New Insight Into the Nightmare of Lost Luggage
With millions of Americans preparing for the Thanksgiving travel rush next week, a new study has a critical warning for flyers: over a quarter of American travelers have had their luggage lost by an airline. Why does it happen so often? What can be done about it?
Vacationer was once at an international travel event in another hemisphere where the guest of honor’s luggage didn’t arrive in time for his big moment. Some of us donated items from our luggage so that he could take the stage with pride. It was quite a sight and one that was fittingly LGBTQ. However, that outcome is the exception and not the rule.
Losing luggage during a holiday when you have traveled far and aim to be the best version of yourself for family, friends, and in-laws is a nightmare that travelers hope never to encounter. But we have all had the experience of standing at baggage claim, watching the carousel go round and round, and wondering where our bag is.
According to a new study by Compare the Market Australia, this nightmare scenario is more common than travelers might think.
The study, in which more than 3,000 people across Australia, America and Canada were surveyed, found that 25.9% of American travelers have lost luggage while travelling with an airline. In contrast, 20.4% of Australian travellers and 30.4% of Canadian flyers had the same claims.
Of the American travelers who have had luggage misplaced, the majority reported waiting for days before receiving their lost luggage, with 6.9% reporting they never received their belongings. American travelers reported the highest rate of same-day luggage retrieval, with 22.3% having received their lost luggage within hours.
Over three-quarters of American flyers (76.6%) who have had their luggage misplaced never received any compensation or reimbursement from their airline and those who did received a median compensation of US$275.00.
The majority of American flyers with lost bags did not get reimbursed by their travel insurers. Meanwhile, 30.5% reported not making a claim to their travel insurance for their lost luggage, and a further 22.7% reported not having any travel insurance cover whatsoever.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes how travel insurance can cover your lost luggage.
“Losing your luggage on your holiday can be a nightmare. If your airline loses your luggage, they might reimburse you for the loss, but even then, it could be days or weeks without your gear,” Mr Taylor said.
“At the same time, there is a chance that the reimbursement you receive does not adequately cover you for your loss or damages. This is where travel insurance can help you bridge the gap.
“Ensuring your travel insurance policy covers you against loss or theft, including cash and travel documents, could potentially leave you with more adequate reimbursement should things go awry.
“Luggage cover while traveling affords you a great deal of peace of mind and allows you to focus on your trip.”
For full the full report and data, go here.
