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Tips about lost luggage or property

If you leave something on a train, contact your nearest station enquiry office. They will tell you where to go to contact the lost property office. If you discover your loss immediately, they may be able to get staff to collect your property off the train before it reaches its destination and return it.

If you leave something on a bus, contact the local depot or enquiry office of the company concerned, giving details. They will advise you.

If you lose something elsewhere, contact anyone who may have seen it and report details to your local police station.

If you find something on a train or bus, hand it in to staff immediately. If, however, it looks suspicious, don't handle it, but inform staff straight away. if you find something elsewhere, hand it in to the nearest police station and get a receipt. If it is not claimed within three months the police will give it back to you.

If your discount luggage is lost in transit when flying, file a Property Irregularity report at the baggage service desk immediately. You will need a signed copy for insurance purposes. Give an address where you can be contacted within a day or two. International convention limits an airline's liability, but most travel insurances have a clause which, if luggage is still missing after 12 hours, allows for a certain sum to be spent on essential items. If your bag isn't located within 3 days, the chances are that it will never turn up. Even so, hold on to your claim form, baggage check and ticket receipt for at least 6 months; you are entitled to compensation, but it may take some time to get it.

Baggage loss is inevitable sometimes, but following a few simple rules reduces the risk. Use a suitcase, trunk or box that will not break open easily and do not overfill it. Consider using leather belts to fasten tightly around a case.

Lock your case with a combination lock. Put your name, destination address and phone number inside and outside the case, together with flight details (do not put your home address on the outside of the case - it invites burglars).

Remove tags from other flights.

If you are making a connecting flight, try to use the same carrier.

Check in early - last-minute arrivals often mean lost baggage.

Check the terms of your home contents insurance. It often covers you for items lost away from home, but it may not be worth while to claim for small losses. If you buy your tickets with a credit card, baggage insurance may be included automatically.

You can increase the likelihood of getting your luggage back

Comments by: Virpi from Finland, Europe Mar 25, 2010

Millions of luggage get permanently lost in US alone. You can take active approach by identifying your luggage (or mobile phone, camera, laptop etc) in advance. One of the easiest and cheapest ways is using Qvandies by www.qvando.com. You remain anonymous and the the tag (Qvandi) creates instantaneous direct connection between the person who found your item and you which enables really quick return. Best part is that the finder does not need to be an official, it can be any of your fellow citizens.