TRAVEL STORIES
13 Missing Bags, 1 Unforgettable Delivery
Sarah D. | July 7, 2026
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Travel has a funny way of reminding you that not everything goes according to plan. Even the most carefully planned itinerary can sometimes come with a surprise or two.
For Judie Brooks and her students from Charlottetown, that surprise came before the tour had really begun. A flight disruption led to a missed connection, and by the time the group arrived in Switzerland, 13 suitcases had been left behind in Toronto.
(Anyone who’s travelled knows the sinking feeling. Now, imagine it with a group of students.) The good news was that, without too significant a delay, their bags did make it to Zurich. The challenge was getting them reunited with the group in Lucerne before they moved to their next destination.
Here’s how, with the help of EF’s support team, Judie and her students got their luggage back—just in the nick of time.
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A race against the clock
Without a quick solution, recovering the luggage could have become a much bigger challenge.
The group was scheduled to leave Lucerne the next day, turning a delayed bag into a slow, complicated game of claims, couriers, and replacing essentials. Fortunately, members of EF’s on-tour support team were already stationed in Zurich. Each spring, EF sends support staff to key hubs across Europe, allowing them to work closely with travelling groups and respond quickly when challenges arise.
When the luggage case came through, the team connected the dots. The bags were at the airport. And they were close enough to help. So, instead of waiting for the airline process to run its course, they saw an opportunity to solve the problem before it grew into something bigger.
They went to the Zurich airport, collected all 13 bags, and, with a 1.5-hour taxi ride to Lucerne, delivered the lost luggage to the group’s hotel themselves.
Reunited, and it felt so good
By the time the taxi arrived, it was already dark out. The group had gathered outside their hotel, waiting for the support team’s arrival. As the taxi pulled up, Judie and her students started cheering. After a long day of delays and uncertainty, everyone had a sigh of relief. The Tour Director summed it up later with a smile, saying, “Thank you for saving me from a very stinky tour.”
The group could finally settle in and focus on the adventure ahead.
Things might not always go perfectly. Flights get delayed, connections get missed, luggage gets lost. But what makes the difference is having people in your corner—ready to get creative, search for solutions, and step in when it matters most.
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Frequently asked questions about travel packing
What happens if my group's luggage gets delayed or lost?
We're here to help you through it. If bags get delayed, we'll guide you on the next steps—making sure the baggage claim forms are filled out and working with your Tour Director to adjust the day's plan, whether that's stopping at a mall for essentials or building in extra time. You're never managing this alone.
How do I reach EF if something goes wrong while we're travelling?
You have 24/7 access to our Emergency Support Team, no matter where you are. Your Tour Director is also with you from the moment you land until you head home, and they're connected to our global network every step of the way.
Will issues like this derail our itinerary?
Not if we can help it. Our goal is to solve problems before they grow into disruptions. When something unexpected happens, we work quickly to get things back on track so the tour can continue exactly as planned.
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