When Travel Goes Wrong
Practical fixes for the stuff nobody plans for. Lost luggage, flight chaos, money headaches, and everything in between.
Travel problems aren’t a matter of “if.” They’re a matter of “when.” Lost luggage, cancelled flights, passports that vanish at the worst possible moment, ATMs that eat your card in a country where you don’t speak the language. It happens to everyone eventually. The difference is whether you panic or whether you know exactly what to do next. That’s what this page is for. Every guide here comes from real experience and real situations. No vague advice. Just practical steps you can actually follow when things go sideways.
26 million
Bags mishandled yearly worldwide
1 in 5
Flights delayed or cancelled in Europe
Up to €600
Compensation you could be owed
24 hours
Average time to trace lost luggage
Travel Problem Guides
Luggage Nightmares
Passport & Document Emergencies
Money & Currency Problems
Flights & Bookings
Other Travel Problems
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FAQs
What should I do if my luggage is lost?
Report it immediately at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. You’ll get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number, which is your tracking reference. Most bags are found within 24-48 hours. Keep all receipts for essential items you need to buy in the meantime, as airlines are required to reimburse reasonable expenses. See our full lost luggage guide for the complete step-by-step process.
Can I get compensation for a delayed flight?
In many cases, yes. If you’re flying from or to the EU/UK and your flight is delayed by 3+ hours, you could be entitled to between €250-€600 (roughly £215-£520 / $280-$670) depending on the distance. This is under EU Regulation 261/2004 and the UK’s retained version. Airlines don’t always tell you this voluntarily. Check our flight delay compensation guide for how to claim.
What do I do if I lose my passport abroad?
Don’t panic (easier said than done, obviously). Contact your country’s nearest embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an Emergency Travel Document so you can get home. You’ll need to file a police report first in most countries. Bring passport photos if you have them, or a digital copy. Our lost passport guide walks you through the full process.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Most policies do, yes, but the devil’s in the details. Standard policies typically cover between £1,000-£2,500 ($1,300-$3,200 / €1,150-€2,900) for lost or stolen baggage, but there are usually per-item limits (often around £200-£300 per single item). Always read the fine print before you travel. And critically, you’ll need proof of ownership for expensive items.
How long does an airline have to find my lost luggage?
Under the Montreal Convention, if your bag hasn’t been found within 21 days, it’s officially classified as lost and you can file a full claim. Most airlines will settle claims for lost luggage up to approximately £1,000-£1,300 ($1,300-$1,700 / €1,150-€1,500) under the convention limits. But most bags do turn up. Around 95% of mishandled bags are returned within 48 hours.
What should I do if an ATM eats my card abroad?
First, call your bank immediately to check if there’s a hold on the card or if it’s been swallowed for security reasons. If the ATM is attached to a bank branch, go inside and ask. Keep the ATM receipt if it gave you one. In the meantime, use a backup card (you should always travel with two from different providers), mobile payments, or find a Western Union for emergency cash. Our ATM guide covers all four emergency options.
Can I travel with a damaged passport?
It depends on the damage. Minor wear and tear is usually fine. But if the photo page is damaged, the chip doesn’t scan, or the cover is significantly torn, you’ll likely be refused boarding or entry. Airlines and border agents have discretion here, and they tend to err on the side of caution. If in doubt, get it replaced before you travel. Our damaged passport guide breaks down exactly what counts as “too damaged.”
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