American Airlines has lost my luggage

[RweTHEREyet]

Flew in last night from Orlando, direct flight, and one of my bags did not make it. We did self check-in and we watched our bags go thru security, so we know it started out in the right place.

There were no more flights from Orlando to our area last night from American, but the American employee said there would be one on Delta and that my bag would probably be on that.

When I call the 800 number they gave me, it asks me my arrival city, arrival date and last name and then comes back and tells me that my bag has not been found yet. There is never an opportunity to talk to a real person.

Since our flight was direct, I don't see how this can happen. Anyone have any suggestions on how to proceed with this?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would call AA and speak to a human, tell them that the 800 number has no prompts to speak with someone and you would like a number that will allow you to speak with a human.
Chances are that after it went through the scanner it was misdirected by one of the handlers, this happens, human error.
They usually find the bags and return them to you, at their expense, within 24-48 hours. Also, when you speak to them, make it clear that you are not happy about this and most likely, since you are clearly not happy about this, they will issue you vouchers for future travel. Just be nice and polite, but, firm.
Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I called AA and after getting disconnected and then calling back 2 more times, I finally got a Baggage Supervisor. She said it appears that my bag evidently went to Miami. Guess my luggage is having a longer vacation than I did.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Glad to hear that your luggage has been found

 

[CarolA]

Don't count on the travel vouchers. Airlines have become much more reluctant to hand these out. If you are NOT a frequent flyer they are really reluctant (I am pretty sure they have to justify them more now and the ticket value comes into play). I know a Delta agent told me that they have to jump thur more hoops to give over $200 or $250 bump vouchers. Used to be the gate agent just made the call if needed, now there are layers of approval!! (And I won't bump for under $250 or so!)

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Well, bag did not come in on the 1:00 flight from Miami. Next option is a Delta at 4:00...............

stay tuned, will keep you posted.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Yuck, I am always afraid of this happening. At least it happened on the way home and not at the beginning of your trip. I hope it is returned to you soon!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Talked to American again and they are now saying they don't know for sure that my bag went to Miami. They don't have a clue as to where it is.

I understand if it is not found in 5 days then I must itemize the contents and they then start the process for reimbursement. Anyone have experience with this? Do I have any options before the 5 days? I am going to have to purchase lingerie and some make-up items, etc. before then.

I was keeping a positive attitude that this would turn up quickly, but I think it is going to turn into a hassle before it is all over with.

 

[tjmw2727]

Lets hope they find it for you and maybe I can cheer you up. We have had two experiences with lost luggage (both AA). My best friend flew in for my bridal shower and they lost her bags. She was really upset as she pretty much had everything including the shower outfit (she was my maid of honor!) in the checked bags. AA wasn't all that cooperative or encouraging on the phone but the next day (after shopping lol) a courrier deliverd them to my door - big surprise.

Another time dh and I traveled to clearwater beach fl and one of our bags was lost. By the time we visited relatives and then checked in to the hotel the bag was waiting.

So have hope!!

TJ

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by CarolA
Don't count on the travel vouchers. Airlines have become much more reluctant to hand these out. If you are NOT a frequent flyer they are really reluctant (I am pretty sure they have to justify them more now and the ticket value comes into play). I know a Delta agent told me that they have to jump thur more hoops to give over $200 or $250 bump vouchers. Used to be the gate agent just made the call if needed, now there are layers of approval!! (And I won't bump for under $250 or so!)

I only mentioned it because the one and ONLY time my bags were ever lost Delta promptly sent me two 50.00 travel vouchers.
I did not whine about it, told them I understood human error, and all I wanted was my bag back. Luckily, it was on the trip home that it managed to make a tour of the US. I got it back the next day.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I only mentioned it because the one and ONLY time my bags were ever lost Delta promptly sent me two 50.00 travel vouchers.
I did not whine about it, told them I understood human error, and all I wanted was my bag back. Luckily, it was on the trip home that it managed to make a tour of the US. I got it back the next day.

If I were in your shoes, I would have insisted on getting the frequent flyer mileage your bag racked up credited to your account, too. It did earn it after all.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

RweTHEREyet

I hope everything turns out OK for you. This is one reason we always do "Carry-on" only.

This happened to us once on a non-stop US AIR flight Pittsburgh to MCO(1st flight out 8:00 am) and our luggage didn't get there until 5:00 pm.

 

[DebbieB]

I have a coworker who flew in from Germany earlier this year, he had all his luggage to go through customs in Pittsburgh, which is in the airside terminal. He wanted to carry them himself on the tram and out of the airport, but they insisted it had to be shipped to the regular baggage carousels in the landside terminal. Guess what, one didn't show up! Somehow it took a cross country oddessy before he finally got it! After the luggage is screened through customs, they go back into the sorting system to go to connecting flights or to baggage claim if final destination is PIT, somehow it was mis-sorted.

One time I had a misdirected bag, I started looking on other carousels and sure enough it was on one at the other end of baggage claim. We carry way too much to do carry on only, especially these days when you are limited to one.

 

[CarolA]

Call the airline. Explain that you are NOW getting ready to buy makeup etc. and you expect to be reimbursed. They will normally reimburse you for items that you need in a short period. (Just not your entire luggage!) Stay on them.

