London Heathrow Airport Delayed Baggage Guide

London Heathrow Airport Delayed Baggage Guide: What to Do

Whether you’re at Heathrow for a layover or it’s your final destination, this guide will help you stay calm, proactive, and informed in the event of a baggage delay, turning an inconvenient situation into something manageable.

What Should I Do if My Baggage Is Delayed at LHR Airport?

You will not be able to return to the baggage claim hall if you have left it. Contact your airline if you have left the baggage claim hall without collecting your checked luggage. Use the baggage inquiry phones in arrivals to ask a member of staff to retrieve your bag.

The baggage inquiry phones are located at the following places:

• Terminal 2: Outside security, level 1, arrivals and departures (‘B’ Gates)
• Terminal 3: Outside Security, level 0, check-in and arrivals
• Terminal 4: Outside Security, level 0 at arrivals
• Terminal 5: Outside Security, level 0, arrivals, buses and taxis

Baggage inquiry telephones operate from Monda to Sunday 6:00 AM-10:00 PM

How to Handle Lost to Delayed Luggage at LHR

The airlines manage all baggage from the time of check-in until arrival. Report your missing luggage to your airline immediately if your luggage does not appear on the baggage claim belt.

1. Reporting Lost or Delayed Baggage at LHR

As soon as you realize your baggage hasn't arrived, head directly to a baggage services desk in the arrivals hall. Each terminal at Heathrow features designated airline or handling agent desks for reporting lost or delayed bags; representatives can help file reports and provide a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), with reference numbers to enable tracking your bag(s). International travellers will also be asked to fill out a customs declaration form before departure.

Report any problems before leaving the baggage claim hall. You can also call your airline if there is no one on the desk, or if you have already left the airport. You can find out more information on your airline's site or in our directory.

2. Track Your Baggage

Use the WorldTracer system—a common baggage tracing tool used by many airlines worldwide. You can enter your PIR reference number on your airline’s website or directly on the WorldTracer site to track your bag’s status in real time.

3. Collecting Compensation and Essentials

Most airlines provide compensation for essentials while you wait for your baggage. If you need to purchase clothing, toiletries, or other items, keep your receipts as airlines may reimburse reasonable expenses (usually within a set daily limit). Check your airline’s policies to understand the coverage.

If you have travel insurance, this may also cover you for any delayed or lost baggage claims, sometimes with more extensive compensation for delayed baggage.

4. Baggage Delivery Arrangements

Heathrow’s handlers often deliver baggage to local addresses or hotels within the UK once it arrives at the airport. Be sure to provide your current address and contact number when reporting the delay to arrange delivery.

For international passengers or those who have already left London, airlines often partner with couriers for deliveries to addresses within the airline’s service region. Confirm with the airline or handling agent about the possibility of international delivery if needed.

5. In Case of Lost Luggage

If your baggage is not located within 21 days, it’s generally considered lost. At this point, you may be eligible for additional compensation for lost items. Submit a claim to the airline, including details of the contents of your bag and supporting receipts, if available.

Note: Compensation policies vary by airline, and there may be limits to the coverage based on the airline or the Montreal Convention, which applies internationally.

Contact Information for Heathrow’s Baggage Services

Heathrow provides a list of contact details by terminal that we have compiled for you below. Make sure to note the appropriate email or phone contact for future follow-up.

Retrieving Your Lost or Delayed Baggage at LHR

If your bag is located by your airline, it will usually be couriered to your destination. You may be invited back to Heathrow by your airline to pick up your bag. However, you should not return to Heathrow without your airline's permission. You will need the following documents to pick up your bag personally.

• Evidence of arrival (e.g. Proof of arrival (e.g. boarding pass or itinerary)
• Document of identification (e.g. Passport or UK driving license for UK residents traveling on domestic flights

If you are returning to the airport, speak to your airline to confirm that this time is still valid.

Additional Tips for Retrieving Your Lost or Delayed Luggage

• Always carry essentials, electronics, and important documents in your hand luggage to avoid potential losses.
• Mark luggage with unique identifiers. This helps identify your bag quickly and ensures it stands out during a delayed baggage search.

This guide should make it easier to handle baggage delays, but always check your airline's specific policy for their approach to lost and delayed luggage at Heathrow.