I've never had a bag lost but would hate to go through that. On my friend's first trip to Italy delta lost her bags. She had problems finding plus size clothes and the airline has not reimburse her. I have never had any bags lost but my friend's experience is making me think twice about taking my big luggage. I am purchasing a smaller piece of luggage to bring with me on board. Anyone has any suggestions as to how to prevent from this happening???

Bristish Midland lost my bags on a Toronto-London (Air Canada)-Madrid tri-p last month for almost 48 hours. After much screaming at AC and British Midland, they FINALLY informed me (after 3 calls) that I was entitled to $300 after 24 hours (as I am a "Super Elite" member of the Star Alliance FF program, the 24 hour wait was waived). I have yet to apply for the rebate, so let's see what happens. <BR> <BR>It was very incovenient to go shopping in a city I did not know with a dinner that night and a presentation first thing the next morning. <BR> <BR>I will, from now on, travel with enough clothes on board for the following day. <BR> <BR>The airlines obviously do not promote the policy of a rebate as in all the literature I have received from AC, I was completely unaware of it. Now you know the Star Alliance policy - check out with your chosen airlines web-site for its policy and follow up with an e-mail to confirm. <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger

Airlines normally will not even come close to the replacement value of your belongings, but, your homeowners policy may cover you. Mine does. <BR>

Here's what you can do to avoid or minimize loss, shorten the amount of time you're without your belongings, and make sure you're compensated in the rare event your bag is permanently lost. <BR> <BR>1) Don't check valuables. Checked bags are no place for cash, travelers' checks, expensive jewelry, etc. <BR> <BR>2) Have a list of what you packed in each bag. <BR> <BR>3) Make sure the outside of your bag has at least one form of identification with at least one address or phone number or e-mail address ... that will be answered while you are away. <BR> <BR>4) Make sure the INSIDE of your bag has a detailed itinerary including the name, address, phone number (e-mail) for each hotel or other lodging at which you will stay, by date, as well as your home address, etc. <BR> <BR>Many, many "lost" bags are not lost at all ... most are found. Unfortunately many of the found bags cannot be reunited with their owners due to inadequate identification and contact information. And often the bag is found quite early, but its owner will do without the contents for the duration of their trip since the only "contact" information for the bag is a home address with no one answering the phone because they're on holiday. <BR> <BR>Airlines do reimburse for lost bags. There are agreed limits, but they usually cover what most people would have in a bag. From personal experience I can tell you that most, though not all, people who claim to have been under-compensated actually over-claimed, by far, the value of the bag's contents. <BR> <BR>In any event, there are a few simple actions, as above, that will reduce the odds of your luggage being lost at all, or for very long. <BR> <BR>twenj

Also make sure you haven't left tags on your bag from your last trip. A ticket agent once told me that is one of the leading causes of lost baggage.

I had items taken out of my bags connecting through Miami once. American gave me the full amount that the items were worth, no questions asked. <BR> <BR>I've also had bags delayed (never lost since I always remove old tags and ensure ID's are correct) and always had them delivered whereever I have been. Once American shipped them to a campsite in Northern Michigan from Grand Rapids.

Yes, the airlines claim they'll reimburse you for expenses incurred due to lost bags, but just try to collect. And that doesn't take into account the money you're out while on your trip (if I had to cough up $150 to buy clothes, toothpaste, makeup, etc. because of a lost bag, my travel budget for souvenirs would be seriously compromised). <BR> <BR>I check a bag on my flight home, but neeevvvveeerr on my flight to start my vacation (unless it's confiscated at the gate like BAB did to me, but don't get me started). As well as removing old tags, know the 3-letter code for your destination airport, and for any connecting flights, and make sure the right tags are put on (once watched an airline employee try to put an Orlando tag on a friend's bag when *she* was heading to Boston).