Later this month, the government is expected to raise the airline’s liability limit for lost luggage to $3,000 from $2,800. Please try to contain your excitement.
The change, which is said to be a routine adjustment, is unlikely to affect anyone in a practical sense. That’s because airlines rarely ever pay out the maximum for which they’re liable.
In fact, to the best of my recollection, I’ve never seen an air carrier come close to its limit (yes, even when their limit was just half of what it is today).
Remember: the hopelessly broken luggage system works just fine for the airlines because they can lose your personal belonging with little, if any, meaningful consequences. Don’t believe me? Just check in your bag and see what happens. Eventually, you’ll have to fill out a lost-luggage form, submit receipts, and wait … and wait … and wait.
And then you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
Here’s are some helpful DOT tips — including details of the new rules — for people who have lost their luggage.
My advice? Don’t trust the airline with anything that you aren’t willing to lose.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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