luggage on belt (IABBB Digital Library)
Travel season can be an exciting time for some but a hectic time for others, especially if you’ve misplaced an item or left your luggage at the airport. Realizing you lost track of your bags might prompt you to search the internet for help. However, as one Maryland resident found out, bad actors are flooding search results with websites that present themselves as official Lost & Found offices.
However, many of these “Lost & Found Recovery Services” are unaffiliated, third-party websites charging fees for services typically provided for free.
These Lost & Found grifters require users to complete a lengthy online form asking for a description of the misplaced item(s) and personal information like name, address, and phone number. It’s not until the final confirmation page that they see a $30-$40 payment is required to process their request. At that point, stress and anxiety play into many travelers’ decision to pay in hopes of a speedy end to their difficult situation.
BBB travel tips to avoid misplacing your luggage:
- Use ID tags and bright-colored suitcases. Equip your luggage with ID tags and opt for bright-colored suitcases. This simple step makes it easier to identify your bags amidst the sea of luggage on the conveyor belt.
- Use stackable luggage. If you plan to check in multiple bags, consider using stackable luggage. Some brands offer luggage with locks to keep the bags together, making it less likely for your items to get separated.
- Send luggage ahead of time. Utilize services from companies like FedEx, allowing you to send your luggage to your destination in advance. This can save you the hassle of dealing with lost baggage, though it requires advance planning as these services need your bags days before your trip.
Steps to take if you misplace your luggage:
- Stay calm and never pay a third-party to file a lost property report. If you misplace an item, take your time to find the airport website and find their lost and found contact information. Some may ask you to send an email or complete a short form, but payment should never be required.
- Locate the official lost and found contact. Visit the official airport website and navigate to their Lost & Found section. Here, you will find the correct procedures for reporting lost items. For example, filing a lost property report at BWI Marshall Airport is free of charge.
- File a report with the airline. If your luggage is lost in transit, immediately report it to the airline’s customer service. Airlines have their own lost baggage procedures and will help you track and recover your belongings.
- Keep receipts and document everything. Keep all receipts related to your trip and any expenses incurred due to the loss of your luggage. This documentation will be crucial for any compensation claims.
- Follow up regularly. Stay in regular contact with the Lost & Found office and the airline. Persistence is key in ensuring your case is handled promptly.
For more information:
See BBB's tips to protect yourself from other common travel scams: 5 top vacation scams to watch for when making travel plans
Take a look at BBB's tips on how to spot a scam.
Use BBB Scam Tracker to research or report suspicious behavior and help others avoid scams in their area.
BBB of Greater Maryland contributed this article.