When Travel Goes Wrong

Report it at the airline's baggage desk before you leave the airport. You'll get a PIR number , that's your tracking reference. Keep all receipts for anything you need to buy in the meantime, because airlines have to cover reasonable expenses. Most bags turn up within 24 to 48 hours. See our full lost luggage guide for the step-by-step.

In a lot of cases, yes. If you're flying from or to the EU or UK and your flight is delayed by 3+ hours, you could be owed between €250 and €600 (roughly £215 to £520 / $280 to $670) depending on the route distance. That's EU Regulation 261/2004 and the UK's retained version. Airlines don't exactly volunteer this information. Check our flight delay compensation guide for how to actually claim it.

Call your nearest embassy or consulate immediately , they can issue an Emergency Travel Document to get you home. Most countries also need a police report before they'll process anything, so file that first. Bring passport photos if you have them, and a digital copy if possible. The full process is in our lost passport guide.

Most policies do, but read the small print. Standard cover is typically between £1,000 and £2,500 ($1,300 to $3,200 / €1,150 to €2,900), but there are usually single-item limits around £200 to £300. And you'll need proof of ownership for anything expensive. Sort the insurance before you travel, not after something goes wrong.

Under the Montreal Convention, if it hasn't turned up after 21 days, it's officially lost and you can file a full claim. Most airlines settle around £1,000 to £1,300 ($1,300 to $1,700 / €1,150 to €1,500) under the convention limits. That said, about 95% of mishandled bags do come back within 48 hours, so try not to panic on day one.

Call your bank straight away , the card might be held for a security reason they can explain. If the ATM is in a bank branch, go inside and ask. Keep any receipt the machine gave you. Travel with two cards from different providers if you can, and mobile payments as a backup. Our ATM guide covers all four ways to get cash fast.

It depends on the damage. Minor wear and tear is usually fine. But if the photo page is damaged, the chip won't scan, or the cover is seriously torn, most airlines and border agents will refuse you. They have discretion, and they tend to be cautious. If you're not sure, replace it before you go. Our damaged passport guide breaks down exactly what counts as too far gone.