It's one nightmare every traveler fears—you go in and check your bag, but unfortunately, you miss your flight. If you've ever worried about luggage going on its own while you're stuck at the airport, don't worry. We have done a lot of research on this topic and we have the answers for you.
In theory, your luggage should not be able to leave the airport without you, the passenger. When passengers are unable to board the flight, the airline crew offloads the baggage and leaves them at the airport. However, mishaps can happen and some luggage does fly without its owners.
We know that luggage traveling without a passenger can be scary to think about. Fortunately, we have all the information you will need for this to avoid happening to you. Keep reading because we also have tips and advice on how you can travel easily with or without your luggage with you.
Can My Luggage Travel Without Me?
Most travelers have one fear when they go on a flight—losing their luggage and struggling to get it back. At times, this issue can happen even when you are on a flight with your bags. However, there have been reports of bags flying out to their destinations without their owners onboard.
In airports, there are systems put in place to keep luggage traveling in time with the owners. They are always put on the cargo of the plane so when the passengers alight at their destination, their luggage is already waiting for them.
In theory, a passenger's luggage cannot travel without the owner onboard the flight. When a passenger checks in their luggage but they do not show up at the gate during boarding, the crew offloads the passenger's luggage from the cargo.
This process happens because of a safety measure called Positive Passenger-Bag Matching or PBBM. The safety measure is implemented to prevent acts of terrorism such as bombs exploding after a certain time or when the plane reaches a certain altitude.
This is also one of the reasons why airline ground crew take the time to call out the passengers at the boarding gate. It is also one of the reasons why flights are typically 10 to 15 minutes late for takeoff—the crew must remove the luggage of the missing passenger before it can depart.
What Happens If My Luggage Does Travel Without Me?
Of course, even with the right systems in place, some hiccups can still happen. There have been occasions wherein passengers do not appear for the final call and the crew fails to remove their luggage from the flight. This means that the luggage will go to the destination without the owner.
This scenario often happens on domestic flights, wherein some airlines aren't as thorough and strict with offloading luggage. If this ever happens to you, you need to talk to the airline crew and ask them where your luggage has gone to.
Tracing your luggage is a long and lengthy process, that sometimes ends with people getting angry at airport staff. When luggage is marked lost or missing, you have to provide the airline crew with your flight details, ticket number, and luggage details in order to find them.
Depending on the airlines, some of them also have the option to ship your lost luggage to you. Of course, certain fees (and they can be expensive) do apply. If you are intent on getting to your destination anyway, you can always rebook your ticket and just pick it up yourself.
Does This Happen To Everyone Who Miss Their Flights?
Thankfully, it doesn't happen to everyone. Since most people will try their best to get on their flight to avoid mishaps, the occurrence of luggage flying without their owners is significantly less. Of course, it does happen from time to time but most passengers manage to get their hands on their luggage right away.
If you feel like you are going to miss your flight because of reasons (like an emergency) even after you have checked in, make sure to notify the airlines right away. You'll have better chances of getting your luggage immediately instead of having to run around tracing where your suitcase went.
For travelers who are on an international flight and their bag happens to leave the airport without them, immediately talk to an airline representative. It will be a lot harder to track the bag because it will be arriving in a different country. This is why passengers have to let them know of the situation right away.
Can An Airline Lose Luggage?
Aside from the occasions of luggage traveling ahead of their owners, airlines do face other issues like lost luggage. Thankfully, this doesn't happen often but a lot of luggage often faces delays or damages in the process.
There are many causes as to why some passengers don't find their luggage on the carousel when they reach their destinations. The most common culprits of these situations are late check-ins, short layovers on connecting flights, airline mistagging, or someone accidentally taking your bag.
Late check-in
When travelers check in late (as in barely getting through the airport doors kind of late) some baggage doesn't have the time to go through the baggage handling system. By this time, most ground crews are already scrambling to finish tasks before the flight takes off, and the luggage gets left behind.
Fortunately, when this happens, the airlines will send your baggage through the next flight. Of course, this will be a hassle because you'll have to wait or come back for your bags. Next time you fly out, remember to get to the airport early to avoid this problem.
Short layover for connecting flights
This problem typically happens on international flights. When passengers have to change airlines or planes via connecting flights, this will also mean that they have to repeat the checking process all over again. If the time between the two flights is short, you'll either miss your flight, or your baggage misses it.
Avoid this problem by booking connecting flights with at least an hour in between. This will give you the time to check your baggage for the next flight, and some extra time to relax a little bit.
Airline mistagging
Sometimes, the airline makes the mistake of mistagging the luggage. They can misprint the luggage, or accidentally send it to the wrong destination. When this happens, the only way to retrieve your bag is to work with airline representatives to seek their help.
To learn more about the liabilities of the airlines when these situations happen to you, check out the Department of Transportation's listed responsibilities so you can get your claims.
Are There Alternatives To Traveling With Luggage?
Some travelers prefer traveling as light as possible, to avoid the complications of dealing with luggage anxiety in the airport. Others can work with bringing just enough items with them to fit on a carry-on suitcase. Others, however, need a bigger solution.
You can travel to your destination without having to check your luggage with your airline. Of course, you'll have to pay extra for these services but many travelers swear by them.
Major shipping companies like FedEx and UPS already offer their luggage shipping services. These couriers can handle your luggage without having to wait in long lines at the airport. Some of them also offer packing services for you so that is one less thing to worry about.
Aside from these major shipping couriers, there are other luggage shipping services that can bring your bags to your destination. These luggage shipping services have more focus on only this particular service, so it's pretty safe to say that your bags will arrive safely when you land.
Some of these luggage shipping services can be quite costly, but admittedly, it is very practical and it will make your travels a lot easier. You can typically send the luggage to the dropoff, or they can pick it up from your doorstep.
Here are some luggage shipping companies you might want to check out.
Wrapping Things Up
Losing your luggage can be a nightmare for any traveler. Whether it was the passenger's fault or the airlines', tracking and getting back luggage can be a hassle. Of course, there are other alternative options for traveling with luggage, so don't fret and try to explore these options as well.
