Two-word phrase plane passengers should always use when luggage goes missing

Luggage going missing after a flight is almost enough to totally kill off the holiday vibes altogether.

It’s just an absolute nightmare really, and it feels like there’s nothing you can do but sulk about and wait for it to (hopefully) show up.

No one wants to spend the first hours of their travels hanging about without any clothes or belongings rather than seeing the sights and hitting the beach.

I mean, it’s pretty bad for us Brits too, with the UK flagship British Airways being the airline most likely to lose your luggage, according to search volume results. But to help you try and claw back a bit of a feeling of control of the travel trauma, there’s a two-word phrase that plane passengers should always use in the scenario.

Losing your luggage isn't exactly the perfect start to a trip (Getty Stock)

“Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do makes the situation even worse,” said Hoppa’s managing director, Chris Harrington.

“Ultimately, the faster and more informed your response, the better chances of recovering your bag or receiving updates on its status.”

While he points out that the process isn’t ‘as complicated’ as you might expect, there’s important steps that you should be following. The airport transfer boss advises first reporting your missing things before heading to the service desk for the airline.

You’re then advised to give every little detail you can from the brand and colour to the size and even type of shell the luggage has. And, obviously, make sure you mention any little stickers or unique things that make it stand out.

But the biggie is that you should demand a ‘property irregularity report (PIR)’ reference number.

“Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what’s happened to your luggage,” Harrington continued.

So, you want to remember to ask for that ‘PIR number’ if you fall victim to the pain of lost luggage.

Nightmare (Getty Stock)

He explained it’s a ‘unique code’ which airlines use to trace your missing possessions.

“And will be needed when you follow up on your luggage’s status or if you need to make an insurance claim,” Harrington added.

"Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date."

According to Citizen’s Advice, you have the legal right to claim compensation from an airline if your checked luggage is delayed, lost or damaged.