If your suitcase does not arrive at the airport when or where you do, you should report this to the airline staff immediately without leaving the baggage reclaim area. You will be given a Property Irregularity Report (or PIR) form - fill it in on the spot and ask for a copy.

Find out whether you have to make a separate claim for compensation. If so, make the claim in writing within seven days, enclosing a copy of the PIR. Keep copies of all correspondence. Airlines must pay compensation for lost luggage, but the amount is based on weight, not on the cash value of the missing possessions.

On flights to and from the UK, the limit at present is about £14 per kilogram and for internal flights, it is even less. This should be taken into account when purchasing insurance.