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Baggage left behind

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I’ve been lucky to have countless overseas holidays over the years, predominantly problem free.   However twice in the last 18 months I’ve had suitcases deliberately and knowingly left by airlines, just so that they could depart within their time slot.  The compensation payable for delayed baggage is much less ( or not at all) than delayed flights, however the inconvenience is massive.  It seems it’s now part of their business plan.  Any other forum members experienced this?
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  • DullGreyGuy
    DullGreyGuy Posts: 18,544 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Fortunately not, but then I am one thats always split stuff across our suitcases and carried on change of clothes in carry on so hopefully would be less impacted than others were it to happen to one of our cases. 

    Did happen to a colleague once though, he had an AirTag in the bag so could track its location. It had a much more exciting holiday than he did visiting several countries it would appear. 
  • Would checking in earlier help or are they leaving loads of people's luggage?
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
  • zagfles
    zagfles Posts: 21,403 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Chutzpah Haggler
    No. Which airlines, which airport? How do you know it was a deliberate policy? Did you check in very late? I'd have thought if baggage loading takes time they'd simply increase the latest check-in/bag drop time for people with hold luggage. 
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 35,742 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    In my 40 years of travelling by air I've never experienced this.

    However, I always arrive at the airport early.
    Does this only happen when you check in late?
    DullGreyGuy said:
    Fortunately not, but then I am one thats always split stuff across our suitcases and carried on change of clothes in carry on so hopefully would be less impacted than others were it to happen to one of our cases. 


    +1 to this.
    I'm amazed at how many couples don't do this.
  • I've had ski equipment go missing, but the airline informed us before departure from Turin and the bags turned up at home the next day.

    BA also mislaid one of my bags last year from Heathrow - Oslo. On arrival in Oslo, a bag was missing - reported it at the airport and it was couriered to my accommodation the next day.

    Actually quite impressed that the system seems to work quite well. These are my only two missing bags in 25+ years

  • eskbanker
    eskbanker Posts: 36,966 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I’ve been lucky to have countless overseas holidays over the years, predominantly problem free.   However twice in the last 18 months I’ve had suitcases deliberately and knowingly left by airlines, just so that they could depart within their time slot.  The compensation payable for delayed baggage is much less ( or not at all) than delayed flights, however the inconvenience is massive.  It seems it’s now part of their business plan.  Any other forum members experienced this?
    Sounds like something of a stretch to conclude that this is all deliberate and part of a business plan - I haven't experienced this personally and don't recall any similar posts on here, which would undoubtedly have happened if it genuinely was as deliberate and widespread as you appear to be suggesting!
  • In a short post I didn’t go in to all the details just wanted to gauge this forum so I’ll elucidate.  We’ve travelled extensively.  Yes we have,  as some suggested split our belongings in two cases.  And yes, surprisingly enough we did arrive in plenty of time for check in. This doesn’t help however when the airline CHOOSE to leave them behind. ( both cases) 
    Situ 1 Flying from Heathrow with BA.  BA knowingly left behind the cases belonging to passengers who were transferring to that flight.  Only luggage which arrived was those who checked in directly at Heathrow. 
    Situ 2. Package Holiday TUI Check in 13:00 for a 15:30 flight.  Flight delayed 2.5 hours. Getting close to 3 hr compensation time when flight took off, leaving behind all but a few cases on the trolley. 

    On both occasions staff knew the baggage was left as they informed us as soon as we were airborne. On both occasions there were over 100 people affected, so it’s not a personal issue merely trying to gauge if it is widespread in the industry, or are some operators worse than others.
    As to whether or not it’s part of a business model, maybe I’m more cynical than others but there are financial penalties  (including knock on flights)  which are far higher than lost baggage claims.
  • CelticFire
    CelticFire Posts: 11 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture First Post Combo Breaker
    edited 16 December 2024 at 1:08PM
    Would checking in earlier help or are they leaving loads of people's luggage?
    Yes see my reply below, approx 100 on each occasion. 
  • Hoenir
    Hoenir Posts: 7,687 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 16 December 2024 at 2:06PM


    On both occasions staff knew the baggage was left as they informed us as soon as we were airborne. On both occasions there were over 100 people affected, so it’s not a personal issue merely trying to gauge if it is widespread in the industry, or are some operators worse than others.
    As to whether or not it’s part of a business model, maybe I’m more cynical than others but there are financial penalties  (including knock on flights)  which are far higher than lost baggage claims.
    Gates need to be freed up for incoming planes. Airports are busy places. There's around 1.300 aircraft movements a day at Heathrow. No great surprise that things do go awry. 
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 35,742 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!

    Situ 1 Flying from Heathrow with BA.  BA knowingly left behind the cases belonging to passengers who were transferring to that flight.  Only luggage which arrived was those who checked in directly at Heathrow. 
    Situ 2. Package Holiday TUI Check in 13:00 for a 15:30 flight.  Flight delayed 2.5 hours. Getting close to 3 hr compensation time when flight took off, leaving behind all but a few cases on the trolley. 

    On both occasions staff knew the baggage was left as they informed us as soon as we were airborne. On both occasions there were over 100 people affected, so it’s not a personal issue merely trying to gauge if it is widespread in the industry, or are some operators worse than others.
    As to whether or not it’s part of a business model, maybe I’m more cynical than others but there are financial penalties  (including knock on flights)  which are far higher than lost baggage claims.
    Was the other flight also from LHR?

    How do you know this 
    In a short post I didn’t go in to all the details just wanted to gauge this forum so I’ll elucidate.  We’ve travelled extensively.  Yes we have,  as some suggested split our belongings in two cases.  And yes, surprisingly enough we did arrive in plenty of time for check in. This doesn’t help however when the airline CHOOSE to leave them behind. ( both cases) 


    for certain?

    Could it be a ground crew issue.
    AFAIK, neither BA or TUI staff load hold luggage for their flights?
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