The Wall Street Journal’s “Middle Seat” column did a lengthy story on January 16, 2007, describing the growing problem of lost luggage by airlines. Due to increased security constraints, more and more people are checking baggage, but the airlines have not kept up with new equipment and more personnel to handle the increased traffic. The lost bag rate has increased every year since 2002. Today, about one US passenger in every 150 suffers a mis-handled bag, which is an increase of 11% from 2005.
Airline policies to compensate travelers for lost luggage vary widely. In all cases, an airline’s liability is capped at $2,800 per person (not per bag) for US domestic passengers, and the limit is lower on international flights (in many cases $1,500 per passenger). There also are many categories of items that are excluded from coverage by airline policies. For example, jewelry, cameras, business papers, cash and other valuables often are not covered at all.
The Journal article has tips for filing a claim if your luggage is lost. Often, receipts are required for any item over $250.
Here are some airlines’ lost luggage policies:
Northwest Airlines
Continental Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Delta Airlines
American Airlines
United Airlines
And just in case you’re interested, here is the land of the lost baggage: Unclaimed Baggage Center
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