Day one exploring in Paris. Wearing my new GAP button up that I think I’m obsessed with.
On Tuesday I headed out to Paris with Lauren of Fashionably Lo and Megan of Lush To Blush. An impulse trip on my end if you recall here. We purchased insanely cheap flights out of MIA which meant we just needed to buy an even cheaper flight to MIA from ATL (usually around $100 round trip). This meant my checked bag had to be picked up from baggage claim and rechecked and blah blah blah. When I arrived at the airport Tuesday afternoon I asked if they could graciously have it go straight through to Paris as if it were all booked like a connecting flight. Sure, they said! Great. Off I went for a long day of travel and anxiously await to arrive in beautiful Paris.
As we arrived after our 9 hour flight from MIA, and after realizing during landing that there were comfy foot rests we failed to discover, I noticed my bag wasn’t ever making its way to the baggage carousel. It’s gone. Gone for good. I boast that I check a bag every single flight and have yet to lose it. So here I am, in a foreign country, with nothing but a spare pair of panties (one of my long travel day tips) one pair of jeans thanks to a 56 pound bag that needed to be reduced down a bit. Oh and one extra pair of sweatpants. Well, let’s do this.
Thankfully I’m with two fashion bloggers who both have packed everything and more. I was a little bummed being without a dozen fresh panties, your own razor and makeup, and not to mention outfits you are needing for a collaboration for the blog. So here’s my lesson to you so that you learn from me. Always pack spare panties and one spare outfit. I don’t ever do this on domestic flights, but I’m officially going to start. Because yes, I still refuse to carry on unless it’s a 2 day trip.
Since this is my first ever experience losing luggage, I thought I’d share some things I’ve learned along the way so far so this doesn’t happen to you. And if it does, you’ll at least be a little more prepared. So here’s how to deal with lost luggage if you ever find yourself in this pretty crappy situation.
HOW TO DEAL WITH LOST LUGGAGE
Before You Even Leave
- Let’s talk about how you packed! Always pack an extra outfit with you no matter what. Even if it’s just leggings and a tank and keep it in your backpack or carryon.
- Extra panties are your best friend. Pack them in your backpack along with your outfit!
- When you check your luggage, check the baggage tag to ensure it has the correct flight number on it. This is how mine got lost, it went to the wrong airport because it was typed in incorrectly.
When It Actually Happens
- Contact your airline immediately to file a claim and follow up diligently.
- Keep receipts! – If you have to purchase anything like toiletries and clothing, be sure to save receipts as most airlines can reimburse you for certain things at their discretion (I’ll keep you posted on how successful this part was)
UPDATE! This was very successful. I was fully reimbursed even for my GAP dress, bras, several pairs of underwear and everything in between. I now wish I bought more stuff because I really could’ve used more things but was worried they wouldn’t reimburse me. From speaking with fellow lost luggage victims, the airlines will reimburse quite a bit and sometimes provide miles as a consolation for your troubles.
- Check with your hotel or Airbnb host for any assistance on essentials – They may also be able to lead you in the right direction on where to buy basics. Thanks to a Twitter follower, I discovered the Monoprix which was basically a mini Target and very helpful to grab toiletries and the basics.
- Find an inexpensive store locally to grab a few clothing musts. Bonus points for returning items you didn’t wear or shopping at a store you have at home so you can do returns if needed. I bought some things at GAP knowing I could probably return them in the States.
While You Wait For Your Luggage
- Don’t panic! You’ll actually survive without these things and life will go on. I promise.
And lastly, learn to just carry the heck on next time! It makes international travel especially, so much easier!
I’m heading to Boston in a week for just a few days and I ALWAYS check a bag no matter how short the trip is usually. This is partially because #bloggerlife and I need all the outfits and options to shoot. But also because my checked bag is always free. So why not take advantage? I’ll be challenging myself for this upcoming trip to pack light and still be super stylish. Stay tuned for the outcome.
Inside Palais de Royale, there’s an Australian owned coffee shop called, Café Kistuné. We had three chai’s all around. They were SO delicious.
The most incredible falafel I’ve ever had at L’as de Falafel in Marais, which may be my new favorite neighborhood in Paris.
Before we go, if you have any off the beaten path recommendations for me to visit while in Paris, please let me know. I’m looking to avoid all the touristy things this trip (well I have to see the Eiffel Tower light up tonight, duh) and really see the city for what it is.
