01
A tracker needs a baggage report to look up
If the suitcase does not arrive, report it before leaving the baggage hall when possible. The report connects your journey, checked-bag tag, description and delivery details. It usually produces a PIR or file reference that the airline's tracking service can recognise.
A booking reference or bag-tag number may help staff create the report, but neither normally replaces the delayed-baggage file reference at the passenger tracking screen.
02
Use the portal selected by your airline
Some airlines use a WorldTracer-branded passenger page, some place WorldTracer behind their own branding, and others use a different service. Follow the link in your report confirmation or open the baggage page on the airline's official website. Do not assume a portal found in a general search holds your file.
BagBack provides general guidance and links to airline services. It cannot see, search, update or close any passenger's baggage record.
03
Check details as well as the visible status
Confirm that the passenger name, phone number, temporary delivery address, flights, bag-tag number and suitcase description are correct. A changed hotel or an inaccurate colour or bag type can make contact and delivery harder even if the bag is later matched.
Passenger-visible updates are summaries. A status that has not changed does not prove that no operational work or matching is taking place, and a personal tracker location does not guarantee that staff can retrieve a bag immediately.
04
Follow up through the file-owning airline or handler
- Use the contact details printed on the report or supplied in the confirmation email.
- Quote the file reference exactly and keep a note of each contact.
- Share a personal-tracker location only through a channel the airline accepts.
- Do not travel to a baggage area or warehouse unless the airline instructs you to collect the bag.
05
Tracking and compensation remain separate
Keep dated, itemised receipts for reasonable essentials while away from home and check the airline's current policy. The PIR opens a tracing record; it does not necessarily submit a reimbursement claim.
Where the Montreal Convention applies, a written complaint about delay is generally due within 21 days from the date the bag is returned. If it has not arrived after 21 days, the Convention lets the passenger enforce rights arising from the contract of carriage as though the bag were lost. Route and local rules can differ, so act promptly.