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When you travel in Bali, as anywhere else, it goes without saying that zero risk does not exist. On long-haul flights or with stopovers, there is a risk that your luggage may be misrouted. But luggage can also be lost between two hotels. In that case, if you have taken certain precautions beforehand, it will be easier for us to return your luggage to you.
So how can you avoid losing your luggage, and how can you find it more easily?
Put a tag on all luggage
The first essential step is to label your luggage, indicating your last name, first name, address, mobile number, and email address. Airlines often provide paper tags, but sturdier ones can also be purchased in advance. Choose a strong recycled-plastic tag and write your contact details clearly (do not forget your email).
Place a tag on all your luggage, including the items you take into the cabin, and put a card with your contact details inside each piece in case the tag comes off.
If you have a lot of luggage—for groups or if you are travelling as a family—do not hesitate to number your bags as follows. For example, if you have 6 pieces: 1/6 – 2/6 – 3/6 – 4/6 – 5/6 – 6/6. This will help you gather all your luggage easily, and at the hotel you can do a quick check before leaving.
Travel around Indonesia easily: recognisable, yet discreet.
By this we mean that a brand-new or designer suitcase will stand out and may attract ill-intentioned people. However, a black wheeled suitcase is unfortunately what most people have, and a mix-up on the arrivals carousel may lead to a few surprises when you get to your hotel. A discreet suitcase is fine, but it still needs to be recognisable. Let your creativity run free to identify your luggage—anything goes: tie a scarf to a handle, buy a brightly coloured strap, or stick on some stickers. Likewise, if you forget your suitcase at the hotel, it probably will not be the only one; colours can help you find it again, and stickers too.
Security.
As Bali residents, we often see tourists’ or clients’ luggage with large padlocks. However, a big padlock is eye-catching and will not prevent someone from forcing your suitcase open. If you want to reduce the risk of luggage being searched in the baggage areas, opt for plastic wrapping. It is generally brightly coloured. Note that wrapping your luggage also prevents access to the zippers, which can be opened easily with a simple pen.
But once again, make sure your tag with your contact details remains visible despite the wrapping. Despite these precautions, we remind you that all valuables should stay with you in your carry-on luggage—whether to avoid theft or damage.
Take a photo of your luggage when you check in at the airport.
It is always useful to have a photo of your luggage for two reasons. First, if your luggage is lost, no description is as good as a clear photo, and it will greatly help the search. Second, if your luggage is unfortunately damaged during transport, it will allow you to provide proof of its initial condition. It costs you nothing and is very practical.
If, despite all precautions, your luggage does not arrive in Indonesia on the airport arrivals carousel, what should you do?
Go to the claims desk.
Before going through customs, you will find the airline’s desk or the more general “lost and found”. After providing your contact details and the small ticket with your luggage reference number (a ticket you must not lose, given to you when you check in your baggage, usually attached to your boarding pass or passport), your luggage is normally located using this code. It is often a stopover error.
Your luggage will often arrive in the coming days and will be delivered directly to your holiday address. It is possible to obtain compensation for the first few days to buy essentials; the amount depends on the airline. However, do not forget to keep receipts for your first essential purchases so you can be reimbursed afterwards. Moreover, if your luggage is truly lost—which remains a rare and exceptional case—you will be reimbursed according to the airline’s terms and conditions after your claim. You can also check with your bank or your additional travel insurance, which sometimes covers this type of incident.
Tip: In the coming days, do not hesitate to call the airline regularly to follow up on the progress of the process and to make sure there is no mistake regarding the location or delivery date of the luggage—especially if you plan to change hotels during your stay.
