I traveled from Manchester (UK) to Dallas on 10/9 with a connection in JFK. The MAN-JFK leg was Virgin Atlantic and the JFK-DFW leg was Delta (the trip was booked through Virgin Atlantic). My bag was checked at the Virgin counter in Manchester immediately before my husband's. Passengers were advised that we had to collect bags in JFK and leave the secure area/recheck before continuing on to connections. We were at the baggage carousel when the bags started coming out and stayed long after we were informed all the bags were off the plane. My husband's bag was there, mine was not. The VIrgin reps advised that because Delta was my final flight (to Dallas), I would need to file a delayed bag report on arrival at DFW. I did this and was told that if I hadn't received my bag in two days, to call the number on the report. It is now 10/19 and I have not received my bag, not have I been contacted by Delta, I have called them almost daily, messaged with them multiple times, used social media, etc. and still no communication and no bag. Delta isn't able to tell me anything and Virgin isn't interested in helping because they were not the final carrier. The bag status online shows nothing more than my check in at Manchester. We did reach out to a Virgin executive in Manchester who was very helpful and has done all he can to find it at that location but has concluded it is not anywhere at Manchester airport. I am concerned that filing a lost bag claim will result in the efforts to find my bag (if there are any) being ceased. I don't care about the replaceable items, but it contains two family items that are absolutely irreplaceable, and of zero value to anyone else. Any suggestions or ideas? TIA.

Welcome to Fodors.

"I am concerned that filing a lost bag claim will result in the efforts to find my bag (if there are any) being ceased."

Why would you think that? They would much rather find your bag than pay out on a claim. IMO you should already have filed a lost luggage claim and should do so ASAP. MAN has had periodic luggage problems but if your MAN VS contact says it isn't there - not much else you ca do at that end. You need to file with Delta for sure.

You also might want to register and post on Flyertalk because there are many experts posting there plus at least one Delta lurker that sometimes can expedite things. But after is long don't let get your hopes get too high

Ask them to forward your luggage to you, either at your home or to your holiday destination’s accommodation. The airline in question should always offer this service; however, double-check when the process will take place and other details, and write them down. To keep a check on the delivery of your baggage, exchange contact details with the airline and ask for a tracking number to be granted. I also lost my luggage last year at Chicago Airport but I got it back within 5 days with the help of the Airport service team & FOUNDME tags. I was so happy at that time because I also carried some memorable items in my luggage. I hope you will get your luggage back.