Heathrow ate my backpack

LOST luggage and a day spent in Heathrow Airport's baggage reclaim hall brings unexpected surprises - and a few tips for next time.

Heathrow

I'M spending the day in the world's busiest international airport, London Heathrow.

But I won't be wiling away the day in the Bulgari, Burberry or Cartier stores.

Instead, I will be spending my Saturday in the baggage reclaim hall in Terminal 5.

I've just flown in from Amsterdam and my bag has failed to appear on the carousel. I have a flight booked for tonight through to Sydney.

The man at the British Airways lost luggage counter tells me I need to stay in the baggage reclaim area if I want to be reunited with my backpack.

"Just wait until the next BA flight arrives from Amsterdam it might have your bag on it," Sunhil says.

"The next one arrives in three hours.If that doesn't work, wait until the one after that arrives."

I ask Sunhil if instead of waiting, I could go into London for the day and he could ring my mobile when my bag arrives and I could return to the airport and collect it.

"It's not possible," Sunhil says, explaining that once I've left the reclaim area I can't come back.

"I suggest you find a seat and wait."

I take his advice and sit on a wire seat. But soon I'm hungry.

I go back to Sunhil, who sits in front of a sign saying: "We're here to help".

I tell him I'm hungry.

"Oh dear, madam, that's not good. There is no food available in the reclaim area.

"But I'll have a look and see if I can find you something out the back of the office."

He returns bearing a sandwich, a pack of biscuits and a bottle of water. I could kiss him.

I go back to the seat to eat lunch and wait. And wait. And wait.

Thousands of travellers come and go. Excitedly they arrive, chatting on their mobiles. They grab their bags and rush out the doors into the arms of loved ones or a waiting taxi.

The clock rolls on to 5pm and I'm still possessionless. I decide to exit without my bag and catch my flight to Sydney.

"Are you checking in any bags today?" the attendant asks.

"No, just hand luggage," I reply.

During the lay-over in Hong Kong, I buy a new top to freshen up I arrive back in Sydney wearing an "I love Hong Kong" T-shirt.

Two weeks go by and my bag still hasn't turned up.

Eventually a letter arrives. Inside there is an apologetic letter from BA, and a cheque.

My anger at the airline dissipates.

With a smile on my face I hot foot it to the bank and then into town to do some serious shopping.

Loss prevention tips

Label: Put your name and details on the outside of each bag.

Remember: Take a picture of your bag or make a note of its dimensions, colour and brand.

Check in: Avoid checking in at the last minute as your bag may not have time to make it to your plane.

ID stubs: Don't throw out the bag ID stubs given to you at check-in.

Don't linger: At your destination, head straight to the luggage carousel.

Tell the airline: If a bag is damaged or missing, go to your airline's lost luggage counter. If the bag is damaged they will inspect it and request you fill out a form. If the bag doesn't arrive on the carousel the airline's lost luggage staff will try to track it with your baggage ID stub. Most lost bags turn up within 48 hours and are delivered to your home or hotel.

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