[LewisHyde]

ADVICE ON GETTING REIMBURSED. In January, ITA Airways lost my suitcase for eight days. Replacing my necessities cost me over $1,700. In early March, after I submitted all receipts, the airline confirmed their liability and promised to a reimbursement check. It took 3 months for that check to arrive. Frustrated after the first month, I filed complaints with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) and with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). Such complaints turn out to be useless. In late May I opened a claim with the credit card used to purchase my ticket, demanding a chargeback for ‘services not rendered.’ Only after that did a check arrive. ITA Airways is criminally slow to honor a delayed baggage claim. Working with your credit card company or with a state consumer protection agency are the best way to go. Even better: don’t fly ITA Airways.