Before You Fly
Do these things before you get on the plane:
Don't pack valuables: Some airlines state in the contract of carriage that they will not transport expensive or unique items. Besides, things have been known to go missing from checked-bags. If you must bring something irreplaceable or expensive, keep it on your person or in a carry-on bag.
Place a business card in your bag: Exterior tags can get damaged or torn off. Make it easy for the airline to reunite you with lost luggage.
Take a picture of your bag: So many bags look alike but a smartphone photo can jog your memory if you have to describe the bag once it's gone.
Make a report.
Do not leave the airport without making a report: Calling in a claim from home, even if it's the same day, is not good enough. The Department of Transportation has more tips.
Go to the baggage claim office: This is usually on the same floor as the carousel; that's where you'll fill out the missing baggage claim form. Get a copy before you leave.
If no one is in the office: Look for another airline employee and tell them your bag is gone. If it's late at night in a small airport and everyone's gone home, call the airline and make a verbal report, but be sure to jot down a note or two including the time of your call and the name of the person you spoke to.
Determine if your bag is truly lost.
There are different levels of compensation depending on whether your bag is lost or merely missing. Most bags are located within a day or so and many arrive on the very next flight. If your bag is truly lost, you may have to wait a week or more before the airline makes it official.
If you want to see how your airline stacks up against others regarding mishandled bags, the Department of Transportation publishes monthly statistics.
Which airline to contact.
If you flew non-stop and had a baggage problem, you know who to contact. But if you flew a connecting flight with multiple airlines or codeshare partners it can be confusing.
Doesn't matter. Lost bags are the responsibility of the airline that flies you to your ultimate destination, so direct all calls and email inquiries to the last carrier.
Your compensation.
If a bag is missing for a short period: The DOT says, "You are entitled to reasonable reimbursement for expenses you incur while waiting for the delayed bag, such as the purchase of toiletries and a change of underwear." Actual compensation varies by airline. I know of one carrier that paid for an inexpensive shirt and pair of pants when a bag went missing two days but don't go crazy. Find the compensation form you'll need to fill out on your airline's website by searching "lost bag" or give them a call. Save all receipts; you may need them later.
If a bag is lost: Get ready to negotiate. While it is true airlines are obligated to pay up to $3,330 per missing bag (for domestic flights), the key phrase is "up to." As the Department of Transportation points out, "airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs." One more thing: If a bag is lost, your bag fee will be refunded but you have to ask, and you may have to fill out a separate form for this. Contact the airline to learn more.
Don't exaggerate your claim: If anything seems fishy to the airline, it might try to deny the entire claim on the basis of fraud.
Be careful what you agree to: The DOT says an airline may offer you a cash settlement or vouchers for future tickets that appear to be worth more than the cash payout. If you want the tickets, grill the airline thoroughly about blackout dates and restrictions. Free tickets aren't much good if you can't use them.
Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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