One piece of luggage lost for every 64 passengers

Tuesday, 28 July 2009 02:55

Airlines are losing one piece of luggage for every 64 passengers, it emerged today.

Between January 2008 and October 2008 some 32.8 million pieces of luggage were lost, figures from the European Commission reveal

Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission, said the levels of lost bags was "excessive and unacceptable".

"In order to protect passengers' rights adequately, we should provide citizens with the appropriate instruments," he said.

"For the time being these instruments are not available."

He also told reporters criminal activity may be involved in the loss of some bags.

He added passengers who are affected by lost luggage often struggle to get reimbursed up to the maximum of about ?1,100 (£950).

Mr Tajani added airlines and airports need to improve the registration and management of luggage in order to improve the situation.

If improvements are not made, the European authorities could bring in new legislation next year.

If your luggage is damaged write to the airline within seven days to attempt to claim compensation.

Luggage is usually only considered lost after 21 days. Immediately it is deemed lost you should contact the airline.

Some airlines provide emergency cash to cover the purchase of necessities such as toiletries if your bag is lost, but not all do. Therefore it is necessary to

The first stop is to report the missing luggage at the airport, even though it is the airline's responsibility to look after your baggage.

You will have to then provide a description of the luggage and its contents. Some airlines may even demand receipts as proof for some goods and may not end up paying out on all that you have lost.

Airlines may also suggest customers try to claim on their travel insurance, so it is important to know if you policy covers your possessions while they are in the hold. Often high value possessions, such as jewellery or cameras, are often not covered by travel insurance.

The best way to protect yourself against losing your bag is to place luggage labels on bags stating your address, details of where you are flying to and the flight number. Furthermore, place a luggage tag inside the bag in case those outside are removed by accident.

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