Sooner or later every traveler can encounter the loss of luggage. However, travelers are entitled to a compensation, so why not get one?
Lost and found
Let's start with the positive: most of the lost baggage is found within the first 3 to 5 days. In this instance, airlines can pay for the purchase of basic necessities – on average, you can receive about 50-70 dollars. However, this applies only to those passengers whose suitcase was lost on the way to a foreign country – if the baggage was lost upon return home, such expenses are not covered.
Sometimes money can be given out in cash at the airline's office immediately after the application for loss is filed, although the carrier will more often compensate these costs to the bank card, within 30 days after the receipt is provided.
Sometimes there are exceptions. For example, American company – Northwest Airlines – compensate those affected by the loss of baggage $ 50 on the first day of the loss, as well as an additional $ 150 if the baggage was not found within a week. Another American airline – Continental Airlines – eve pay 250 dollars to everyone, who didn't get their luggage on the first day.
Lost for good
The luggage is declared lost if it has not been found within 21 days. In this case, all international airlines are obliged to pay the passenger a minimum compensation. According to general rules, the amount of payment is calculated as follows: $ 20 per 1 kg of luggage weight. That is, on luggage weighing 23 kg 460 dollars will be returned. In case of loss of hand luggage, the required compensation is $ 400.
Often airlines do not wish to take into account the value of the suitcase, nor the value of things in the luggage. In their justification, air carriers declare: jewelry, valuables and expensive equipment are highly recommended to be carried in hand luggage. However, do not get upset, there are instances when airlines go an extra mile to accommodate the requests of their passenger to ensure reputation.
What to do?
If you didn't find your luggage at luggage claim, be sure to ask the airline representatives to give tell you your steps directly at the airport. Find out which phones can be contacted to monitor the situation, and ask about the procedure for reimbursement.
In any case, in order to receive compensation, it is necessary to:
- draw up a claim for loss or delay of the suitcase. Describe the property and its value, it does not hurt to provide and confirmation of the purchase – checks, bank card statements will do.
- attach to the claim a copy of the act of loss, drawn up at the stand of Lost & Found at claim area.
- provide a boarding pass, a luggage receipt, a copy of the passport, bank details. In case of delayed luggage – checks confirming the purchase of necessities.
- state the maximum cost of damage, since airlines often pay a smaller amount.
- make sure you have enough time to provide documents within 21 days after the loss of luggage.
Remember, even if you are denied payment, there is always the opportunity to file an application in court. This can be done within two years from the time the airline refuses to compensate for the damage.