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Delays
If your bags are delayed, try not to panic (immediately). The
airline typically has a way to track them, and about 98% of all
misplaced luggage is returned eventually. If they're on the next
flight, you could have them within a few hours. If they've been sent
to the wrong airport, it could take a couple of days. Make sure you
give the attendant a hotel or home phone number and address.
The airlines will typically bring you your luggage when it is found;
you will rarely need to return to the airport to pick it up.
Additionally, many airlines will reimburse any unexpected expenses
caused by the loss or delay. Be careful here, the airline sometimes
has the option to deduct any reimbursement or stipend from any
subsequent awards.
Lost Baggage
If the airline loses your bags, make sure you get a written claim
for damages. This may require a different form than the original
"missing luggage" form. This can be done at the airport or
by mail.
On domestic flights, the airline baggage liability is capped at
$2,500 per person. For international flights, the limit is $9.07 per
pound (or $20 per kilogram) for checked baggage, and $400 per person
for carry-on baggage.
You may need to produce receipts. If you have them, include copies
in any documentation you send to the airline.
You can purchase "excess valuation" protection from the
airline if your checked baggage is worth more than these limits.
Check with your airline for more information.
Stolen Baggage
Head directly to the baggage carousel when you get off your flight.
The airlines scan bags when they're loaded into the baggage claim
area and keep records. Once you've left the baggage claim area, your
claim is no longer with the airline, but with the police.
Damaged Baggage
Immediately check your bags for damage or for other signs of
tampering or mishandling. In the case of damaged baggage, airline
customer service will often want to inspect the bag.
You will very likely need to produce a receipt for any repairs, or
be required to use airline-sanctioned luggage repair vendors. Ask
the baggage-claim attendant for specific information. You don't want
to find out after you've already paid for a repair that it isn't
covered.
Restrictions and Deadlines
When you file a report, most airlines will give you a claim number,
and ask that you call or write the airline within 21 to 45 days.
Airline Policies
Policies can vary considerably, and even the luggage handlers,
check-in agents, and complaints-desk folks can get it wrong.
1travel.com has put together a handy guide to the Rules
of the Air, which covers luggage rules. You can search by
airline and topic.
Prevention
- Put your name on the outside of your bags and inside your bags.
Even better, put a copy of your itinerary in each checked bag so the
airline can locate you.
- The most common causes of lost and delayed bags are late check-ins
and tight connections. Avoid both whenever you can.
- Pack valuables in your carry-on bags. Cameras, computers,
medication, wallets, heirlooms, jewelry, passports, as well as
confirmation numbers, itineraries, contact information, and other
documents necessary to your travel, should not be in your checked
baggage.
- Itemize. It sounds tedious, but when an airline asks what was in
your bag, you don't want to forget anything of value. It's easy to
forget a cherished pair of earrings or a couple of rolls of film
when you're filling out a lost-luggage report.
- Make sure the person who checks your baggage attaches the correct
destination ticket to every checked bag, and make sure you have a
claim ticket for each.
- If you're traveling to a different climate, put some appropriate
clothes in your carry-on.
- Travel insurance is the best guarantee that you'll recoup any
losses. See our guide to travel
insurance for more information.
If You Need More Help
Be sure to file
a complaint immediately. If you still can't get satisfaction, or
feel the need to report the airline, write or call the DOT
Aviation Consumer Protection Division, 400 7th Street, S.W.
#4107, Washington, D.C. 20590; (202) 366-4000.
Finally, if you're wondering where lost bags go after they die,
here's your answer: unclaimedbaggage.com! |
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