Airlines Misplace 42 Million Bags in 2007
Consumer Group Says Lost Luggage Problem Getting Worse
Mar 17, 2009
The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) released a report, “The Luggage Lottery,” March 17, 2009, detailing a problem that has ruined holidays and compromised many business trips.
AUC chairman Tina Tietjen said: “According to the latest industry data, airlines mishandled 42 million bags worldwide in 2007 compared to 30 million in 2005.” The Council predicts that as airline passenger travel is expected to double in the next decade, the problem is only going to get worse. By 2019, the forecast is that nearly 70 million pieces of luggage will be mishandled each year.
The Montreal Convention
In 1999, members of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency, agreed on a set of rules government commercial air travel. The so-called Montreal Convention provides for compensation in the event of an air disaster of up to $152,000 per passenger. The airlines are also liable for compensation up to about $2,000 in the event that baggage is lost.
But, The Telegraph says some airlines are not following the Convention rules. In an article on March 17, 2009, David Millward, the British newspaper’s Transport Editor writes, “…in many cases airlines either cut the compensation or will insist on passengers providing receipts for each item among the goods that have been lost. Even when proof of purchase is provided, airlines will reduce the compensation they are willing to pay because of ‘depreciation’ or ‘wear and tear.’ ”
The budget carrier Ryanair is singled out for criticism by AUC for setting a payout ceiling of $30. A spokesperson for Ryanair said the report is “useless.”
Protect against Losing Luggage
Experienced travelers know how to get around the hassle of lost luggage. The first rule is that, if it’s at all possible, travel with only carry-on bags. Check with the airline for dimensions of allowable carry-ons; sometimes they can be quite generous.
Medication and other essentials, a change of clothing, jewellery, laptops, and money should be in carry-on baggage. Never put valuable in checked luggage.
Airline liability may not cover all items. Additional insurance on luggage and contents can be bought quite inexpensively.
What to Do if Your Bags Are Lost
The Canadian government has some tips on how to avoid the worst aspects of mishandled baggage at its Consumer Information Gateway website.
“The first step to take once you are sure that all or some of your checked luggage is missing or has been damaged is to report it immediately to the airline company. Most carriers require that you report within a certain time limit.
"If your baggage cannot be found at the airport, here is what you should do:
- Have the airline representative complete the appropriate forms for a baggage claim and make sure you receive a copy before leaving the airport;
- Find out what their baggage claim procedure is and if you need to make any further calls, and how you will be contacted once your baggage has been found;
- Ask for the phone number to the airline’s claim department so that you can keep in touch with them and monitor the progress of your claim;
- Make sure that you keep copies of all forms and airline documents, including tickets, baggage claim checks and any correspondence you receive while the claim is in progress;
- You should also save receipts from items that you buy to replace the contents of your baggage. Some airlines provide cash relief for lost or delayed luggage and others may reimburse you for the purchase of basic necessities.”
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