What To Do When You Left Your Hand-Carry At The Airport of Origin

First, how did it happen? 

We almost missed our flight! We were running late, and the cabin door was about to close when we boarded the aircraft. My husband and I arrived separately at the airport. He was the one who arrived later than I was (it's a valid reason, I swear, and this was an unplanned trip).

My carry-ons are my small body bag with my cellphone and wallet, a lady's bag containing all my personal things (which are supposed to be stuffed in), and a backpack with all my clothing. I was also wearing a jacket. 

I was the one showing our identifications and digital boarding passes to security, so my hands were full when I was retrieving my things from the security scanner. I asked my husband to retrieve my clothing backpack from the scanner since he was only carrying a small backpack. I swear I heard him say "ok." But by the time I slumped down to the airline chair and asked for my backpack, his answer was "What bag?". To cut the story short, my backpack was left at the scanner. 

What to do? 

1. Approach the cabin crew immediately and report to them the situation. If there's enough time before takeoff, they might be able to retrieve your bag before departure. 

It is not possible in our case because the plane is about to take off, and they can no longer send someone to retrieve the bag. They will give you a choice (as if it's a choice) to be offloaded to retrieve your bag or fly without it. I picked the obvious choice. 

2. Upon arrival at your airport destination, contact the airline personnel and ask for assistance. Tell them that you want to file a report about the missed bag and that you want to retrieve it upon your return. 

The lady who initially assisted me was hesitant reasoning that it is not their responsibility because it is a hand-carry bag and not checked-in baggage.  So I insist!  
I told them that I was also filing a report for my security. Some evil hands might get a hold of my bag and use it for unscrupulous purposes. Luckily, another crew took over and assisted me properly.

3. So remember do not take no for an answer. Insist!

4. They should make you fill out a "Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This should contain your contact details (provide at least two), flight details, and the details of the missing bag. They will also ask if you have a photo of the bag. 

5. They should attempt to contact their counterpart from your airport of origin. You may wait for the update if you are not in a hurry. If not, they should contact you instead. 

We waited for some minutes then the crew suggested they would just contact me when they received an update. 

6. Make sure to get the name and contact details of the person assisting you so you can contact them if they will not contact you.  

Now, was I able to retrieve my bag? The story will be in the next post. 

PS. 

Another must-do when you "lose" your bag carrying your outfit for the week is of course, to head to the department store and buy yourself several sets of underwear!