I recently had my checked bag lost (and then found again - thankfully) not once but twice on international flights to and from Italy. I booked separate tickets with two different airlines for going and coming back, so I can't even say it's an issue with one specific airline.

Despite being a frequent flier, I'd never had an issue with lost luggage until this summer. Even though it's not an incredibly common issue, it's best to be prepared in case it happens to you.

Don't leave the baggage claim area

If you're left watching the belt at baggage claim go round and round as your fellow passengers leave with their things, you're probably one of the unlucky few whose bag has been lost.

It's very important that you do not leave the baggage claim area. Because of safety issues, if you leave you won't be allowed to re-enter.

Find your airline's baggage assistance desk

You'll want to immediately head to your airline's baggage assistance desk.

Different airlines take different approaches to sorting out their passengers' luggage issues. Some companies, like ITA Airways, have their own staff deal with bags, while many others hire third-party ground handling companies.

There isn't just one desk – there are different desks that each deal with different airlines' luggage. Unless you've been in the situation of losing your bag, you've probably never noticed these desks before. Look for them in the baggage claim area, usually along the wall or in the corner.

You'll want to find the desk belonging to the company that deals with your airline. They should have signs posted behind or near the desk with the logos of the airlines they work with, but if in doubt, just ask one of the representatives and they will point you to the right desk.

File a missing property report

The baggage assistance desk will walk you through filing a report about your missing bag. In Europe this paper is called a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

You'll first give the representative your passport and your baggage claim tag – the one you got when you checked in your bag at your departing airport. They will use this information to find out where your bag is.

If, like me, your bag never left your departing airport, the baggage assistance desk will have you fill out the PIR.

This part is pretty straightforward because the representative should fill out most of the information for you. You'll provide your permanent address, your address while in Italy (such as a hotel), and your contact information. If you were on an international flight you'll likely need to sign a waiver allowing the company to take your bag through customs on your behalf.

The company will give you a 'receipt' with all the information about your case, including the direct phone number of the baggage handling desk, so you can call to check in about your luggage.

Get your luggage delivered or pick it up at the airport

What they will usually do is send your bag on the same flight you took the next day it runs. They will probably tell you that they will deliver it the same day.

That did not happen either time that I lost my bag. In both instances, the bag came on the flight scheduled two days (about 48 hours) later.

The first time, I called the baggage handling number repeatedly until they finally said my bag had arrived. Even though the baggage company offered to deliver it to me, I needed my belongings urgently, so I decided to return to the airport in person and pick up my bag directly from the lost and found desk.

Lost and found desks are usually in the arrivals terminal. It's not always the easiest desk to find, so you'll want to ask an airport staff member to point you in the right direction.

The next time my bag was lost, I waited for the baggage handling company to deliver my luggage to me. Though a day late, it was delivered to my home address as expected, and a rep from the company even called me in advance to make sure I'd be home to accept it.

What are your rights if your bag is delayed or lost?

In Europe, passenger rights regarding lost or damaged luggage are regulated by EC No. 889/2002.

If your luggage is delayed, your airline will usually reimburse you for buying some replacement essentials, such as pajamas, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries.

Just make sure to keep your receipts when you buy these items. You have 21 days from the date when your luggage is returned to you to file a request for a refund for any items you needed to purchase while waiting for your luggage.

You'll do this by sending some basic documentation to the baggage assistance company, including your flight confirmation number, the original PIR and receipts of any purchased items.

If three weeks (21 days) pass without the airline returning your bag, you'll need to send the baggage assistance company all the above documentation in addition to a list of all the contents of your lost luggage.

EU law dictates that airlines' liability for lost, delayed or damaged baggage is capped at about €1,225 (or local currency equivalent).

If your bag's contents are more valuable than that, you have to let the airline know when checking in and pay a supplemental fee for extra insurance.