Luggage, Baggage, & Claims

You can reduce the possibility that yours is the one that gets lost by placing labels inside and out. Lock your bags to prevent pilferage. If they do arrive with broken locks or torn sides, check inside immediately. If something is missing notify the airline right away.

Never put money, jewelry, cameras, medicine, liquids, glass, or any other things that are valuable, irreplaceable, delicate, or have sentimental value in your check-in bag. If you are taking these items with you put them in your carry-on bag. Fragile items should be packed in containers specially designed to survive rough handling--preferably a factory-sealed carton or a padded hard-shell case.

BAGGAGE TAGS
The airline puts destination tags on your bags and gives you the stubs as claim checks. Each tag has a three-letter code and flight number showing the plane and final airport designation. Double-check the tag. Don't lose your claim checks.

If your bags are delayed, lost, or damaged on a domestic flight, the airline may invoke a $ 2,500 ceiling of total value (see http://www.dot.gov/affairs/1999/dot21399.htm). If you think what you are taking is worth more, purchase "excess valuation." Airlines may refuse to sell excess valuation on some valuable or breakable items. On international flights, unless you buy excess valuation, the liability limits are 250 French gold francs for each kilo (approximately $10 per pound--dependent upon the exchange rate).

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
Your carry-on luggage should have overall dimensions of no more than 40 inches (20 inches long by 15 inches high by 9 inches wide). It should not weigh more than 40 pounds. The size and weight can vary with plane size and carrier so check with your airline. Put your name and address on all carry-on luggage, including camera bags and binocular cases. Sew a name tag in topcoats, raincoats, etc. The airlines provide no insurance coverage for carry-on items you left on the plane or lost. If identified, you might find them at the airline's lost and found department.

DAMAGED BAGS
If your luggage arrives smashed or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs or negotiate a settlement if it can't be repaired. Report external damage before you leave the airport. Insist on filling out a form. Airlines may refuse to pay for damage to fragile items in your bags, or where there is no evidence of external damage.

When you check in, airline personnel should let you know if they think your bags or packages may not survive the trip intact. They may ask you to sign a waiver so they are not at risk--except they may pay for damages caused by their negligence shown by external injury.

DELAYED BAGS
If your bags don't arrive when you do, don't panic. The airlines have means to track down 98% of misplaced bags and return them to you. Fill out a form describing your loss before you leave the airport and keep a copy. Some airlines will provide you with money for emergency purchases while they look for your bags.

The amount depends upon if you are away from home and how long it takes to track down your bags. If you do get cash, purchase only necessities and keep all receipts. If airlines misplace sporting equipment, they sometimes will pay rental fees.

LOST LUGGAGE
Once declared officially lost, you may have to submit a claim unless the airline uses the form you completed when your bag was considered simply missing; check on this. Your claim, including the value of your bags and contents, is then subject to negotiations between you and the airlines. They often ask for sales receipts to back your claim. Airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of the claim. Claims take 6 weeks to 3 months.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS
It is illegal and extremely dangerous to carry on board or to check in your luggage the following items:

• Aerosols--polishes, waxes, degreasers, cleaners, etc.
  
• Corrosives--acids, cleaners, wet cell batteries, etc.
  
• Flammables--paints, thinners, lighter fluid, liquid reservoir lighters, cleaners, adhesives, etc.
  
• Explosives--fireworks, flares, signal devices, loaded firearms, etc. (Small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage securely packed in fiberboard, wood, or metal boxes. These may not be placed in carry-on bags.)
  
• Radioactives--betascopes, radiopharmaceuticals, uninstalled pacemakers, etc.
  
• Compressed gases--Tear gas or protective-type sprays, oxygen cylinders, divers' tanks (unless they are empty), etc.
  
• Loose book matches or safety matches--may be carried only on your person.