Basics Steps to Retrieve Your Lost Baggage and Other Items
We’ve all done it at one time or another; maybe you left your wallet or purse at the airport shops or dropped your medication or mobile phone somewhere in the train station. Perhaps you mistakenly left a piece of your baggage near the arrival terminal doors, causing you to lose a portion of your wardrobe, among other things. Busy travel terminals such as the airport and rail station are where people most often lose their valuables. Avoid expensive replacements and discover what to do when you have lost something important to you.
Return If Possible
The first step to recovering your lost items is to return to the scene as soon as you can. Try to remember exactly where you last saw or used the item and go back there to physically look over the location. If some time has passed or you don’t see the item around, contact the police or airport/rail station security right away. They will often have a process for these situations and you may need to leave your personal information along with a description of the lost item.
Remember to stay calm and always be courteous. It is stressful to lose something of value to you – especially while travelling, as you may not be close to home or have ready access to replacements. But it’s important to keep in mind that the staff offering assistance are not withholding your baggage or lost item. They are willing (and often able) to help you locate it.
Police and security staff also have a very important job to fulfil that has little to do with your lost item and, at times, it may seem like they are not helpful at all. Remember to be courteous and polite. If you do not speak the language, bring someone along with you who does. Be willing to complete all of the relevant paperwork that the security staff requires. And be patient. Often this process takes time and the longer it has been since you misplaced the item; the longer the retrieval process is likely to take.
Special Services
Certain airports and rail stations are equipped with private services that handle baggage and valuables lost or misplaced within the station or airport. This service is normally located at the airport/station, but there may also be online access. This is often the most convenient way to get the retrieval process started sooner since you can submit your information and the description of the lost item from anywhere, without the need to return to the airport/station.
Call the airport or rail station’s main customer service line to ask whether this is an option. In any case, quick and calm action is required when you have lost something important to you.
If you’ve lost a personal possession whilst travelling through a train station or airport, visit the relevant lost and found office. For example, if you were travelling through Heathrow airport, contact Heathrow lost property today.
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