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Luggage & claims |
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| Baggage
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Between the time you check your luggage
i and the time you claim it at your destination, it may have
passed through a maze of conveyor belts, baggage carts, d forklifts.
Once airborne, baggage may tumble around in the cargo compartment
if the plane hits rough air… However relatively few bags
are damaged or lost.
You can reduce the possibility that yours is the one that gets
lost by placing labels inside and out. Lock your bags to prevent
pilferage. If they do arrive with broken locks or torn sides,
check inside immediately. If something is missing notify the
airline right away.
Never put money, jewelry, cameras, medicine, liquids, glass,
or any other things that are valuable, irreplaceable, delicate,
or have sentimental value in your check-in bag. If you are taking
these items with you put them in your carry-on bag. Fragile
items should be packed in containers specially designed to survive
rough handling--preferably a factory-sealed carton or a padded
hard-shell case. |
Baggage tags |
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The airline puts destination tags
on your bags and gives you the stubs as claim checks. Each tag
has a three?letter code and flight number showing the plane
and final airport designation. Double-check the tag. Don't lose
your claim checks.
If your bags are delayed, lost, or damaged on a domestic flight,
the airline may invoke a $1,250 ceiling of total value. If you
think what you are taking is worth more, purchase "excess
valuation." Airlines may refuse to sell excess valuation
on some valuable or breakable items. On international flights,
unless you buy excess valuation. You will find your liability
is limited. |
Carry-on luggage |
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Your carry-on luggage should have
overall dimensions of no more than 100 cm (40 inches) 50 cm
(20 inches) long by 38 cm (15 inches) high by 23 cm (9 inches
wide). It should not weigh more than 20 kg (44 pounds) The size
and weight can vary with plan size and carrier so check with
your airline. Put your name and address on all carry-on luggage,
including camera bags and binocular cases. Sew a name tag in
topcoats, raincoats, etc. The airlines provide no insurance
coverage for carry?on items you left on the plane or lost. If
identified, you might find them at the airline's lost and found
department. |
Damaged
bags |
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If your luggage arrives smashed
or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs or negotiate
a settlement if it can't be repaired. Report-extemal damage
before you leave the airport. Insist on filling out a form.
Airlines may refuse to pay for damage to fragile items in
your bags, or where there is no evidence of external damage.
When you check in, airline personnel should let you know if
they think your bags or packages may not survive the trip
intact. They may ask you to sign a waiver so they are not
at risk--except they may pay for damages caused by their negligence
shown by external injury. |
Delayed bags |
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If your bags don't arrive when you do, don't
panic. The airlines have means to track down 98% of misplaced
bags and return them to you. Fill out a form describing your
loss before you leave the airport and keep a copy. Some airlines
will provide you with money for emergency purchases while
they look for your bags.
The amount depends upon if you are away from home and how
long it takes to track down your bags. If you do get cash,
purchase only necessities and keep all receipts. If airlines
misplace sporting equipment, they sometimes will pay rental
fees.
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Lost luggage |
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Once declared officially lost, you
may have to submit a claim unless the airline uses the form
you completed when bag was considered simply missing; check
on this. Your claim, including the value of your bags and contents,
is then subject to negotiations between you and the airlines.
They often ask for sales receipts to back your claim. Airlines
don't automatically pay the full amount of the claim. Claims
take 6 weeks to 3 months. |
Hazardous items |
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It is illegal and extremely dangerous
to carry on board or to check in your luggage the following
items:
- Aerosols--polishes, waxes, degreasers, cleaners, etc.
- Corrosives--acids, cleaners, wet cell batteries, etc.
- Flammables--paints, thinners, lighter fluid, liquid reservoir
lighters, cleaners, adhesives, etc.
- Explosives--fireworks, flares, signal devices, loaded
firearms, etc. (Small arms ammunition for personal use may
be transported in checked luggage securely packed in fiberboard,
wood, or metal boxes. These may not be placed in carry-on
bags.)
- Radioactives -- betascopes, radiopharmaceuticals, uninstalled
pacemakers, etc.
- Compressed gases--Tear gas or protective-type sprays,
oxygen cylinders, divers' tanks (unless they are empty),
etc.
- Loose book matches or safety matches--may be carried only
on your person.
If you must travel with any of these items check with the
airline's freight department to see if arrangements can be
made. Carrying hazardous items carries high civil and criminal
penalties and up to 5 years in jail. 
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