How does one recover missing luggage?

[Timefortruth]

I flew today but my suicase didn’t make it home with me. United has the most maddening voice mail maze ever invented, ultimately it hangs up on you, without giving information.

Any thoughts?


P.S. There was someone on the plane who looked just like the shoe bomber, he didn’t get his luggage back either. I had a case of canned chili in the missing suicase and the other suitcase that was returned to me had been searched. Was I profiled as a Democrat with potentially “explosive” (not in the dynamite use of the word if you catch my drift, or want to avoid the drift) chili? And, if so, how do I get my suitcase back?

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. You should have filed a claim at the airport.

They have special desks for that...or used to. Once you have left the airport, I am not sure.

Good luck.

[Timefortruth]

6. I did file a claim, but the toll free number sends me into

the outer reaches of maddness.

I think they have you file a claim to get you to leave the airport.

[aQuArius]

14. oh soooooooo true!

LOL

[Deja Q]

2. My aunt didn't get her suitcase back either!

She flew yesterday.

When she arrived a week ago, there was a 1 hour delay between the time she got to the baggage area and when she got her luggage.

Quite a few coincidences, along with the other incidents being mentioned in the media.

[Timefortruth]

7. What is mentioned in the media?

I haven't heard anything for a week.

[mouse7]

3. This is one that Dumbya might be right on... prayer.

Start prayin'

[nini]

4. Check their website and see if there is a email option?

Good luck on this. I had alot of things stolen from a suitcase last August (thanks to the unlocked baggage rule) and didn't get decent compensation from the airline. I was and still am pissed about it.


I think they have a 24 hour deadline on contacting them, so be persistent.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. File a claim at the airport

ASAP

[Kellanved]

8. usually there is a "lost baggage" desk near the collection belt.

One has to fill out a form there and hopefully the suitcase appears after a few hours (usually it's delivered to the hotel/home). I guess calling from home should work as well.
I don't know about the rules on US airports, but in Europe the owner of a case to be opened is usually called to witness.
Anyway, we met an American Lady in Biaritz, who was very happy about her suitcase being missing - she said the compensation is usally quite decent (of course that might depend on the Airline).


There is a joke about it: The main advantage of flying Iberia is: one doesn't need to wait for his/her baggabe; it's not there anyways.

[Timefortruth]

9. I filed the claim at the airport but the voicemail says

my luggage hasn't been located, after 12 hours. Not looking good is it?

[leftofthedial]

10. see this post

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=585712

[Timefortruth]

11. How will that help find my stuff?

Thanks.

[Skittles]

12. OK I HAVE TO ASK

WHY ARE YOU FLYING AROUND WITH CANNED CHILI? :o

[Timefortruth]

13. That is a fair question.

But canned chili isn’t banned on any list is it?

It was a gift from a friend. This particular kind of chili is only available in Cincinnati (Skyline) and natives often crave it.

[Timefortruth]

15. They called and are going to deliver it now.

Go figure. Things do work.