Foundation · Travel

Lost Luggage & Problems

Your goal: Report a missing bag or a problem with your travel. Simple, calm English for stressful situations.

1

Survival Phrases

At Lost Property / Baggage Desk

  • My suitcase didn't arrive.
  • It's a large, blue bag.
  • Here is my baggage tag.

Common Problems

  • I missed my connection.
  • My flight is cancelled. What do I do?
  • The ticket machine is broken.
2

Model Dialogue

Passenger: Excuse me, my bag isn't on the carousel.

Agent: Which flight were you on?

Passenger: Flight TP123 from Lisbon.

Agent: Can I see your baggage tag?

Passenger: Yes, here it is. It's a black suitcase with wheels.

Agent: I see it in the system. It's still in Lisbon. It will arrive tomorrow.

Passenger: Oh no. Can you deliver it to my hotel?

Agent: Yes, please fill in this form with your address.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationFormalInformal
Reporting a problemI'm afraid there is a problem.Something's wrong.
Asking for helpCould you help me, please?Can you help?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • My bag disappeared. → My bag is missing / hasn't arrived.
  • I lost the flight. → I missed my flight.
5

Culture Note

  • Stay calm. The staff want to help, and being angry makes it harder.
  • Always keep your baggage tag (the small sticker) until you have your bag.
6

Practical Task

  1. Describe your favorite suitcase (color, size, type).
  2. Practice the dialogue where you report it missing.
  • ☐describe your bag clearly?
  • ☐show your baggage tag?
  • ☐ask for a delivery to your hotel?