Roojai on our Facebook page or add us as a friend on LINE if you need help choosing the right coverage.
