# Letter to an airline about lost luggage: IELTS Writing Task 1 samples

Writing Task 1 - General Training - Travel

You recently travelled by plane, but your suitcase did not arrive at your destination and it has still not been returned to you.

Write a letter to the airline. In your letter

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

You should say:
- give details of your flight
- describe the suitcase and what was in it
- say what you would like the airline to do

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about my suitcase, which did not arrive when I flew with your airline last Friday.

I was travelling on flight XQ 482 from Lisbon to London on 2 October. After I landed, I waited at the baggage reclaim for almost an hour, but my suitcase never appeared. I reported this at your desk and was given a reference number, LHR-55107.

My suitcase is a medium-sized black case with wheels and a yellow ribbon on the handle. Inside there were my clothes, a laptop charger and some important documents for my new job, which I need to bring to the office in next week. I am very worried about this documents.

I would like you to find my suitcase as soon as possible and send it to my address. If this is not possible, I expect to receive compensation for the things I have lost. To be honest, I am a bit disappointed with your service so far.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Ana Ribeiro

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 letter covers all three bullets in order, opens with a clear purpose and gives useful facts such as the flight number and reference. The register is formal overall, but "To be honest, I am a bit disappointed" slips into a chatty tone. Slips such as "in next week" and "this documents" do not block meaning. For Band 8, the request would be more precise, for example a deadline for the search and a clear basis for compensation.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/writing/topics/task-1/letter-to-airline-about-lost-luggage).

## Common questions

### How many words should I write?

At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Writing a little more is fine; an answer under the minimum loses marks.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Memorised material is marked down and you will not get this exact question. Use the samples to see what each band does with the same task.