Lost-bags compensation requires persistence

If an airline loses your luggage, your first stop should be the baggage claim office to report it missing. Your next move might be to buy a change of clothes.

But while airlines are required to reimburse passengers for clothing and toiletries in the event of a lost or delayed bag, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, getting that cash back may require persistence.

Many airlines’ contract of carriage — the contract between carriers and passengers — don’t specify clothing reimbursement in detail, but standard DOT policy demands they provide some compensation.

“Some airlines were declining for necessities, like clothing, needed immediately,” said Bill Mosely, spokesman for the DOT. “(Airlines) cannot limit them to only outbound flights or how soon they expect the bags to arrive.”

Mosely said some airlines also try to deny compensation to passengers for purchases made within the first 24 hours following the reported loss. But he said that’s a violation of DOT regulations. Passengers should be able to purchase necessities after they file a missing bag claim, rather than having to wait to see if the bag turns up.

“It’s not a new rule or new policy,” Mosely said. “We expect (airlines) to compensate the consumer for their loses.”

While the majority of checked bags reach their destination without incident, a total of 2,193,711 bags were reported mishandled by all airlines last year in the United States, with 188,254 reports filed in January alone.

A maximum liability of $3,300 for domestic flights can be claimed by the passenger should checked luggage be lost in transit. International limits are lower, roughly $100 for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of luggage, for a maximum total of $640.

Passengers can buy excess valuation for luggage as secondary insurance. A dollar buys $100 worth of extra insurance on domestic flights, with a ceiling of $17 for $1,700 in coverage.

George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog, a consumer travel Web site, said the DOT has been much more aggressive with airlines over passengers’ rights under Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. According to Hobica, the department has been actively advocating on passengers’ behalf when demonstrating a need for necessities.

“You can’t just offer a tube of toothpaste and a pair of clean underwear,” he said. “You have to treat (passengers) more fairly.”

Note, however, that airlines are not required to refund baggage fees when they lose your bags.

While airlines are required to reimburse for clothing, the amount is negotiable. Hobica advises passengers to keep receipts for all clothing and personal items that they ever expect to take on a trip, since airlines will ask you prove the value of your clothing. “They won’t buy you a new wardrobe, but you are entitled to a change of clothes,” he said.