01
Hour 0: the report connects the passenger to the missing bag
The desk or online service records the journey, bag tag, physical description and contact details. This creates the airline or handler's operational case. Check it before leaving: a wrong colour, suitcase type, phone number or delivery address can make an otherwise useful match harder to act on.
A PIR is not necessarily the later written expense claim. Save the report and follow the carrier's separate claim instructions when the bag returns or is treated as lost.
02
The trace looks for a routing record or a physical match
Staff may review available baggage events and compare the missing-bag file with found-bag records. WorldTracer supports matching based on standard bag attributes, but the responsible airline controls the passenger case. BagBack cannot see airline, handler, airport or WorldTracer records.
A missing passenger-facing update does not prove that nothing is happening. Some operational scans are not displayed, and an untagged bag may need a physical description before it can be associated with a report.
03
A located bag normally needs another flight or local movement
If a bag missed departure or a connection, the usual recovery path is to re-route it through the normal departure process on a suitable later service. It may need a new routing instruction, security and reconciliation checks, transport to the destination and arrival processing.
Located, forwarding and received at airport are different stages. A bag can be identified without yet being ready for the passenger or courier.
04
Delivery starts after the bag reaches the recovery station
The destination airline or handler may hand the bag to a delivery provider, arrange collection or ask for further information. Courier tracking and airline baggage tracking are separate systems, so a delivery time may appear only after local handover.
Do not travel to the airport merely because a personal tracker shows the bag there. Wait for an authorised collection instruction or confirmed delivery arrangement.
05
What to do if the status has not changed
- Re-check the airline portal using the file reference—not the bag-tag number unless instructed.
- Correct the description or delivery details through the official manage-report route.
- Share a personal-tracker location only through a channel the airline accepts.
- Avoid opening duplicate reports unless the airline tells you to; fragmented files can complicate communication.
- Prepare a contents inventory and proof of value if the delay continues toward day 21.