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Old 08-24-2006, 12:42 PM
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ricki ricki is offline
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An article came out today on a related topic, lost luggage. Apparently, with increased security and financial demands carriers are misplacing bags at an all time high. Things may get worse before they improve from some predictions. You don't want to go through this particularly on a kitesurfing trip.

Traveling tips

Try to book nonstop flights, or a flight where you do not need to change aircraft.
Avoid "interline" connections, where you must change planes and carriers.
Put an identification tag on the inside of your bag as well as the outside. Include a contact number where you can be reached while away.
Double-check your bag to make sure the baggage agent has tagged it to your final destination.
Pack a carry-on with enough to last you at least 24 hours. Medications still can stay with you under new security restrictions.
Check the airline's Web site, or ask a reservations agent, which lost items the carrier will not cover.
Never check valuables such as fine jewelry, electronics or family heirlooms.
If you must file a lost bag claim, do so preferably before you leave the airport. Time limits for filing are short.
If you are traveling on two carriers, the final airline usually is the one responsible for your luggage.
Consider travel insurance if you must check expensive sports equipment or other valuables.

Airline rankings

Lost luggage
Reports of lost, stolen or mishandled bags filed by passengers with the airlines from January through June.

Ranking is by reports per 1,000 passengers.

Hawaiian Airlines 3.03

JetBlue Airways 3.53

Northwest Airlines 4.01

Continental Airlines 4.20

United Airlines 4.38

Alaska Airlines 4.38

AirTran Airways 4.39

Southwest Airlines 4.45

Frontier Airlines 4.62

ATA Airlines 5.57

American Airlines 5.75

Delta Air Lines 5.80

US Airways 6.91

ExpressJet Airlines 8.38

SkyWest Airlines 9.17

Comair 9.17

Mesa Airlines 9.61

American Eagle Airlines 13.05

Atlantic Southeast Airlines 16.17

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

The rest of the article is at:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines
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