B1English

Reporting Lost Luggage

Use these phrases to speak with airline staff when your suitcase does not arrive at the baggage area.

Key Phrases

Voice
Stating the problem · 2 ways to say it

My bag didn't show up on the belt.

neutral

Common and direct; used when explaining the situation to staff.

Excuse me, I can't find my luggage on the carousel.

polite

A softer way to start the conversation with the service desk.

Describing the bag · 2 ways to say it

It's just a standard black roller bag, but it's quite heavy.

neutral

Useful for giving a basic visual description.

It is a large grey suitcase with four wheels.

polite

A slightly more formal and precise description.

Identifying features

There's a sticker with my name on the side of it.

neutral

Helps staff distinguish your bag from similar ones.

Showing the receipt · 2 ways to say it

Here is my baggage claim ticket.

neutral

US English

Here is my baggage reclaim receipt.

neutral

UK English

Providing contact details

You can reach me at this phone number during the day.

neutral
Asking about delivery · 2 ways to say it

Will the airline deliver the bag to my hotel?

neutral

Checks if they offer a courier service.

Could you send it directly to my home address, please?

polite
Asking about collection

Do I have to come back to the airport to pick it up?

neutral

Clarifies your responsibilities for getting the bag back.

Asking about timeframe · 2 ways to say it

How long does it usually take to find delayed bags?

neutral

Do you have any idea when it might arrive?

polite

A less direct way to ask for a time estimate.

Asking about essentials

Can I get an overnight bag with some basic toiletries?

neutral

Used to request the basic items airlines often provide for delayed luggage.

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Hi. I've waited for over an hour, but my bag didn't show up on the belt.
Agent
I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have your baggage claim ticket?
Traveler
Yeah, here it is. It's just a standard black roller bag, but it's quite heavy.
Agent
Right. Are there any identifying marks on it?
Traveler
Well, there's a sticker with my name on the side of it.
Agent
Okay, I've put that in the system. We will try to locate it now.
Traveler
So, do I have to come back to the airport to pick it up?
Agent
No, we can deliver it to your hotel. What is the address?
Traveler
It's the Downtown Plaza. How long does it usually take?
Agent
Usually about twenty-four hours. We will call you as soon as it arrives.

More Travel & Transport (B1)

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