-
Step 1
Note how many hours you were without your bags. You will use this information later.
-
Step 2
Keep receipts of everything you needed to buy before your lost luggage was returned - underwear, toiletries, socks, etc.
-
Step 3
After your lost luggage is returned, immediately call the airline to 1) thank them for returning your bags and 2) to demand compensation. A typical way to start this conversation is "May I ask how you intend to compensate me for your airline's mistake?" Speak to the representative calmly and politely.
-
Step 4
If this gets you nowhere, do not give up. Ask to speak to the customer service person's manager. When you get the manager on the phone, at this point, you want to raise your voice slightly, but do not yell or scream. Do not tell the manager what you want - rather, ask the manager what he or she can do for you.
-
Step 5
If this fails (the manager tells you he or she is unauthorized to give rebates, etc.), let the manager know that you are contacting corporate headquarters.
-
Step 6
Write an email to the appropriate office of your airline. Now is the time to ask for stuff. The email should detail how long you were without your bags and the amount of money you needed to spend to get the stuff you were without. Add a sentence that says, "This has never happened to me when I have flown ___ Airlines. I promise you, I will never fly your airlines again unless I am appropriately compensated for the inconvenience your airline has caused me."
-
Step 7
You should expect to receive, at the very least, a rebate on your next flight.
