Losing luggage during a holiday is a nightmare situation that travellers hope to never encounter. According to a new study by Compare the Market, this nightmare scenario is more common than travellers might think.
The study, in which more than 3,000 people across Australia, America and Canada were surveyed, found that 20.4% of Australian travellers have lost luggage while travelling with an airline – the lowest of the countries surveyed, with 25.9% of American travellers having had luggage misplaced by airlines, and 30.4% of Canadian flyers claiming the same.
Of the Australian travellers that have had luggage misplaced, the majority reported waiting for days before receiving their lost luggage, with 6.8% reporting they never received their belongings at all.
Over three quarters of Australian flyers (78.5%) who have had their luggage misplaced never received any compensation or reimbursement from their airline, and those who did received a median compensation of AU$400.00.
While the majority of Australian flyers with lost bags did not lodge a claim with their travel insurers, 17.1% reported not having any travel insurance cover whatsoever.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes how travel insurance can cover your lost luggage.
“Losing your luggage on your holiday can be a nightmare. If your airline loses your luggage, they might reimburse you for the loss, but even then, it could be days or weeks without your gear,” Mr Taylor said.
“At the same time, there is a chance that the reimbursement you receive does not adequately cover you for your loss or damages. This is where travel insurance can help you bridge the gap.
“Ensuring your travel insurance policy covers you against loss or theft, including cash and travel documents, could potentially leave you with more adequate reimbursement should things go awry.
“Luggage cover while travelling affords you a great deal of peace of mind and allows you to focus on your trip.”
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, limits and restrictions before purchasing.
For full results, data, assets and methodology, please visit: Luggage Lost, Loved & Found
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For interviews and more information, please contact:
Lachlan Moore | lachlan.moore@comparethemarket.com.au
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