How to Find Luggage Lost on a Shuttle

So you're at the end of a tiring journey and you realize that a fellow airport shuttle passenger accidentally ran off with your luggage? Don't panic. Take comfort in the knowledge that 95 percent of lost bags eventually do come home again, then follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Luggage Tags
• Baggage Insurance

1. Retrace your steps. If you're aware of the luggage mix-up before you get off the shuttle, ask the driver if he'll return to the previous stop or stops to try to solve the problem immediately.

2. Contact the shuttle company as soon as you're aware of the mix-up to inquire about unclaimed luggage. If you're lucky, the other customer will realize the mistake and return the misplaced luggage to the shuttle company.

3. Contact the hotel or hotels at which other passengers were dropped, if applicable. The hotel may be able to track down the shuttle customer based on information you and the shuttle company provide.

4. Inquire about a claim process for lost luggage if the shuttle company is unable to locate your baggage. Even if you don't get your luggage back, you may be reimbursed for the loss. Jot down the contents of the bag to the best of your knowledge so that you can be adequately compensated.

5. Get in touch with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) or the Department of Transportation (dot.gov) if the shuttle company is uncooperative and you need assistance.

6. Contact the Unclaimed Baggage Center (unclaimedbaggage.com) as a last resort. Unfortunately, this company is in the business of selling items from unclaimed luggage, so you may not get all of your belongings back, but you may find that special item you can't bear to lose.

Tips & Warnings

• The next time you pack for a trip, remember to put identification tags inside and outside your bags; pack items you can't live without in your carry-on bags; and consider purchasing baggage insurance for any expensive items.
• Most companies have policies regarding how long they will keep lost luggage, so take the appropriate steps as soon as possible.

on 11/22/2005 Never pack in your luggage any medicine you must take. Medicine in a bag will almost guarantee that your luggage will miss the conection.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to check with the airline before you leave the airport. Sometimes the luggage is sent on an earlier flight. Be sure you have a description of the contnts in case the bag is lost. You will need this to file a claim.

on 11/22/2005 This may be physically challenging, however, if you place your bags high up on the luggage rack, it will reduce the chance that someone will pick yours by mistake.

on 11/22/2005 If you have to take a small shuttle plane to your destination, your luggage sometimes doesn't go with you. Most often, it's put on a later flight when there's more room, and it's delivered to your hotel. Another reason to carry essentials on with you.

on 11/22/2005 Never, ever put anything you wouldn't want to lose in anything except your carry-on luggage. This way if it is lost and never found, oh well.