[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Hopefully I'm wrong. But, perhaps, this is yet another example of someone finding-out the cheapest fare wasn't all that cheap--after the cost of the lost baggage is figured-in.

As you may know you can travel to the Carribean, and avoid the US mainland completely, if you're willing to pay a higher fare. From San Juan, back to Amsterdam, Northwest/KLM will sell you a ticket that has one change of planes in St. Maarten, and one stop in Bonaire. The portion between San Juan and St. Maarten is on an American Eagle prop.

If you, absolutely, can't avoid stopping/connecting in the US mainland avoid any itinerary that requires you to clear US Customs/Immigration in Miami. The place is a zoo. Make your connection in New York, Boston or just about anyplace else.

Finally you need to understand American Air is, nowdays, almost on a par with Ryan Air or Easy Jet.

Hopefully you will, eventually, get your baggage. Perhaps someone on this board has some ideas beyond making more phone calls.