Who is responsible for baggage accountability?

Baggage Accountability in Air Travel

When travelers entrust their belongings to an airline, they expect their baggage to be handled with care and delivered to its intended destination. The responsibility for baggage accountability lies solely with the airlines.

Airline Accountability

Airlines are responsible for the entire baggage handling process, encompassing:

• Check-in: Airlines are accountable for verifying the passenger’s identity, accepting their baggage, and issuing a baggage check.
• Storage and Handling: Airlines ensure the safe storage and handling of baggage throughout the journey, including during loading, unloading, and transit.
• Safe Delivery: Airlines are ultimately responsible for delivering baggage safely to the destination, whether it be the baggage claim area or a connecting flight.

Airport Assistance

Airports play a supporting role in baggage accountability by providing guidance to passengers. They assist with the following:

• Passenger Information: Airports provide information to passengers regarding airline contact details for baggage issues.
• Baggage Claim Management: Airports manage the baggage claim area, where passengers can retrieve their luggage.
• Lost and Found Services: Airports offer lost and found services to assist passengers with locating misplaced baggage.

Passenger Responsibilities

While airlines bear the primary responsibility for baggage accountability, passengers have certain responsibilities as well:

• Proper Labeling: Passengers should ensure their baggage is clearly labeled with their name, contact information, and destination.
• Valuable Item Declaration: Passengers should inform the airline of any valuable items in their baggage.
• Prohibited Items: Passengers should be aware of prohibited items and avoid packing them in their luggage.
• Reporting Damage or Loss: Passengers should promptly report any damaged or lost baggage to the airline.

By understanding the responsibilities of both airlines and passengers, travelers can ensure the accountability of their baggage throughout the air travel experience.