Lost baggage | What to do ?

First of all - do not panic.

Thousands of passenger bags are mishandled (other words to say - temporary lost)  by the airline industry every day  and their owners want to be reunited with their bags quickly and expect their problems to be addressed as efficiently as possible, whether by airport authorities, ground handlers or airline representatives. To recover passenger loyalty at this difficult time it is crucial that resources work rapidly and in a flexible way, in order to meet passenger demands.

Unfortunately, baggage does not always arrive at its intended destination. Or, if it does, it might turn up damaged or with something missing. When this happens, an airline is liable for the damage under the Montreal Convention. But the Convention puts a maximum limit on the airline’s liability of 1,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger. And it puts time limits on making claims for compensation.

Delayed baggage

You should know that the best way resolve this problem - be calm and visit office of airline in the airport or it's appropriate agent and complete written or automated claim  for the missing baggage.

The staff in the claim office could use some termins, that you can't understand. You can find some useful info about such kind of words on DEFINITION page.

They has a way to track your bags, and about 98% of all mishandled baggage is returned eventually. If your bags on the next flight, you could have them within a few hours.  If bags have been sent to the wrong airport, it could take a couple of days. In this case give the personal of airline a hotel or home phone number and address.

The airlines will typically deliver you your baggage when they  found it; you will rarely need to come back to the airport to pick it up. In addtion, most airlines will reimburse any unexpected expenses caused by the loss or delay.

But there is a danger to loose some subseguent awards as far as the airline sometimes has the option to deduct any reimbursement given.

Lost baggage

If your baggage completely lost by airline loses, you should to get a written claim for lost baggage . This claim may be 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 limited at $3,000 per passenger. On international flights, the liability limit may vary, as it  is governed by various international rules, including the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions. Check your airline Web site for specifics.
You may be asked for receipts. If you have them, include copies in any documentation you send to the airline. You can purchase "excess valuation" insurance if your checked baggage is worth more than these limits.

Stolen Baggage

Move directly to the baggage claim area when you get off your flight. Most airlines scan bags when they're loaded into the baggage claim area and keep records, especially at larger airports. Once you've left the baggage claim area, your claim is no longer with the airline, but with the police.

Time Restrictions and Deadlines

When you file a report, most airlines will give you a claim number (or file refference number) and ask that you call or write the airline within 21 to 45 days