Last week we told you how to stack the baggage-handling odds in your favor. But what if you arrive at your destination only to find that your luggage hasn’t — or that it has, but not in good condition?
Damage control: Your Samsonite’s there, alright, but it has been opened, torn or crushed. Examine the contents there and then. Do not leave the airport before reporting the damage to the airline (the final carrier, if your trip involved a change of airlines). The agent may want your baggage claim checks; that’s OK, so long as you get photocopies. Also, get a photocopy of the damage claim form — yes, one needs to be filled out.
Long lost luggage: The last two American Touristers have circled the carousel, and they’re not yours. No matter what the airline says (“Your bags are on the very next flight”), have them fill out a lost luggage claim form, and get photocopies of it before you leave the airport.
After the fact: Your bags look fine. Still, examine their contents when you get to your room. If you find damage, call the airline and be ready to provide flight and baggage claim tag numbers. Note the agent’s name and the time and date of the call. Outline the details in a certified letter to the airline.
For what it’s worth: On most domestic flights, an airline’s baggage liability tops out at $1,250 per person — that’s per person, not per bag. On most international flights, the liability limit is $640 per bag — yes, that’s per bag. Don’t be surprised if the airline wants to pay depreciated value on your claim, not the original purchase price (though they may, incredibly, ask you to produce receipts) or replacement price.
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Next week: How 10 U.S. airlines handled your baggage, and how to contact their customer service departments.
