If the airline loses your luggage anyway…

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What happens if you’ve done all you can to help prevent the airlines losing your luggage, but your bags still turn up missing? Here are some tips to get what you are entitled to as well as speed up the process of getting your luggage back to you.

Report the bag missing. As soon as your bag fails to show up on the baggage carousel, head over to the airline’s baggage office–usually located along the perimeter of the baggage claim area. If you don’t see it, ask one of the skycaps.

Exercise your rights.
Although, they often won’t advertise the fact, most airlines offer compensation for immediate needs, such as for a toiletry kit. Below are the stated policies of several major airlines. These are not etched in stone, however. Ask for more and you just might get it.

• American Airlines - $25 when you report your bag missing (one time only).
• Continental Airlines - Up to $50 after 24 hours; $25 per day after that, up to five days.
• United Airlines - Up to $50 after 24 hours (one time only).
• US Airways - $25 per day, up to five days, after 24 hours.

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