Look, this is the most suspenseful moment of any trip. You landed, used the bathroom, cleared passport control and reach the baggage carousel. The belt starts moving. You see black suitcases, red suitcases, suitcases wrapped in plastic that look like mummies... but yours doesn't appear.
Slowly, the other people grab their stuff and clear out. Until the belt stops. It's just you, the silence and that cold sweat dripping down your forehead. Your suitcase decided to go on holiday in another country.
It's any traveller's nightmare, but panicking or yelling at the airport security guard isn't going to make your luggage appear by magic. Martin walks you through what to do step by step to handle the situation like a pro:
1. Don't Leave the Airport Without the PIR 📝
PIR isn't a beer brand, it's the Property Irregularity Report. The moment you realise the suitcase isn't coming, head IMMEDIATELY to the "Lost & Found" desk, which is usually right next to the carousels. Only with this form filled out and stamped do you have legal proof that the airline lost your stuff.
2. Know Your Rights (Ask for Money!) 💸
Stuck without underwear and a toothbrush? The airline is obliged to reimburse you for "essential" purchases. Go to the shop, buy some underwear, t-shirts and toiletries, but keep every receipt. When the suitcase shows up, you send the invoices to the airline and they have to pay you. Don't try to buy a Gucci wallet and claim it was "essential".
3. The Master Trick: Use a Tracker (AirTag/SmartTag) 📍
In 2026, travelling with a checked bag without a GPS tracker inside it is living dangerously. An Apple AirTag or a Samsung SmartTag costs about €30, you toss it into the middle of the socks and you're done. When the airline tells you "we don't know where the bag is", you whip out your phone and reply: "I do, it's at Reykjavik Terminal 2." It's the best investment you can make.
4. The Carry-On Survival Kit 🎒
So that the disappearance of your suitcase doesn't ruin the first two days of your holiday, be smart packing your hand luggage (the one that goes with you on the plane). Always carry:
- Your medication (mandatory!)
- All cables and chargers
- A change of underwear and a t-shirt
- If you're heading to the beach, pack the swimsuit/swim shorts in your backpack. That way, even without the suitcase, you can already go for a swim!
You Got to Portugal Without a Suitcase... Now What?
The reverse scenario also happens. You were dying to get back home and your suitcase got left behind out there. You're going to have to deal with the airport bureaucracy and walk out empty-handed, tired and frustrated.
The last thing you need in this stressed-out state is to stand outside in the cold praying that Uber doesn't have surge pricing, or drag yourself onto the metro looking miserable.
If your luggage disappeared, at least make sure your car is waiting for you.
When you fly and leave your car with Multipark, you know the return is failure-proof. You can come back annoyed about the luggage, but the moment you walk through the Arrivals door, our Valet Parking driver is there with your vehicle, clean and warm, ready to take you home.
Your luggage may have gone around the world, but your car never leaves good hands. Run a quote and book your spot on the Multipark site and travel prepared!
