"What happened to my luggage?" is a question many travelers ask upon reaching their final destinations.

Worldwide, frustrated travellers endured almost 30 million delayed, damaged, lost or stolen bags in 2010. That figure represents 12 bags per 1,000 passengers and cost the global air transport industry $2.94 billion in U.S. currency, according to 2011 numbers from air transport communications and information technology company SITA.

While the Canadian Transportation Agency doesn't track statistics on lost or delayed luggage in the Great White North, a CTA media representative said in an email interview that 148 airline baggage complaints were escalated to the agency between 2010 and 2011.

Fortunately, you might be able to turn to your credit card for help -- because some cards provide luggage insurance and help tracking down missing bags.

Cardholder luggage protection costs
Most credit cards with luggage coverage charge an annual fee. Among cards reviewed for this article, $120 was the most common yearly charge. TD Gold Elite Visa Card's annual fee of $99 was the lowest, followed by ScotiaGold Passport Visa Card's $110 yearly fee.

To qualify for luggage protection, you must charge the trip ticket on the credit card that provides the protection, or apply the required number of reward points.

Not all credit cards provide the same types of luggage coverage. Below are three basic types of free credit card protection.

1.  Luggage assistance service
Many travel credit cards include a toll-free number for reporting lost or stolen baggage. Because luggage hassles are time-consuming and stressful, be sure that number is readily available before you reach your final destination. Service representatives can keep you posted on the progress of tracking your misplaced luggage.

2.  Delayed luggage coverage
When you're far from home, a missing bag could mean you won't have a fresh change of clothes or needed toiletries during the first days of your trip. Some cards provide delayed luggage coverage that will help pay for those necessities.

Don't assume that delayed luggage insurance will automatically reimburse you for a shopping spree. In fact, most coverage provides a modest allowance towards clothing and personal hygiene essentials.

The Delta SkyMiles World MasterCard, for example, pays up to $100 daily for a maximum of three days for purchasing immediate necessities. Before accepting claims, most adjudicators require that baggage be delayed for at least six hours, although ScotiaGold Passport Visa Card holders get coverage after only a four-hour luggage delay.

Some credit products, like the RBC Royal Bank Visa Platinum Avion Card, restrict delayed luggage coverage to air travel only. In contrast, the TD Gold Elite Visa Card covers baggage delays for air, land and water travel outside the passenger's province of residence. If you're planning to go on an ocean cruise, be sure to verify the eligible types of trips defined in the cardholder agreement.

3.  Lost or damaged luggage coverage
If your bag is never found or is severely damaged, some cards will reimburse you for your bag and what was inside. Maximums payable for checked baggage losses can vary widely by credit card. The combined limit under the American Express Gold Rewards Card is $500 per trip for all insured persons. The TD Gold Elite Visa Card reimburses up to $1,000 each for you, your spouse and dependent children.

Be sure to check whether the cardholder agreement covers not just lost baggage, but also baggage damages. Most agreements compared for this study didn't mention damages, except for the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card.  It reimburses for direct damages to luggage, as well as physical losses, subject to an overall $500 limit per cardholder.

Your contract will also specify items that are excluded from coverage. The Aspire TravelWorld MasterCard, for example, does not cover fragile or collectible merchandise, jewelry, contact lenses, valuable documents, computers and cellphones, among other items. So keep those ineligible goods with you, rather than in checked baggage.

Making credit card luggage claims
Baggage claims are time-sensitive. You must notify a claims representative within the window of time stipulated in your contract.

Be ready to furnish copies of your travel ticket, baggage claim receipt, credit card statement, itemized bills for expenses incurred, plus any other documents that the adjudicator requests. Additional requirements often include a statement from your home or tenant insurer showing how much you were already reimbursed for baggage losses under its policy. The transportation company may also have to confirm trip details and reported losses in writing.

Get familiar with the free luggage perks that your credit card offers. That way, you'll be able to call the card company with confidence, knowing that you'll get help when you need it.

See related: Editor's Choice: The best air travel rewards; Using the new Air Miles Cash program to your advantage