December 5, 2025 | 11:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Losing checked luggage at the airport is a common risk for both international and domestic flight passengers, especially those without a tracking application. If this happens, knowing the immediate steps to take is crucial.
According to the 2025 Baggage IT Insights Report from the Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques (SITA), as reported by NDTV, the global aviation industry mishandled 33.4 million bags in 2024. However, most "lost" bags are simply delayed. The report indicates that more than 66 percent of mishandled baggage is returned within 48 hours.
Travel expert Stacey Hamilton emphasizes that the early moments after realizing the loss are critical. "People often assume they can go to their hotel, relax for a bit and sort it out later. That delay can seriously complicate things, and in some cases, it may even weaken your claim," she explained as quoted from Express.
7 Steps to Take Immediately When Losing Luggage at the Airport
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if your luggage does not appear at the baggage claim:
1. Check the Surroundings Carefully
If your luggage is missing from the carousel, first look closely around the baggage claim area. Reserve luggage may have been moved to the nearest customer service counter or a separate counter for oversized or delayed baggage.
2. Go to the Airline's Service Desk
If you are certain the luggage is lost, proceed directly to the airline's baggage service desk, which is usually located near the baggage claim area.
3. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
You must file this official report, which records the lost luggage in the airline's system.
4. Present Documents
Prepare your boarding pass and baggage tag to complete the PIR report quickly and accurately.
5. Obtain Tracking Information
After filing, you will be given a PIR number or file tracker. Use this information to check for updates directly using the airline's online tracking tools.
6. Ensure Contact Information is Confirmed
Make sure the airline has your current contact details (phone, message, or email) so they can reach you once the baggage is found.
7. Request Staff Contact Details
Ask for the contact number of the staff member handling your specific case for direct follow-up.
Tracking and Compensation Rights
Proactive ID: Hamilton recommends travelers take a photo of their luggage before departure and note its unique details, like patterned straps or distinctive labels.
Delivery: Some airlines will deliver delayed baggage directly to your registered address at no additional cost.
21-Day Policy: Based on international guidelines, airlines have 21 days to track the luggage before it is officially declared lost. During this period, passengers are often entitled to claim costs for essential items. However, you must check the airline's policy before purchasing, as the definition of "essential items" may vary.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to this report
Read: 7 Critical Passport Checks Before Your International Trip
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Revealed: The World's Most Stressful Airports for Travelers
1 hari lalu
Airports are assessed based on flight delays, cancellations, check-in, security, and baggage claim convenience.
Adisutjipto Airport Sees Passenger Growth as ATR Flights Gain Popularity
2 hari lalu
Adisutjipto Airport serves short-haul regional passenger flights such as Yogyakarta-Jakarta, Yogyakarta-Karimunjawa, and other short routes.
DEN Chair Says IMIP Airport in Morowali Serves Only Domestic Flights, No Immigration Needed
4 hari lalu
Indonesia's DEN Chair Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the airport was built to attract investors, as is common in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
PDIP Urges Gov't to Investigate Construction of IMIP Airport in Morowali
5 hari lalu
The PDIP urges the government to conduct a thorough investigation and law enforcement efforts to ensure the development of Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park Airport.
Indonesia Confident Holiday Travel Will Rise After Airport Fees Cut by 50%
7 hari lalu
InJourney Airports is optimistic that the 50% fare reduction for airport services during Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 (Nataru) will boost people's mobility.
Jokowi Refutes Claims of Inaugurating IMIP Airport in Morowali
7 hari lalu
Former President Joko Widodo or Jokowi clarified that the IMIP Airport, situated within the industrial park, is a private facility.
Finance Minister Open to Sending Customs Officers to IMIP Airport
7 hari lalu
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated readiness to send officials to carry out customs and excise operations at IMIP Airport.
Prabowo Orders Strict Enforcement to Regulate Unsupervised IMIP Airport
8 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto gave directions to enforce regulations on activities at the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Airport.
IMIP Morowali Airport Poses Potential National Security Threat, Lawmaker Says
8 hari lalu
Lawmaker described IMIP Airport as a "stealth airport," highlighting potential violations of legal regulations, as well as risks to security.
Government Denies Claims That Morowali's IMIP Airport Is Illegal
8 hari lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has assigned personnel from multiple agencies to work at IMIP Airport.
