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

[Kellanved]

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.