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United - Lost Luggage

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Kyle of Grand Rapids MI (2/19/04):
On January 16, 2004 I flew a connector flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Chicago, Ohare enroute to Warsaw, Poland. Before boarding the plane in Grand Rapids the airline personnel claimed space was limited and asked us to stow our luggage underneath the plane. They failed to inform me that luggage needed to be tagged. I left my bag (carry-on size) on the luggage cart to be stowed.

Upon arrival at O'Hare they refused to return my luggage to me. I visually saw my bag sitting 15 feet from me. They claimed it was against Federal Law to return it and I would have to claim it at baggage claim. I waited at baggage claim for an hour before enlisting the help of a United employee to track down my bag. They could not find it. I was told that shift change had just occured, so they were unable to find were the bag had been placed.

The bag has still not been located and it appears obvious that one of their employees stole it. I consider it theft for not returning it when I arrived. I have filed every lost baggage report and tracing form they have, but have been rebuffed by their lost baggage department when I attempt to find information.

Economic damage was high. The bag contained an engagement ring, Christmas presents, birthday presents, and electronics. Total value of the bag/items was approximately $5,700. Since the primary purpose of the trip was to propose I include monetary damages for tickets, hotels, and taxi's at an additional $1600. That equals $7300 and does not include the time, planning, and emotional distress involved.

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