The thought of your suitcase not arriving with you at your destination airport is seriously scary - especially if you don't have something like an AirTag to help you track it. The start of a holiday should be exciting, full of fun and possibilities. You want to get in the pool immediately, explore the area, and enjoy yourself.

However, we've all seen countless videos of people on TikToklosing their cases and not having a clue about how to handle the situation, especially if it's never happened to them before. Thankfully, one travel expert has detailed what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.

If you're staring at the luggage carousel, wondering where on earth your things are, and you have been for quite some time, it's important to act fast.

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According to Stacey Hamilton, a travel expert at Private Tours England, the first few minutes after spotting that your bag has vanished are absolutely crucial.

She explains that what you do at the airport can determine whether you’re reunited with your belongings swiftly or spend the rest of your trip trying to replace half your wardrobe.

She said: "Once you’re sure your suitcase hasn’t appeared, the number one thing you must do is report it to your airline before you leave the airport.

"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".

Stacey points out that airlines want missing luggage incidents to be logged as soon as possible, ideally while you are still standing in the baggage hall.

Notifying them quickly means your case goes straight into their tracking system and can begin the process of being matched with the stray bag.

She added: "The airport environment is chaotic. Suitcases get taken off belts, moved for security checks or transferred onto the wrong trolley. The sooner your report is filed, the easier it is for staff to retrace the bag’s last movements".

Once you find the airline’s representative, you’ll be asked to complete a lost baggage form with as much detail as possible.

That goes beyond ticking boxes about colours and sizes. Stacey explains that travellers should prepare for this situation before flying, even if it feels overly cautious.

She also explained: "I always tell people to take a quick photo of their suitcase before leaving home. Note down the brand and any unique features like patterned straps or distinctive tags.

"These little details help airport staff identify your luggage faster. Describing your suitcase as the blue one with wheels isn’t going to narrow it down very much".

She also recommends storing those details in your phone so you can access them quickly.

"You’d be surprised how many people go blank when they’re stressed. Having the information ready saves time and keeps you calm. Always ask how they handle returns and make sure you exchange phone numbers or email addresses. It’s important to know who is going to update you, and how often," she said.

If your luggage is located, the airline will typically arrange delivery to your accommodation at no extra charge, though Stacey advises passengers to confirm this early.

Many airlines now use automated text alerts to keep passengers informed, but Stacey says not every carrier does this consistently, so it is wise to clarify expectations upfront.

The rules change slightly if your luggage is considered officially lost. Under international regulations, airlines have 21 days to reunite you with your bag before it is classified as lost.

Within that period, you are still entitled to claim for essential items you’ve had to buy in order to continue your trip.

"Keep receipts for absolutely everything. Even a toothbrush or swimwear counts. But be careful not to go on a shopping spree because airlines only reimburse what they consider reasonable," she said.

"Replacing a pair of trainers so you can explore the city is reasonable. Buying a designer handbag because you’re upset is not. Check your airline’s policy before purchasing anything, because their definition of essentials can differ".

If your luggage is never recovered, you can usually apply for compensation to cover the approximate value of the items lost. Stacey warns, however, that airlines may ask for proof of what was inside the suitcase, which is why it's important to know exactly what was in there.

She adds that having comprehensive travel insurance can also protect you in ways the airline cannot. "Insurance often covers higher-value items and can provide additional compensation for delays.

"Some policies even include emergency clothing allowances for the first 24 hours. People are quick to skip insurance when trying to save money, but lost luggage is a reminder of why it matters".

There are a few lesser-known tricks that can help reduce stress if this situation ever happens to you. Stacey suggests placing a copy of your itinerary inside the suitcase as well as a large label with your name and contact details.

She said: "If the outer tag is ripped off during transit, staff still have a way to identify you. It sounds simple, but it works".

She also recommends tracking devices, which many travellers now slip into their bags for extra reassurance. "Airlines don’t officially rely on them, but they can give you peace of mind, and they’re often more accurate than you’d expect".