High number of claims over lost luggage

Insurance companies in the UK have reported that the level of claims coming in over lost luggage has soared over the first half of this year, increasing by a huge amount compared to the same period last year.

One leading travel insurer reported that between January and June there were nearly three thousand claims made over lost luggage to the company, which reflected an increase of 85% on the same period in 2006. The average claim was for over £200 according to the insurance company.

The travel insurance company also reported that there was a 22% rise in the number of bags lost across Europe in the same period, despite the level of passengers travelling only rising by 1.4%. The figures have been compiled by the Association of European Airlines. However, some budget airlines such as EasyJet were not included when these figures were put together, and therefore the actually number and level of lost luggage could be even higher.

A spokesman for the insurance company stated: “We have seen an enormous rise in claims for lost luggage. With the summer holiday season now in full swing, we can unfortunately expect more families’ holidays to be ruined by lost baggage.”

Another leading insurance company, Norwich Union, reported a rise of 40% in claims over lost luggage in the first half of this year. The figures from the Association of European Airlines also showed that in 2006 British Airways lost more luggage than any other European airline following a variety of problems that resulted in luggage problems. The reports also highlight the importance of having adequate travel insurance in place when going on holiday or even travelling on business, as loss of all of your luggage can prove very costly.

Tom Smith
28th September 2007