Eddie asked:

“How about how to argue effectively with airline companies when the reimbursement they owe you for lost luggage gets equally lost for more than 6 months? :)”

Being lost when you travel might turn into a fantastic adventure, but if your luggage is lost, usually this turns into a dramatic nightmare.

“Every year, 3.5 billion pieces of luggage are checked in with hope, 30 million we fear are lost, and approximately 200000 vanish forever”, says Aeronaught.com. On the other hand, most companies assure that they are able to track and return 98% of the lost luggage in less than 48 hours. Relieved? I do not think so. I see this as probably the worst way to start with your summer vacation.

Who’s in charge?
All airlines all around the world agreed that the last airline the passenger travels is in charge of solving the problem and tracking the luggage. Go straight to its counter on the airport and explain your problem. If the employer cannot tell you where your bag is or what happened to it, then just keep cool. Ask the airline about their reimbursement policy for any items lost or damaged.

What to do?
If the airline loses your bags, you should write a claim for damages. This requires a different form than the original “missing luggage” form, it is more detailed and it is very important to fill it in. If you fail to do so, it may result in cancellation of your file so you will never be reimbursed. The airline might also request the baggage tags you got upon check-in. The usual policy is to reimburse passengers for expenses if luggage is delayed, but the amounts are rather limited and generally must be approved in advance. Ask the one in charge from the airplane company what is the amount of reimbursement they will give you and what for. Usually people are encouraged to buy only basic toiletries and clothing. No matter how many receipts you show later, if you do not have it approved, these are useless. The easiest way to deal with this is paperwork: ask the employee to file this is into your report along with his/her name or the name of the company employee who allowed the reimbursement. To be sure that you will have the law on your side, take a copy of your claim and request toll-free phone number for the airline’s baggage claim department. Write down in the official report every name you have in front of you and everything you remember putting into your missing suitcase.

Usually the reimbursement procedure period is between 20 and 40 days. Of course if your air travel company and you have argues regarding the amount for reimbursement, this will take longer.

Self protection
A few ideas what to do in order to eliminate the risk of losing your luggage:

• First, be sure to arrive to the airport on time.
• Never leave your check-in for the last minute because even if you make it and get on the plane, your suitcase might not.
• Check your insurance company policy and see if there are any well known ways or secret policy backdoors to insure your luggage when you travel.
• Subscribe to alternatives such as Globalbagtag.com.

Comments? Complaints? What’s Your experience?