Chances of baggage delay on Virgin
 

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with delayed baggage on a direct flight to London? Just want to hear people's take on it, to help me plan accordingly.

I do plan on bringing a light carry on for emergency, especially since I'll be heading straight to Belgium after my arrival.

Delayed baggage? You mean if the baggage goes astray and is delivered to you after arrival? Not really sure but I think all airlines nowadays have chances of baggage problems.

Yes it's delayed baggage...bag gets "lost" then is delivered after arrival.

I know that all airlines have this problem, but just wondering about Virgin Airline's history with handling luggage.

Hi M,
Hi M,

Do you think that any answer you receive here really matters. If everyone who responds says nothing but positive things about Virgin's baggage history, but your's is "lost" after arriving in London, then what? How about, "it can only happen to me".

If your bags are 'delayed' (hopefully not) then it's a bad thing and knowing Virgin's history won't matter.

Of course there is always a chance that checked bags will be delayed, but usually the odds are lower on a direct flight as there is no need to get your bag off one plane and on to another en route. Some things you can do to reduce the risk are
1. Complete check procedures in plenty of time before the flight - an hour at the absolute minimum, more is better. Checked bags must be screened before they can be loaded, and this can take some time.
2. When your bag is tagged, check to be sure that the correct flight number and destination appear on the tag. Sounds simple, but it has happened to me that somehow the wrong destination was on the bag tag. In some places you will be given the bag after the tag is applied and told to carry it to the screeners, but even if not you will receive your claim ticket which also lists the destination. If it is not tagged for same place where you are going, notify the agent at once.

In the event that the bag does get delayed, you will need to check with the airline's baggage office at the arrival airport and probably fill out a form. On that form will be a place to specify where you want the bag delivered when it is recovered, so you can put in your Belgium address. Be sure you get a copy of the completed form along with the contact number to call if need be.

The only time we have had a problem with delayed luggage on Virgin was when we swtiched to another airine at Heathrow to go to Paris.

Thanks Seamus for your suggestions.

I think in some ways its good to get the word out about airline performance, to create a need for airlines to get better or continue doing well. I think forums like tripadvisor.com is a good example.

Sometimes I'm willing to go with another choice if I know I'll get better quality service, especially when dealing with stressful situations.