Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands

Handle lost luggage like a pro with tips for getting reimbursed and packing smarter to avoid future headaches.

What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit cards and travel insurance policies actually help when this happens? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Meghan’s real-life saga of lost luggage on a trip to Italy, including how she tracked it down, got it back, and got reimbursed nearly $2,000. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including how changes in U.S. travel spending could lead to more travel deals, the latest late-summer travel deals, World of Hyatt glamping points deals, Disneyland’s limited-time ticket offer, and a new United Club lounge in Denver.

Then, Meghan and Sally dive deep into how to financially protect yourself from baggage mishaps. They share tips and tricks on choosing the right credit card for travel protections, tracking bags with AirTags, and getting reimbursed — even internationally. They also discuss travel insurance options, airline refund policies, packing strategies for high-stakes travel, and how to navigate lost-and-found drama abroad. 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• 12 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-cards-that-provide-travel-insurance 

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Under Canvas Review: Glamping with Hyatt https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/under-canvas-review-glamping-with-hyatt 

• Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Party: How to Join for Cheap https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/disneyland-70-anniversary 

• First Look: United’s New Denver Club Is a Mountain Cabin Delight https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/first-look-uniteds-new-denver-club-is-a-mountain-cabin-delight 

• The Best Days to Fly Around Labor Day in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/the-best-days-to-fly-around-labor-day-in-2025 

• How to Find the Best Travel Insurance https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-insurance 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  

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In this episode, the Nerds discuss: lost luggage, airline lost baggage, delayed luggage reimbursement, baggage insurance, travel credit card protections, how to get money back for lost luggage, travel insurance coverage for luggage, best credit cards for lost luggage, travel protections credit card, AirTags for luggage, Apple AirTag airline tracking, carry-on vs checked bag, how to file a lost luggage claim, international travel luggage issues, how to pack for international travel, travel tips Italy, Florence travel tips, how to avoid lost luggage, Charles de Gaulle airport luggage, travel reimbursement for lost bag, travel insurance vs credit card insurance, Blue Ribbon Bags, how to get reimbursed for a lost suitcase, tracking lost luggage, airline compensation lost bag, filing an airline baggage claim, international wedding travel tips, best ways to travel light, and how to pack for a destination wedding.

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