My brother flew with VS from LHR-JFK (connection from TLV on Elal). They lost his suitcase and didn't get to him till many phone calls and 72 hours later (from an airline that has 7 direct daily flights...).
He bought a suit, winter coat, shoes and some other basic stuff (clothing and toiletries) totaling in about $700.
According to their website, they only give $50 compensation for lost luggage! Obviously, he'll submit a claim for everything, but what is reasonable to expect them to pay back? Is their an enforceable DOT requirement ?
(Ticket was purchased on my Citi Prestige CC which does not give coverage to others (or at least not to non-dependants)).
$50 sounds pretty ridiculous for (up to 21days! of) lost luggage.
I'd be very curious to know what the outcome will be.
Just got email:
Dear Mr -----
Thank you for your email regarding your recent flight with us to New York. I’m sorry to hear that your luggage was delayed and for the inconvenience this caused. I do hope that despite this you had a pleasant trip.
...
Having reviewed your file, we will be happy to reimburse you in full for the items that you needed to purchase, in the amount of $970.51. Using the exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.6945 GBP, this equates to a final settlement of 674.10 GBP. I have calculated this using the exchange rate published on
www.xe.com today.
This settlement covers the whole of your claim and any claims you might make in the future for this luggage. Accepting this money into your account will confirm that you agree to these terms and conditions. This will then mean that Virgin Atlantic, our contractors, and any third parties or insurers used by us will be clear of any further liability.