I hope you have registered a compliant with United baggage claim at the airport for the missing luggage (using the hand-written check-in slip). Gate checked bags are typically treated similar to regular check-in luggage and if lost, UA needs to compensate you.
In the not-to-distant past, I had a similar experience. However, unlike the hand-written slip given to you, I was given the lower stub of the tag attached to my bag at the gate. At my destination, I couldnt find my luggage. Apparently someone came there before I did and picked up my bag (UA confirmed that the bag was rolling on the carousel twice). I filed a complaint - had to send all documents, receipts, etc. by post - and after about 40 days received my claim.
|