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Lost baggage by British Airways?

Travel Info
Here is what happened to two bags on my British Airways flight to the US. 1 bag was delayed for 24+ hours (I just got it) and the second bag is still not here yet. British Airways says if I have an insurance, I need to speak with them first. I do have an insurance but am thinking I should still file a claim with British Airways first. In the claim form, they ask for the insurance information, if you have it. I can give it to them but not sure whether it'll be a tug-of-war between BA and insurance company then.

Thanks.

GG_007

PS: Bottom line: British Airways sucks.

Travel Tips

First off, the second bag may just be delayed a bit longer than your first one was (happens sometimes). I'll give you information on what to do if it's just delayed, and if it's actually lost.

For delayed luggage:

Fill out all information about your luggage on the forms provided. Present them with your baggage claim ticket (what you were given when you checked your luggage in at departure). Be as detailed as possible. They will track it, get it on the soonest available flight and have it shipped to wherever you are staying, or forward it to your next destination. Get a phone number to call in case you need to follow-up. Make sure to take down the name, date, and time you talked to people.

For lost luggage:

If the airline actually loses your bags, make sure you get a written claim for damages. This may require a different form than the original "missing luggage" form. This can be done at the airport or by mail.

On domestic flights, the airline baggage liability is capped at $2,800 per person. For international flights, the limit is $9.07 per pound (or $20 per kilogram) for checked baggage, and $400 per person for carry-ons. (These amounts can vary depending on airlines though.) You may need to produce receipts. If you have them, include copies in any documentation you send to the airline. You can purchase "excess valuation" protection if your checked baggage is worth more than these limits.

If all else fails be sure to file a complaint immediately. If you still can't get satisfaction, or feel the need to report the airline, write or call:

DOT Aviation Consumer Protection
400 Seventh Street, S.W. #4107
Washington D.C., 20590
(202) 366-4000.
Website: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/... Source(s): Husband is a pilot
Have had my luggage delayed before
Frequent world traveler
http://360.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen...
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/...

Other Travel Tips
They lost the bag, they are resposible. But I would call the insurance company and ask what they advise you to do.
No harm in that. Do this before filling out form.

Good Luck

s
If you have actual insurance that covers the baggage, go to your insurance company first. If they pay you and if BA is liable, belive me the insurance company will get their money out of BA. That's what insurance companies do, and they are REAL good at it!

Here's some tips I posted for another person on lost baggage:

Each airline has its rule, but let me begin by saying "don't panic" because...

...I highly doubt that they "lost" your luggage. It's probably on another flight, and just delayed or perhaps misplaced. It's likely not "lost and gone forever."

Inconvenient? Sure. Annoying? Absolutely. Wrong for the airline? Of course.

Here's my suggestions:

1) Calm down. The staff at baggage claim want to help, but if you are difficult to work with they will lose interest. Be nice and be calm.

2) Get contact information and suggested steps from the airline on what to do to handle the baggage issue. They have a list and a process.

3) Follow their process, because that's what they are going to do. If you deviate from the process, it will only anger them--and remember, you want their help! That means you don't want them to be angry.
i had lost bags with BA before, a few years back our bags were delayed and came back damaged and late. We filled out the claim and they paid us the price of the bag and a generous amount for the trouble caused by not having the stuff in the bag. I think BA is a lot better about these kinds of things than other airlines