Birmingham Airport's baggage system problems have extended into a third day, disrupting peak summer holiday travel and prompting sharp criticism from passengers who say they are left without essential items and clear information.
The airport, known by its IATA code BHX, first reported a 'technical issue' affecting outbound luggage on Friday, August 7. Despite engineers being on site to resolve the problem, ongoing issues remain as of Sunday, August 9.
Airport's statement: 'Vast majority' of bags traveling as planned
In a statement posted on social media, BHX acknowledged the continuing problems: "Whilst issues are remaining, the vast majority of baggage is travelling as planned with passengers. We are working with our airlines and third parties to reunite luggage with passengers as fast as possible and we are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience and stress this has caused some of our passengers."
However, the airport's assertion has done little to appease frustrated travelers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their anger. Within an hour of BHX's latest post, more than 120 comments had been added, reflecting widespread discontent.
Passengers report missing bags and lack of communication
Diane Corkin voiced the sentiments of many, saying: "The issue is not only delayed baggage — it's the lack of communication and compassion shown over the last 24 hours. Families have been left without essentials and no clear information about what is happening, when luggage will arrive, or what support is available. Saying that 'the vast majority of baggage is travelling as planned' offers little reassurance to those still waiting with unanswered questions. Regular updates, honest information, and a visible effort to support affected passengers would have gone a long way!!"
Rebecca Searson described her experience flying with Easyjet: "We flew yesterday with Easyjet, 4/5 of us got our cases, a Jet2 flight from Birmingham that landed after us had nothing. We got prepared and packed essentials into hand luggage. We were delayed and the pilot said it was because he wanted all of our luggage on x."
Claire Whittaker recounted a fellow traveler's ordeal: "We flew to Turkey yesterday, no bags were loaded onto the plane at all. We've had to complete a form and now wait. A guy on the plane was tracking his bags - one had moved to Leeds, one to East Midlands and one still in Birmingham.... Hopefully, we'll get some luggage today."
Compensation advice and passenger tips
Questions about compensation have also arisen. Laura Treleaven shared advice from Jet2: "I spoke to Jet2 yesterday and you need to submit them to your airline. They need to be itemised, though, with each individual item. The first shop we went to didn't give us an itemised receipt, just the card receipt, so we may not be able to claim that back."
Michelle Haley, who flew on Friday morning, said: "We flew this morning at 7am, after a long delay on the tarmac with them putting on and taking off various loads of luggage, we then went on our way to find all of our cases missing. Complete shambles. Airline can't give any updates as they can't locate our cases. BHX need to do better it's unacceptable."
Lisa Mannina added: "My daughter left for Spain today wasn't told about issues to pack spares for carry on, they flew out with no luggage at all." Jennifer Rich echoed the frustration: "Would be great for passengers to have any communication about when we will get luggage returned to us. You also knew those bags weren't leaving the airport. Why not tell us so we could take essentials out or buy what we need before we left."
Seasoned travelers offer packing strategies
Some passengers have shared practical tips to mitigate the impact of lost luggage. Andrea Faulkner advised: "This is why we always mix up the whole party's clothes across all cases and pack a mix of stuff into the full cabin bag allowance, including clothing, shoes, swimwear and consumables like sun cream and bug spray. It's a bit more of a faff to unpack on arrival but I'm always fearful of missing suitcases. I try to capsule wardrobe a bit in each bag too so that if only one case arrives the shoes with go with the outfits and beach wear etc."
Amy Beard added: "Tips: carry essentials, including all medication, in your hand luggage. If travelling with more than one person split all your luggage across all cases so each case has items for everyone. So many people still pack individual cases for themselves, then husbands'/wives' clothes, then kids' clothes in a separate case. Put everyone's items into outfit choices and pack a bit of everyone's in each case. If only 1 out of 3 cases makes it to the destination, at least u all have a few outfits to last you."
Civil Aviation Authority: Airlines liable for delayed luggage
For those affected, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides guidance: "Most airlines will reimburse you for the bare essentials you need to buy when your bag is delayed. If you are away from home, this may cover essential toiletries, underwear and laundry costs. When hold luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, airlines are liable for your losses. However, there are no rules which fix the amount of compensation you should receive. It will depend on the value of what you have lost and the maximum will be around £1000, however, it would be very rare for you to receive this much."
The CAA also stresses the importance of reporting the issue at the airport: "You must report the fact that your luggage has been lost, delayed or damaged at the airport and keep a copy of the Property Irregularity Report, which staff of the airline will complete. To make a claim you must then contact the airline in writing within 21 days for delayed bags from receiving the delayed bag."
