Approximately one airline passenger in every thousand arrives at their destination to find that some or all of their baggage has not arrived with them. For many passengers this means a wait of hours or days, with all the associated inconvenience, whilst the missing item is being located and forwarded. Others, less fortunate still, have to resign themselves to the fact that their bags are actually lost and, as the days turn into weeks, face the fact that they are unlikely ever to see them again.
To prevent loss, or at least assist recovery, passengers are urged to make sure that identification tags are secure and up-to-date, an itinerary with addresses is enclosed and that bags are distinguishable from others of the same make. Airlines recommend the use of coloured tape or large elasticated straps made specifically for this purpose.
Lost or delayed luggage actually costs the world's airlines over £6 billion per year. They get some of this back , however, by selling off those lost items which are never claimed by their rightful owners. After months of intensive tracking, airlines send hopelessly lost luggage to companies which sort the contents and then put them on sale at bargain prices. At one such company in Alabama, the leftovers of flying are laid out in a vast store which has itself now become an attraction for tourists from all over the world. Who knows, they may even come across some of their own stuff.
