- Writer Jill Schildhouse shared the story of what happened on her recent vacation
- She and her mom were looking forward to a relaxing time, but things took a turn
- READ MORE: Tyra Banks shares the reason why she fled US to live in Australia
A mom-and-daughter duo have revealed the harrowing story behind their lost luggage – and one travel lesson they’ve learned for life.
In a new, first-person piece written for Business Insider, Arizona-based writer Jill Schildhouse shared the story of how what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation to Mexico with her mom turned into a bit of a nightmare.
The two were looking forward to a few days away in the sun, but things took a turn when they landed in Puerto Vallarta and her mom’s suitcase was nowhere to be found at baggage claim.
‘I spotted my suitcase right away. However, as we waited for my mom’s small pink bag to appear, the crowd thinned, and our anxiety grew,’ Schildhouse wrote.
After it was clear that the luggage wasn’t going to turn up, they went to go file a report with airport staff – and Schildhouse did something that she never typically does.
She reached into her bag to pull out the luggage-tag stickers she got before she boarded her flight in Arizona, and found a shocking surprise.
It turns out that her mom’s suitcase was thousands of miles away in India, as her luggage tag had a destination of Delhi, India, on it and the name of a different passenger.
The writer explained that a staff member must have accidentally swapped her mom’s luggage tag with another passenger’s.
A mom-and-daughter duo have revealed the harrowing story behind their lost luggage – and one travel lesson they’ve learned for life
Arizona-based writer Jill Schildhouse explained how her mom’s suitcase ended up in India after the airline put the wrong tag on it (stock image)
She explained that this travel experience taught her a lesson that she would never forget – and something she hoped others would also start doing to avoid the same mishap.
She suggested travelers always make sure to check the luggage stickers they get from the airline before walking away from the check-in counter.
Schildhouse admitted that she never checked those stickers before this trip.
But thankfully, the story has a happy ending.
Her mom’s suitcase was returned to them about a week later at home, and American Airlines reimbursed them for the new items they had to buy in Mexico.
Her mom was able to buy a new curling iron, a few tops, and some sandals.
The airline paid them back for the $610 that they had to spend to get her new vacation wardrobe sorted out.
Schildhouse’s story comes just a few days after airlines warned vacationers about suitcase colors they should never use.
She suggested travelers always make sure to check the luggage stickers they get from the airline before walking away from the check-in counter
European airline Ryanair recommended avoiding checked bags that are black, gray, and navy, as they can be easily confused with other passengers belongings.
The budget airline said: ‘Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or grey.
‘Add a colorful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there’s no confusion on arrival.’
Frankfurt Airport boss, Stefan Schulte, has also urged people to avoid black luggage while travelling, as his airport has struggled with those that are ‘hard to distinguish from each other.’
‘Many people travel with black suitcases on wheels which makes identifying them very time-intensive,’ he said.