B2English

Reporting Lost Luggage

Use these upper-intermediate phrases at the airport baggage service desk to formally report missing luggage, describe your items clearly, and arrange for delivery.

Key Phrases

Voice
Explaining the problem · 2 ways to say it

Excuse me, I've just arrived on flight 402, but my luggage hasn't come out on the carousel.

neutral

Good afternoon. I'm afraid my checked bag seems to be missing from the flight, despite waiting until the carousel stopped.

polite
Providing the claim ticket

Here is my boarding pass, along with the baggage claim tag they gave me at check-in.

neutral

Keep this ready as staff will immediately need the barcode to trace the routing.

Describing the bag · 2 ways to say it

It's a large blue duffel bag, but it's got a bright yellow strap around the middle.

neutral

Focus on distinguishing features like straps, stickers, or distinctive marks.

It's a standard black hard-shell suitcase, which has a few distinctive scuff marks on the bottom corners.

polite
Asking about delivery · 2 ways to say it

Can you just send it straight to my house when it eventually turns up?

neutral

Would it be possible to have the luggage delivered directly to my hotel once it is located?

polite
Asking about timing · 2 ways to say it

Do you have any idea when it might actually get here on an incoming flight?

neutral

Could you give me a rough estimate of how long it typically takes for a delayed bag to be recovered?

polite
Asking about compensation · 2 ways to say it

Will the airline cover the cost of any essential items I have to buy tonight?

neutral

Could you clarify the airline's policy regarding compensation, just in case my bag isn't found by tomorrow?

polite
Requesting a tracking reference · 2 ways to say it

Is there a reference number I can use to track the status of the search online?

neutral

If you could provide me with a tracking number, I would be able to check for updates on your website.

polite
Leaving contact details · 2 ways to say it

Here's my cell number and the address where I'll be staying for the remainder of the week.

neutral

US

I've written down my mobile number and temporary address, so you can reach me easily.

polite

UK

Confirming next steps

So, I assume you'll give me a call as soon as it arrives at the airport?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Excuse me, I've just arrived on flight 402, but my luggage hasn't come out on the carousel.
Staff
I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have your boarding pass and baggage claim tag?
Traveler
Yeah, here you go. It's a large blue duffel bag, but it's got a bright yellow strap around the middle.
Staff
Right. Let me just pull up the details on the system... Okay, it looks like it didn't make the connection.
Traveler
Oh, great. Do you have any idea when it might actually get here on an incoming flight?
Staff
Well, there's another flight arriving this evening, so we should be able to get it on that one.
Traveler
Can you just send it straight to my house when it eventually turns up?
Staff
Sure, we can arrange for a direct delivery. I'll just need you to complete this form with your current address.
Traveler
No problem. Will the airline cover the cost of any essential items I have to buy tonight, like toiletries or something?
Staff
Yes, you'll be reimbursed if the luggage is delayed overnight. Just keep your receipts, and you can submit a claim online.
Traveler
Got it. Is there a reference number I can use to track the status of the search online?
Staff
I'll print that out for you right now, along with a dedicated phone number you can call for updates.

More Travel & Transport (B2)

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