If you luggage is lost, file a claim before leaving the airport!

You have 21 to 45 days to file, but the more quickly you get the wheels turning, the better off you'll be.  You must submit a list of the lost items, where they were purchased, and the actual cost.  At his point, the airlines become arbitrary and infuriating.  Airlines tend to be suspicious of fraud.  (This is why it pays to know the difference between being assertive and confrontational).  Some tactics seem designed to wear you down.  Be prepared to maintain to defend the legitimacy of your claims.  Keep a copy of your claim (allow copies to made, but always maintain possession of the original documents), your luggage checks, and a copy of the airline ticket.  This is your only proof that you were on the flight, so safeguard them well.  Then, brace yourself...

• Some claims departments take weeks or months to respond.  Keep after them.
• They may demand sales slips for lost items, especially if you've listed anything expensive or purchased recently.
• They may wait up to 6 months before declaring the luggage "officially" lost before processing the claim.
• The Warsaw Convention governs the airlines' luggage liability on international flights - the rather small sum of $9.07 per pound.  Additional insurance coverage is prudent!