help for lost baggage is number one complaint with consumers - by Mike

Help For Lost Baggage

Help for lost baggage - Customers have claims for lost, damaged or delayed baggage, charges for excess baggage, carry-on problems and lots of complaints with airline claims procedures. Lost luggage is up 150% from last year at this time. If losses keep growing we might have to come up with a new way to make sure our luggage gets there. One idea is to ship it in advance through UPS or the post office.

It's frightening to think you arrive at your destination with nothing but what you are wearing. No other clothes, jackets, coats, sweaters, pants, dresses, or toiletries, none of the comforts of home which you need in a distant land. If it's an important meeting, you might not be wearing the proper clothes. A lot can be at stake. And at what point do you go out and start buying things we need - when do you know your suitcase is not coming back?

It's a nightmare that renews itself when you can't get help for lost baggage. I won't even mention personal irreplaceable items that mean a lot to us, yet are worthless until we can prove their value to the airlines. If your luggage is truly lost, you must be ready to prove their value.

I have friends that lay out everything on the floor or bed they are going to pack and shoot a quick movie with their digital camera. If something is of particular value they focus on it and say a few words as the camera records; like, I bought this camel hair coat, $2,000 bought on January 6 at Nordstrom's. Video or still photos are both good; remember to shoot the outside of bag when it's all packed. And leave a copy of the video at home in case your camera is stolen.

Airlines may still ask to see receipts. Value is a really grey area. Suits can still look great after 10 years and you continue to wear them each week. What I ask for is replacement value - the suit I had last week you lost; now I no longer have the use of it. I have to go out now and replace that suit. You are not going to get $600 for the $400 you paid for the suit 10 years ago. Shoot for $500 though. And don't back down. Keep repeating to airlines, I trusted you with my luggage and you lost it.

Remember if we complain loudly and make it tough and expensive for the airlines, they will eventually put a system in place so no luggage is lost. I'd like to see a GPS tracking button attached to my suitcase. To this day I wonder, seriously, where did my lost suitcase go? Unresolved things have a way of pulling at our heartstrings, unfortunately.

Ok, the airlines lost your luggage. Lost luggage is the number one greatest complaint consumers have. You won't be the only angry person at the claims counter. While you are waiting in line call the airlines. Don't call the main numbers. Call the baggage departments directly. It's their job to help for lost baggage. Here are the direct numbers to baggage departments:

American: 800-535-5225
Continental: 800-335-2247
Delta: 800-325-8224
Frontier: 800-265-5505
Northwest: 800-745-9798
United: 800-221-6903

While you are waiting in line call immediately because it is important to be put into the mainstream system immediately. The person on the phone may not be as harried as the person at the counter. Do not get out of line. Wait in line and fill out a claim form. Be sure to get 3 things - Copy of claim, agent's name, their phone number so you can follow up.

DOT Consumer Protection recommends negotiating a cash advance - remember you may be without toiletries or change of underwear or walking shoes or coat. Most airlines have authorized their agents to dispense money if you need it. You need it. Ask for emergency money. Later if your luggage does not turn up and is lost for good - 2 weeks - the carriers can pay up to $3,000. I hope you never have to go through this. Get help for lost baggage.