#Southwest airlines reviews reddit manual#

After returning home, I wondered just how often does luggage get lost? Airlines hype that the rate of lost luggage is on the decline, but they frequently overlook delayed baggage statistics (and a delay can be DAYS). Some airlines have better luck than others. Luckily, only about 2% of lost luggage is missing forever. After 100 days, your bags are likely lost forever and can’t be tracked. 100 days: All bags cycle out of the WorldTracer system.This form is where you itemize your property and assign value to it. 45 days: Deadline to file the Passenger Property Questionnaire (PPQ) with the airline.This is the start of getting someone to actually help you. 5 days: The time period when the airline transitions your case file from the local airport to the central baggage office.4 hours: Deadline from flight landing to file your complaint with the airline for lost baggage.There are a number of key deadlines that you’ll need to observe if you want to see your bags (or receive compensation). When your bag is lost, time is not on your side. Complaining loudly and frequently is your only choice.

#Southwest airlines reviews reddit manual#

To get help with your lost bag, you need to find some way to get the airline to initiate this manual process. WorldTracer is a computer system used by practically every airline (over 440 worldwide) at over 2,800 airports. It requires an airline representative to manually search the WorldTracer computer system for misdirected bags. Despite having bar codes, the baggage search process is largely a manual one.

However, if the bag is truly lost, your chances of finding lost luggage after 30 days are cut in half.Īutomated baggage tracking is hardly a science. FAA data shows that delayed baggage usually arrives within 3-7 days. If this is a simple issue of delayed baggage, it should show up in the next three days. When your bag doesn’t make it at a destination, you’ll dutifully file your report with the airline in the baggage claim area. The Truth About Airline Lost Luggage Filing a Lost Luggage Report Probably Won’t Help They are the people who can help get someone to look for your bag. That’s what you need – a real person in customer service/central baggage office to take interest. Eventually someone in the airline will pay attention. Have friends re-share the story, particularly on Twitter. Don’t be a jerk, but share your story and be sure to tag your airline’s social media accounts. If you have access to high-end concierge services via an elite credit card, a travel membership program, or a corporate travel account, consider putting your concierge or ambassador to the task.īaggage waiting for owners Share your storyĪfter a few days, you will want to take your story to social media.

Once you’ve submitted your paperwork and you have your claim information, you might consider hiring a professional. Actually getting paid for your lost or delayed luggage reimbursement is another matter with some airlines being very quick and others not. International flights are covered by the Warsaw Convention, but the current lost luggage reimbursement is around $1,750 per person. The airlines are required to reimburse you for delayed, lost or damaged baggage up to $3,300 per person on domestic flights. How much do airlines have to pay for lost luggage? The answer depends on if the flight was a domestic flight or an international flight. Figure out what you need for a few days and immediately buy those items. Most bags that fall into the delayed baggage category make it back to the passenger in 3-7 days. You need to assume your bag is lost for a minimum of 5 daysĪirlines rarely get bags back to passengers in 48 hours. But remember the phrase, “You catch more flies with honey.” Being a jerk or obnoxious is unlikely to help your case. Get in front of a real person (ideally a manager) at the baggage office at the airport. Be sure to have all of your information handy, including record locator number, flight number, and description of your bag (including color, shape, size, manufacturer, and any distinguishing characteristics).

You must file your claim immediately to receive compensation and it helps to start the clock on your claim. File your claim immediately at the airportĭon’t just assume your bag will come on the next flight. Nobody from the airline is just going to magically find your bag without you taking steps to make it happen. Here is what to do when luggage is lost or delayed on your flight. That dreaded feeling of wondering if your baggage made it (Photo by Tom Mayby CC 2.0) What To Do When the Airline Loses Your Luggage