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One of the most frustrating experiences you can have while traveling is the airline losing your luggage. Some people remain very calm about it and some people completely lose it and almost get arrested over it. Some people believe in the notion the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In an airport, that philosophy isn't always the best to use. Airlines do have the capability to put messages in their computers for future use. There are customers who behave so poorly, the airlines actually blacklist them from ever flying on their airline. But in the airline's defense, the agents put up with the obnoxious customer well beyond what is necessary, and it is well deserved.

As hard as it may be, the best thing you can do, is to remain calm. The first thing to understand is that most cases luggage isn't lost. The airlines know where the bag is - it's just not there with you. It's usually on the next plane heading to your location, or will be shortly.

There's several reasons for the luggage to not make it on your flight. One is people are notorious for over packing or bringing more bags then are recommended. Some people will actually pay a high fee for heavy, oversize, or extra bags. This equals more weight on the plane. So, some bags end up not making it. Not that it's fair to remove your well packed bag, and allow someone's heavy bag on.

Another reason, if you check in late for your flight, the bag may not make it outside to the ramp area in time to load on the plane. Then, there's just the big OOPS where someone drops the ball and forgets to load a whole baggage cart on the plane. That one's obvious to spot. You'll have a large line of people looking for their bags that aren't there.

Most airlines will have a company deliver your bag to you as opposed to you having to return to the airport when your bag arrives. Some airlines will also provide compensation for you, for example if you need to buy new clothes or toiletries. Generally, this isn't the case if it's a matter of a day before the luggage arrives. With the cheaper airlines, don't expect that to happen. Sadly, the saying is true - you get what you pay for.

There's always a small percentage where the bag is legitimately lost. You'll know that's the case when they can not locate your luggage anywhere. In this case, your best bet is to file a claim with the airline. If it's a good airline, they'll walk you through the process. Eventually the bag usually turns up in their system. Unfortunately, it's usually near the end of your vacation.

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