How to Stop Airlines Losing Your Luggage (3 Proven Tips + 1 Mistake to Avoid)

Posted by: Kevin Morgan — @Init4LongHaul

Categories: Air Travel, Accessibility, Travel Tips

✈️ Why Lost Luggage Matters

If you’ve ever stood at an empty baggage carousel while everyone else walks off with their suitcase, you know the feeling: that sinking moment when you realise your bag didn’t make it.

It’s inconvenient for anyone — but for accessible travellers who rely on mobility equipment or specialist gear, it can be disastrous.

In this post, I’ll share 3 essential things you can do to stop your baggage getting lost, plus a bonus tip on what not to do if you travel with accessibility needs. These tips come straight from personal experience — including a recent trip to Athens where I was nearly separated from my bag just before a cruise.

✅ 1. Track It Yourself — AirTags, Tiles & Smart Labels

The single best way to avoid lost luggage — or to recover it quickly — is to put a tracker in your suitcase. I use an Apple AirTag, but Tile or other Bluetooth trackers work too.

With an AirTag, you can monitor your bag’s location even when the airline can’t. Some carriers even allow you to submit a tracking link through their lost baggage portal — though results may vary.

Real-life example: On a flight to Athens, I only got my bag back before my cruise because I could prove — via the AirTag — that it was still at the airport.

Other essentials to do:

• Label your bag outside with your name, email, and phone
• Include a contact note inside in case the tag falls off
• Take a photo of the bag and tag at check-in

✅ 2. Check Your Baggage Receipt Matches Your Bag

It sounds simple — but many people don’t do it. Always make sure the baggage receipt they stick to your boarding pass actually matches the tag number on your suitcase.

Why this matters: On that same Athens trip, my bag went missing. When I tried to report it, I found out the receipt on my boarding pass wasn’t even for my bag. A mismatch like this can delay recovery significantly.

Quick checklist:

• After check-in, compare tag and receipt numbers
• Take a quick photo of both

✅ 3. Be Relentless — Contact the Handling Agent Directly

Many airlines outsource baggage handling to third-party companies — and those are the people who usually know where your bag is.

What worked for me: In Athens, I was given a contact number for the local handler. I used my AirTag to show the bag was still in the airport, then called repeatedly until they located and released it to me — just in time for my cruise.

Don’t just wait — do this:

• Ask for the baggage handler’s contact at the destination
• Be persistent with follow-up calls or emails
• Use your tracking data to prove location

🎁 Bonus Tip: Never Check Your Essential Accessibility Gear

If you rely on medical or mobility equipment, never check it unless absolutely necessary.

We live in fear of having Lauren’s wheelchair damaged in transit. It would be incredibly distressing and should be completely avoidable. Always check the equipment at the gate and ensure it has a "return to the aircraft door" label attached to it.

Accessible travel checklist:

• Gate-check equipment and watch the loading if possible
• Carry spares, repair kits, or a backup plan
• Label all equipment and attach tracking devices
• Don't leave the aircraft until you are confident your mobility equipment is there and isn't damaged. Whilst on the aircraft you are the captain's responsibility, as soon as you leave the plane you are under the responsibility of the handling agent.

📦 Final Thoughts

Losing a bag is never fun — but these tips can stack the odds in your favour. If you're an accessible traveller, being proactive is especially important.

Have you had luggage go missing or experienced damage to your mobility equipment while flying? Share your story in the comments — your advice could help someone else.

If you found this post helpful, check out more travel tips on Init4theLongHaul.com, and don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel.

Got questions or want to share your experience? Email me: admin@init4thelonghaul.com