3

I usually do not put any luggage tags when checking them in, relying on the ones attached at check in.

I also put inside a page with my name and contact data but never actually checked if, in case my luggage is lost and the tag is gone, whether someone will have a look inside.

Is there a process describing what will be done in order to try to identify the owner should a luggage got lost?

1
  • I also put a tag with my contact details, (but not address) in the luggage. If possible on a string that is attached to something on the outside so they know to look inside.
    – Willeke
    Jun 3, 2018 at 18:46

1 Answer 1

5

As far as I understand it, there is no given rule for that, different countries/airports or even airlines will have different rules and traditions.

As long as there is a tag on the outside of the luggage, they will not open the case to look for a tag or name on the inside.
When there is not flight tag, they will first look for obvious tags on the outside of the case.
If the luggage is easy to open they might be more willing to check inside than when they have to break a lock.

When I saw a couple of TV shows in which the people bought whole series of cases out of the left behind luggage of an airport, those did not look as if they had been opened to check out names. The cases were offered as a speculative lot, and were auctioned off as they were, closed and with unknown content. That show was recorded somewhere in the USA, as far as I remember.
As I started, other countries and even airports may have different rules.

You will have a better chance to get your luggage back (in the very rare case it goes really missing) if it is easy to recognize and has a label on the outside or at least a message on the outside where to find contact details inside.
When your luggage does not arrive with you, get it recorded as missing, with a good description. Photos of the case will help. Most luggage that is not there when you arrive will be there with the next flight and will be delivered to your home the next day or so.
Most of the time there will still be a flight tag on it. When that is missing, they will compare the luggage there with the description you gave them of your item.
Only when those comparisons do not match or give too many possible cases to match they will look for other labels/contact details before trying to open cases, if the last is even done at all.

2
  • I adorn my luggage with colored duct tape to make it recognizable as my own. This aids in both the case of looking for lost luggage as well as identifying my suitcase from a distance on the carousel - I have never seen another suitcases with a band of hot pink duct tape running completely around it!
    – Peter M
    Sep 2, 2018 at 13:28
  • I remember that tv show as well. The suitcases weren’t opened by the airport staff and so the contents were a surprise to the buyers.
    – RoboKaren
    Sep 2, 2018 at 21:02

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .