What to do if…
your checked bag is missing and you have lost your bag tag receipt

What to do now

1. Report the missing bag now and get a reference.
   If you are still at the airport, go to the airline or ground-handler baggage desk in the baggage reclaim area and say your checked bag has not arrived and your bag-tag receipt is missing. Ask for a Property Irregularity Report, missing bag report, or written report reference before you leave.

2. If you have already left the airport, use the airline’s official missing baggage route.
   Use the airline’s website, app, or baggage phone line. If the online form will not submit without a bag-tag number, contact the airline and ask how to file the report when the tag receipt is missing.

3. Give the airline details that can identify the checked bag without the receipt.
   Give your full name, booking reference, flight number, travel date, route, connection details, seat number if you know it, and how many bags you checked in. Ask whether they can search using your booking reference, flight details, and name.

4. Check places where the tag number might still be recorded.
   Look in the airline app, check-in email, boarding pass wallet, text messages, self-service kiosk receipt, bag-drop receipt, saved screenshots, and photos from check-in. Do not delay the report while you search.

5. Describe the bag clearly.
   Give the colour, size, brand, hard or soft shell, wheels, straps, stickers, marks, and any unusual feature. If you have a photo of the bag, upload it or ask how to send it.

6. Add a small number of contents that could help match it.
   Mention distinctive contents you can reasonably evidence, such as a specific jacket, shoes, book, work item, or toiletry bag. Avoid giving unnecessary sensitive details.

7. Give a stable delivery address and contact number.
   Use an address you can access reliably, such as hotel reception, your home, a workplace front desk, or a trusted contact. If you move during the trip, update the existing airline report through the official route.

8. If you need essentials, buy only what you reasonably need and keep receipts.
   Keep purchases basic, such as toiletries, underwear, laundry, or simple clothing if you are away from home. Keep itemised receipts and take photos of them.

9. Send a short written follow-up to the airline.
   Include your report reference and say that the checked bag is missing or delayed and that the bag-tag receipt is missing. If you do not have a full claim yet, the message can be brief. UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance says written claims should be made within 7 days for damaged baggage, lost or stolen items, and within 21 days of receiving a delayed bag for delay-related claims. Citizens Advice says many airlines use 21 days after the flight for delayed or missing luggage, so check the airline’s own deadline and write now rather than waiting.