What to do After the Flight

After you've disembarked from the plane, walk briskly to the baggage reclaim area; this will help to get your circulation moving and reduce the risk of DVT.

Damaged Luggage

If, when your bag arrives, it is open or unlocked, check immediately to see if any of the contents are damaged or missing. Report any problems to your airline before leaving the baggage reclaim area. You should also report any damage to your suitcases at this point.

Missing Luggage

If your luggage does not arrive in the baggage claim area, find the agent on duty straight away. Sometimes your luggage can be loaded onto a non-stop flight even though you were on a plane that had a stopover on the way, and so there could be a chance that your suitcase has already arrived and is locked up for safekeeping.

However, if your luggage is not there, make sure you fill in all the appropriate paperwork before leaving the airport, even if you are assured that the bag will be on the next flight. Fill out all the information about your cases on the forms provided; be as detailed as possible. Make sure the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found, and get a phone number to call in case you need to follow-up.

If you need basic items such as toothbrush, toothpaste and razor, ask. Most airlines will provide these for you free of charge whilst you're waiting for your suitcase.