January 2024

Is your luggage delayed?

Travel is often synonymous with adventure and discovery. But for some, it can also bring a dose of stress, especially when a piece of luggage is "delayed".

Frederic meyer

This problem, though frustrating, is relatively common at airports worldwide. In 2023, the global average rate of "delayed" baggage was 7 per 1,000, and in Europe it had even risen above 10 per 1,000.

The air transport industry carried more than 4.4 billion passengers in 2023, generating around 30 million delayed baggage items worldwide, including 12.5 million in Europe.

You see, if you're concerned, you're not alone... But first, what is "delayed" baggage? Simply put, it's luggage that doesn't arrive at its destination at the same time as its owner, for a variety of reasons:  

  • Sorting errors in automated systems.

  • Short connections, where baggage cannot be transferred in time.

  • Logistical or labelling problems.

  • And sometimes even baggage that has been abandoned or not recovered by its owner.

So, what should you do if your luggage is delayed?

  • Report the incident immediately. To do this, go to your airline's or airport's lost baggage counter to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

  • Provide precise information such as your flight details, baggage description (shape, make and color) and even its contents to help with follow-up.

  • Keep all your supporting documents, such as baggage tags and boarding passes.

  • Check the compensation policy, as airlines often offer temporary compensation for the purchase of essential goods while you wait for your baggage to be recovered.

What does your carrier do in the meantime?

  • It is trying to comply with IATA recommendation 753, which requires it to "trace" baggage at several critical points in the transshipment cycle.

  • It collaborates with most other carriers via global systems such as WorldTracer, enabling it to locate "stray" baggage on an international scale (baggage is generally "found" within 48 hours).

  • It has a specialized team (increasingly outsourced) to answer passengers' questions and organize deliveries of reclaimed baggage.

  • If the baggage is irretrievably lost, we offer financial compensation in accordance with international conventions (such as the Montreal Convention).

What happens when the luggage is found?

Because it's here that everything hinges on the traveler's overall perception of the problem: frustration, mistrust, annoyance with the carrier, or joy, gratitude, relief...

  • Once the baggage has been located, the passenger is informed by telephone, SMS or e-mail.

  • They can choose between collecting the baggage at the airport or having it delivered.

  • Airlines work with delivery services or local partners (not always of good quality, alas) to ensure rapid transport of baggage to the passengers.

  • Some carriers, like BluBag, provide real-time delivery tracking, so passengers know exactly when they'll receive their luggage.

While delayed baggage is a source of frustration, solutions exist to minimize its impact. By delegating the last mile to quality partners, airports and airlines can significantly improve passenger experience.

For travelers, staying informed and being involved in a delivery strategy, as BluBag offers, can turn a mishap into a travel anecdote.


And what about you? Have you ever experienced a piece of luggage gone astray? Share your tips and stories in the comments!