Baggage Claim at the Airport – English Dialogues & Vocabulary

Baggage claim at the airport can be confusing—especially if you’re not confident speaking English. Whether you’re waiting for your suitcase or reporting lost luggage, it’s important to know the right travel phrases, questions, and airport vocabulary. In this article, you’ll learn how to speak English at baggage claim through practical dialogues, everyday expressions, and common phrasal verbs. You’ll also discover key phrases used by native speakers when dealing with delayed baggage or missing suitcases. These conversations will help you feel confident and clear when talking to airport staff or asking for help in English.

English Conversation at Baggage Claim

Scene: Emma has just arrived at JFK Airport. She goes to the baggage carousel, waits for a while, but notices her suitcase hasn’t arrived. She approaches the airline baggage service desk.

Dialogue 1: Asking About a Missing Bag

Emma: Hi, excuse me—do you know if all the bags from Flight 832 have been unloaded?

Airline Staff: Let me check the system for you.
(looks at screen) Yes, all baggage has been delivered to Carousel 6.

Emma: That’s where I’ve been waiting, but my suitcase still hasn’t shown up. I’ve been standing there since the belt started moving.

Airline Staff: I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s try to track it down. Could I see your baggage claim tag?

Emma: Sure, I have it right here. It’s attached to my boarding pass.

Airline Staff: Thank you. Can you also describe the bag for me?

Emma: It’s a medium-sized navy blue suitcase, with a yellow strap around it and a small Canadian flag sticker on the side.

Airline Staff: Got it. Did you have any valuables inside?

Emma: No, just clothes and toiletries. My electronics and passport are with me in my carry-on.

Airline Staff: That’s good. Sometimes bags get delayed, especially with tight connections. Your bag may have been offloaded late or routed to a different flight.

Emma: That makes sense—I did have a short layover in Frankfurt.

Airline Staff: I’ll file a missing baggage report for you now.
Can you confirm your local address or where you’ll be staying?

Emma: Sure—I’ll be at the Parkview Hotel on 7th Avenue for the next four days.

Airline Staff: Great. If your bag arrives on the next flight, we’ll deliver it to your hotel free of charge.

Emma: That would be amazing. I don’t have anything to change into right now.

Airline Staff: I understand. In the meantime, you’re entitled to a basic reimbursement for essentials. Keep your receipts, and we’ll guide you through a claim.

Emma: Thanks so much for your help. Fingers crossed it turns up soon.

Airline Staff: Most bags show up within 24 hours. We’ll call you as soon as it’s located. Here’s a reference number for your report.

Emma: Got it. You’ve been very helpful—thank you again.

Airline Staff: My pleasure. We’ll do our best to reunite you with your bag ASAP. Have a great day!

Vocabulary & Phrases – Dialogue 1

Dialogue 2: Reporting Lost Luggage to Airline Staff

Sophia: Hi there… I think there might be an issue with my luggage. I was on Flight 276 from Tokyo.

Agent: I’m sorry to hear that. Did you already check Carousel 5?

Sophia: Yes, I’ve been standing there for nearly 45 minutes. Most people have already left, and the belt has stopped.

Agent: Okay, let’s see what we can do. First, may I see your baggage claim stub?

Sophia: Of course. It’s still attached to my boarding pass. Here.

Agent: Thanks. Just a moment while I pull up your baggage file in the system.
While I do that, can you describe the bag for me?

Sophia: It’s a large purple suitcase with a white ribbon tied on the handle and a paper tag that says “FRAGILE.” It has a zipper all around and a side pocket.

Agent: Got it. That helps. Was it checked through all the way to LAX?

Sophia: Yes, I checked it in at Narita Airport. It should’ve arrived here.

Agent: Alright. Sometimes bags get rerouted by mistake, especially if there were delays or tight layovers. Was your connection close?

Sophia: Yes, very. I had less than an hour in Seattle, and I barely made it to the gate before they started boarding.

Agent: That could be it. In cases like that, it’s not uncommon for the luggage to miss the transfer.
Let me check if it got scanned on the second leg…

(pauses)

Agent: Okay, it looks like your bag was held back in Seattle and didn’t get loaded onto your second flight. But the good news is—it’s scheduled to arrive on the next flight tonight.

Sophia: Oh thank goodness! I was afraid it was lost entirely.

Agent: Not at all. It’s been delayed, not lost.
Once it arrives, we’ll have it delivered directly to your hotel or home—whichever is easier for you.

Sophia: I’ll be at a hotel downtown for the next three nights. Can you send it there?

Agent: Absolutely. I’ll just need the hotel name, address, and your room number.

Sophia: Sure—Hotel Monterey, 412 Main Street, Room 606.

Agent: Great. Also, just to let you know—you’re eligible for a delayed baggage kit, which includes toiletries, a t-shirt, and a voucher. You’ll also be reimbursed for essential purchases, like clothes or personal care items.
Just be sure to hang on to all your receipts.

Sophia: That’s really helpful. I didn’t pack any spare clothes in my carry-on.

Agent: That happens a lot. Next time, I recommend keeping a change of clothes in your hand luggage—just in case.

Sophia: Lesson learned!

Agent: Alright, I’ve created a baggage incident report. Here’s your tracking number—you can use this to check the status online.

Sophia: Will I get a call or notification when it’s on the way?

Agent: Yes, you’ll receive a text or email once it’s out for delivery. Most bags arrive within 12–24 hours.

Sophia: Okay, that’s not too bad. I was just afraid I’d have to replace everything.

Agent: No need for that. And if, for some reason, it doesn’t arrive by tomorrow evening, feel free to call our 24-hour helpline for an update.

Sophia: Perfect. Thanks so much for helping me sort this out.

Agent: My pleasure. I know how frustrating it can be. We’ll do our best to get your bag back to you as soon as possible.

Sophia: Thanks again. You’ve been so kind and professional!

Agent: You’re very welcome. Safe travels and enjoy your stay in L.A.!

Vocabulary & Phrases – Dialogue 2