Lost luggage on an airline: how do I sue or take to arbitration?

Question

US Airways lost my luggage. They finally paid me - but far less than the value of what was lost and less than the limit of their liability. How can I sue them or take them to arbitration? There was no breakdown of how they arrived at the figure they paid me. Thanks!

Answer 1

Since their liability is limited and spelled out by law (and it's not a lot), you are not entitled to more than those limits. So what you would be suing for is the difference between what they paid and the limits set by law. Are you willing to pay lawyer fees to get that amount, do you even think you can find one that will take the case? If you sue, you have to pay your own lawyers fees, even if you win.

The first thing you need to do is write a letter to whoever is in charge of that department telling them you don't' agree and want them to tell you what appeals process they have (and they must have one). You should try to work through that process at least a bit. If that doesn't work for you, then you can sue them in small claims court. Small claims limits are probably higher than the difference you are out and don't charge much in court fees. Small claims courts allow regular people to sue without a lawyer and often with better results (most small claims courts don't even allow lawyers).

Answer 2

Are you sure they lost your luggage or is it just perhaps late in arriving? We have had several times when our luggage got lost only to be returned a few days later and we still got the compensation. Airlines usually do not want to lose buisness so try talking to them first and tell them that the compensation is not
adequate and that you are disappointed.
Wait a few days before you jump to the conclusion that it has been lost. If your baggage got on another flight and they find it,
chances are you will get it back.
I will star your question lest someone more knowledgeable will answer.
EDIT: please vote for just a friend, his answer is the best answer.

Answer 3

It's hard to say what your rights are- all that tiny print on the back of your boarding pass spells out what the "rules" are, and it's tiny and printed, beige on white, so you can barely read it. They want it that way. So you may very likely have no "rights", and even if you sue- that'll cost $$, and you're unlikely to recoop the expenses involved IF you should win a settlement. Don't know what you lost, other than clothes, but checked luggage should only contain clothing, for this very reason.

Answer 4

Get an attorney.