A FLIGHT attendant has explained how it’s not always the fault of an airline when your luggage gets lost.
In fact, passengers might be making a huge yet obvious mistake that’ll see their bags routed to the wrong place.
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Sharing her expert advice on TikTok, former Delta Airlines hostess Elizabeth revealed the glaring mistake to travellers online.
“The reason some bags get lost is because you didn’t remove old baggage tags,” she said.
“Always remember to take old tags off, if you don’t want your luggage to get lost.”
The flight attendant shared some of her other top tips for frequent flyers.
She advised passengers not to drink coffee and tea offered in flight as she claims the pot of water is never replaced and grows mould”.
“Just stick to water,” she advised.
And perhaps blitzing some preconceptions about snacks on planes, she added: “If you want extra snacks just ask for them.
“You’re not only limited to one snack — we will give you a handful of them.”
For a money saving hack, Elizabeth advised: “When searching for cheap flights, always make sure to clear your search history.
“The cheapest flights are always on Tuesdays.”
It comes as one of the top airlines in the world has revealed plans for more flights from the UK.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) was frequently named the world’s best airline, although lost the accolade earlier this year to Qatar Airways.
Despite this, the airline – stilled named the best in Asia as well as having the world’s best first class – launched a number of flights from the UK earlier this year.
This included London Gatwick to Singapore, with five flights a week that started back in June.
From March 2025, this is to increase to seven flights a week, becoming a daily service.
This means there will be five flights a day from London to Singapore, with four daily services already in operation from London Heathrow.
What happens when your luggage is lost?
IT is an awful experience when your baggage does not appear on the carousel.
According to research, 85 per cent of total lost luggage is found and returned within 36 hours.
If your luggage is lost for 21 days, it’s officially considered lost and you can get compensation.
If your luggage was in the hold and it becomes lost, delayed or damaged then the airline is liable for your losses, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
There isn’t a rule on a fixed amount of compensation you can receive as it depends on the airline and the value of what you have lost.
The maximum will be around £1,000, but it is unlikely you will receive that much.
What can you do?
Before travelling make sure you add a label to your luggage with your name, address and email address.
The Civil Aviation Authority recommends you add a label on the inside of your luggage as well as the outside in case the tags on the outside come off.
Make sure you have travel insurance so you can file a claim if the airline does not pay out.
Will you be reimbursed for delayed luggage?
Most airlines will reimburse you for the bare essentials you need when your bag is delayed, which can cover toiletries, laundry costs and pants.
If you were travelling home you may not be reimbursed as you will have other essentials available to you.
Some airlines will pay a daily rate – make sure you check with your airline ahead of travelling.
How do you make a claim?
You must report that your luggage has been lost or delayed at the airport.
Make sure you keep a copy of the Property Irregularity Report.
Then contact the airline in writing within seven days for lost baggage to explain how much the bag and the contents are worth by using receipts or credit card records as proof.
For delayed bags you have 21 days to write to the airline from when you received your luggage back.
