Some airlines have told consumers that they’re not entitled to compensation for lost luggage, or if they are, it’s a pittance–such as $25, as one airline claimed. But the federal government says that you’re really entitled to as much as $3,300, something that some airlines seem to be keeping quiet about.

Consumer Ally partner John Mattes, the “Investigative Guy,” went undercover to do this report that shows airlines ignoring the law or misinforming consumers about their rights.

Earlier this fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $100,000 fine against Delta Airlines for handing out a pamphlet that told its customers that they would be limited to $25 a day in incidentals if their bags didn’t turn up.

If you have a problem with an airline, you file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division.

Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.

“I lost my passport!” is a real heart stopper, however we are here to help find your passport as fast as possible, so you can catch that flight like this traveler:

“My flight was leaving in 2 hours The man who found it at airport cafe was able to reconnect with me thanks to the claim I filed. .” — Erin Dubovan

Why is our AirportLostandFound.com the best way to find a lost passport at the airport?

Because our database is universal to every country, city, airport and language.

When your passport or any other lost property is found, the finder can quickly find your contact information online. This allows instant communication between the finder of the lost property and the owner.

This is considerably more effective than the “Airport Lost and Found Office” since the database can be accessed by anyone at anytime, anywhere in the world. We have the largest and most up-to-date database of airport and airline lost and found property.

Visit our Testimonials to see the 100’s of items that are found as a result of AirportLostandFound.com Or read our FAQ’s if you have questions.

Even if you are just trying to find lost luggage, iphones, wallets, or any other personal valuables, begin the Airport Lost and Found claim process now for your greatest chance at success.

Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.

In 2009, the worlds airlines lost a whopping 25 million pieces of passenger luggage. That comes down to just under 3000 bags every hour of every day, all year long. These shocking statistics were published by SITA – one of the operators of airline and airport computer systems, using data from the World Traver luggage database.

SITA breaks down the reasons behind bags not arriving at their destination:

• During aircraft transfers – 52%
• Failed to load – 16%
• Ticketing error / bag switch / security / other – 13%
• Airport / customs / weather / space-weight restriction – 6%
• Loading / offloading error – 7%
• Arrival station mishandling – 3%
• Tagging error – 3%

There is some good news though – 96.6% of all bags do manage to reach their owner – eventually. This still leaves over 800,000 bags that end up going unclaimed. Bags that never arrive are often simply abandoned by their owners, or fall victim to theft at the airport. After six months, all unclaimed bags are donated, sold or destroyed.

The real good news is that airlines have managed to lose fewer bags. Compared to 2008, airlines managed to decrease lost bag numbers by 23.8%. Of course, part of this is due to decreasing passenger numbers, but the worldwide decline in air travel was just 2.9%.

Bottom line is that airlines are investing heavily in luggage management, and even though they may never reach a perfect score, the current trend is very positive one – and one that will benefit everyone that checks bags. Of course, as luggage fees have started increasing, it is also refreshing to see that airlines are actually doing something with all that new money.

Don’t forget to follow our tips on keeping your luggage safe at the airport!

Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.

One of the biggest concerns expressed by first time flyers is in regards to luggage safety. Where does my luggage go after I check it at the counter? Who will handle it? Who will look through it? Will it even be on my flight?

All of these are valid questions, and with the wealth of baggage-handling nightmare stories out on the web it’s completely reasonable to have concern. That said, there are a few things that you can do to help make sure that your belongings make the journey safe and sound. Here are five ways to get started.

Using a luggage lock can add an extra layer of security, but it wont prevent the TSA from looking inside. They’re specifically allowed to remove the locks from any bag that they want to search, so unless you have a TSA approved device it’s going to get cut off. Why get a lock if the TSA can simply remove it at free will? Because it prevents access to other people (baggage handlers, ticket agents, etc) in the chain of operation. It’s also a deterrent to anyone who sees your bag on the arrivals carousel at your destination airport.

Speaking of the arrivals carousel, there’s no riskier place for your luggage to sit, so make sure you get to the beltway as soon as you can after your flight arrives — any random straggler can pick up your bags and wander off if they’re not picked up immediately.

To that end, make sure that your bags have distinctive features with which you can track them. We’re not saying that you have to get a hot pink leopard print roll-aboard, but a colored sash or a unique baggage tag will help you identify your bag on the carousel, in a thief’s hands or to a wayward airline agent.

Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.