Lost luggage claims 'set to soar'
Posted 17-06-2009 at 03:56 PM by John Guinn
A UK insurer has published a press release based on lost luggage. They claim that lost luggage claims are set to soar from 30,000 a month to more than 50,000 by 2019.
They are also claiming that due to the recession, airlines might make lost luggage a low priority.
Apparently UK insurers paid out around £38 million on lost luggage claims last year. This has made lost luggage the second most common insurance claim, with a reported 45 claims every hour.
So where do you stand if your luggage is lost? The Montreal Convention sets out airlines’ liabilities for passengers and their baggage. It applies to international travel and as its provisions have been replicated in EU legislation, flights within the EU are also covered. Some countries also include domestic flights.
As well as baggage, The Montreal Convention covers liability for death or injury to passengers and delays. It is very important that you don’t let the airline or its insurers string you along in correspondence as there is a two-year deadline for claims.
The Convention places limits on airlines’ liability for lost luggage and it is set to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights per passenger.
I know what you’re thinking, ‘what the hell is a Special Drawing Right?’
A Special Drawing Right (SDR) is an international unit of account defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is commonly used in international legislation and can be converted into national currency in the same way as other foreign currency conversion. SDR exchange rates are published daily in many UK national newspapers and on the [URL="http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_five.aspx"]IMF website[/URL]. It is roughly 1.06 SDR to £1. This means that you should be able to claim a maximum £950. Unchecked luggage is not automatically covered. So keep an eye on it.
So how can you avoid having your holiday ruined by lost luggage? Here are a few suggestions.
[LIST=1][*] Don’t go anywhere. Every funny guy lists this one, and I’m no exception.[*] Split your luggage evenly with your travel partners. So unless the entire luggage goes for a walk, you should have something to wear.[*] Travel light and only take hand luggage.[*] Don’t take anything and buy it all when you land. If you can afford to do this, please contact me as I have loads of lovely holidays for you to consider.[*] Use a specialist shipping company to delivery your luggage to your chosen destination. Do read their terms and conditions carefully. The compensation may be lower.[*] Use sturdy name tags on the outside of your luggage. The flimsy cardboard ones don’t last long.[*] Also ensure that your contact details are also on the inside of your case. Use a PO Box number, email and a mobile number for 6 and 7 if you are concerned about criminals’ knowing that your home may be empty.[*] Ensure that your case stands out. Cover it in bright stickers, tape or paint. This should cut down the chances of somebody walking off with your case.[*] Remove all old flight tags. Don’t confuse the poor baggage handler.[*] Fly direct or avoid tight connections. Up to 40% of luggage being transferred at hub airports needs to be sorted manually as some labels get damaged and can’t be scanned.[/LIST]
They are also claiming that due to the recession, airlines might make lost luggage a low priority.
Apparently UK insurers paid out around £38 million on lost luggage claims last year. This has made lost luggage the second most common insurance claim, with a reported 45 claims every hour.
So where do you stand if your luggage is lost? The Montreal Convention sets out airlines’ liabilities for passengers and their baggage. It applies to international travel and as its provisions have been replicated in EU legislation, flights within the EU are also covered. Some countries also include domestic flights.
As well as baggage, The Montreal Convention covers liability for death or injury to passengers and delays. It is very important that you don’t let the airline or its insurers string you along in correspondence as there is a two-year deadline for claims.
The Convention places limits on airlines’ liability for lost luggage and it is set to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights per passenger.
I know what you’re thinking, ‘what the hell is a Special Drawing Right?’
A Special Drawing Right (SDR) is an international unit of account defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is commonly used in international legislation and can be converted into national currency in the same way as other foreign currency conversion. SDR exchange rates are published daily in many UK national newspapers and on the [URL="http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_five.aspx"]IMF website[/URL]. It is roughly 1.06 SDR to £1. This means that you should be able to claim a maximum £950. Unchecked luggage is not automatically covered. So keep an eye on it.
So how can you avoid having your holiday ruined by lost luggage? Here are a few suggestions.
[LIST=1][*] Don’t go anywhere. Every funny guy lists this one, and I’m no exception.[*] Split your luggage evenly with your travel partners. So unless the entire luggage goes for a walk, you should have something to wear.[*] Travel light and only take hand luggage.[*] Don’t take anything and buy it all when you land. If you can afford to do this, please contact me as I have loads of lovely holidays for you to consider.[*] Use a specialist shipping company to delivery your luggage to your chosen destination. Do read their terms and conditions carefully. The compensation may be lower.[*] Use sturdy name tags on the outside of your luggage. The flimsy cardboard ones don’t last long.[*] Also ensure that your contact details are also on the inside of your case. Use a PO Box number, email and a mobile number for 6 and 7 if you are concerned about criminals’ knowing that your home may be empty.[*] Ensure that your case stands out. Cover it in bright stickers, tape or paint. This should cut down the chances of somebody walking off with your case.[*] Remove all old flight tags. Don’t confuse the poor baggage handler.[*] Fly direct or avoid tight connections. Up to 40% of luggage being transferred at hub airports needs to be sorted manually as some labels get damaged and can’t be scanned.[/LIST]
Total Comments 0