My best friend's luggage got "lost" going from Boston to Tallahassee a few weeks ago. Apparently they were so excited when they found it in Charlotte they put it in the baggage claim office and admired it. The supervisor in Tallahassee had to call Charlotte and ask what the heck they were doing and why they did not put the luggage on the plane!!!! And my favorite of all time was at the Rome International Airport. USAir FORGOT to load two baggage carts on the flight to Rome. About a hundred people with missing luggaage. I know this since my mom was in line behind them since DL lost her luggage. (Her's actually showed up about 45 minutes after the plane was unloade here come two last pieces one was hers! The baggage handling at that airport was something else!)

SHEESH!

Actually my only lost luggage was "carry on" I was a late boarder and my luggage had to be gate checked. I was going to Panama City, FL. My luggage went to PANAMA! Never saw that again!!!! Now I just check. At least the computer printed tickets give me some assurance the luggage is scheduled to go where I am.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by GoldenOldie
If I were in your shoes, I would have insisted on getting the frequent flyer mileage your bag racked up credited to your account, too. It did earn it after all.

LOL, I did ask, which cracked the Delta rep. up. She, unfortunately (after she stopped laughing), said she could not do that.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Nick@ VB+OKW
RweTHEREyet

I hope everything turns out OK for you. This is one reason we always do "Carry-on" only.

This happened to us once on a non-stop US AIR flight Pittsburgh to MCO(1st flight out 8:00 am) and our luggage didn't get there until 5:00 pm.

I refuse to do carry on, I am not a pack mule. I like sky caps, two of my favorite words. Besides, after been creamed and narrowly missed by really heavy bags, I am an opponent to any carryons, except for the really necessary stuff.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I refuse to do carry on, I am not a pack mule. I like sky caps, two of my favorite words. Besides, after been creamed and narrowly missed by really heavy bags, I am an opponent to any carryons, except for the really necessary stuff.

Gail...... remember that when your luggage doesn't arrive at all....in the beginning of your vacation.

You should know Gail (and DebbieB) that with DVC you don't have to bring as many clothes(washer-dryer,iron,hairdryers,etc). Remember you are going to Florida

not Alaska

.

P.S. With carry-ons and National Emarald Aisle I am halfway to WDW before your luggage(if it is there) is even on the carosel(sp).

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I refuse to do carry on, I am not a pack mule. I like sky caps, two of my favorite words. Besides, after been creamed and narrowly missed by really heavy bags, I am an opponent to any carryons, except for the really necessary stuff.

I did carry-on only for a 3 day trip to Orlando last month for business (well, first day Disney ), I used a valet bag that zipped up and fit in the overhead. By the end of the trip, I was so tired of carrying it through the airport. It was heavy because it included my hairdryer, extra shoes (shoes for the office) and everything else since you are only allowed one bag. Since I was by myself, I had to drag it into the ladies room with me, it made it difficult to grab something to eat before the flight. Plus, I almost banged a lady in the head lifting it into the overhead. I really wondered if it was worth saving a few minutes in baggage claim. Probably would not do it again.

Nick, you would die if you saw how many clothes I have hanging on the line in the basement for our trip on Saturday. Since the weather forecast is iffy, I have both warm and cold clothes ready (shorts, jeans, short sleeves, sweatshirts). Have to eliminate some by Saturday morning for it to fit in a 26" suitcase. Then I have my carryon full of other stuff (ponchos, camera, curling iron, etc). Plus my laptop, so my purse has to get stuffed into the carryon. No way I'd make it on carryon only.

 

[CarolA]

The thing to remember about Carry on is that some people seem to think it is just wonderful. So don't bother fighting with them.

I also wish the airlines would enforce their own rules.

However, YOU (the carry on person) or YOUR travel companion MUST be able to lift you trunk into the overhead. It must FIT!!!

I see people getting on all the time with carryon's they can't lift. (Flight attendants are NOT your pack mules!!!) Also, the expandable compartment on the front of your 22" had better not be expanded!!!! Most business travelers like me will not assist you anymore with the luggage. We are just tired of attempting to pick up the lead weights people carry!

There are lots of trips I do make it with carryon. They are NOT to Disney and are normally short trips for business. If I am running late though I can still check and have done that. (I find I can sprint thru the airport faster if I have no luggage! LOL!)

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Nick@ VB+OKW
Gail...... remember that when your luggage doesn't arrive at all....in the beginning of your vacation.

You should know Gail (and DebbieB) that with DVC you don't have to bring as many clothes(washer-dryer,iron,hairdryers,etc). Remember you are going to Florida

not Alaska

.

P.S. With carry-ons and National Emarald Aisle I am halfway to WDW before your luggage(if it is there) is even on the carosel(sp).

I am sure that will not change my mind as: 1. my luggage is too big to be a carry on, 2. we would be over the allowable limit for carry on.
I don't bring a lot of stuff, as I do do laundry while there.
Generally, my luggage is appearing at the carosel as I arrive there, the 5-10 minutes it may take for us to get the luggage is nothing in the grand scheme of things. As I said, I am not a pack mule and for me, this short wait is worth not having to lug it or pull it through the terminal.